Cheap tank respray - 1980 gsx250e

[salty_monk]

They don't have Hammerite here...

[hampshirehog]

They don't have Hammerite here...

We don't have 'proper' Hammerite any more. They toned it down a few years ago because of the volatiles. Still ok paint for brushing on to rusty old metal though.

[ukjules]

Wheelbarrow project:
(while I wait for decals next week for gsx tank)

I should add i did get rid of loose rust and then
treat with phosphoric acid and then use the
hammerite.
I simply had to save my old barrow . it is now
on light duties only .

[ukjules]

GSX fuel tank :

drycoat. (a thin spray of clearcoat prior to
decal fixing)
Not much different .... yet.
decals next week !

then
3* petrol res clearcoat
- leave a week to harden
sand 2000 wet and dry
cutting paste
polish

20191013_160059_resize_4.jpg

[ukjules]

continuing:

had a drycoat of clearcoat
added decals. went perfectly.

need to use the wet method. water , 2 drops washing up liquid,
in spray bottle. spray underneath of decal so you can
adjust.
I put masking tape to follow with pen marks on.

20191017_173618_resize_26.jpg

[ukjules]

and finally:

next - 3 coats petrol res clearcoat.

20191017_172638_resize_78.jpg

[salty_monk]

Is there a good reason for the clearcoat layer before decals? Can't you lay them out straight on the basecoat?

[ukjules]

there is a reason ... but I cant remember it .
I am.not an expert but have followed this method from
a expert. It doesn't fail. let me read my notes. !

I leave decals a day then add 3*clearcoat andnthen leave
to harden off for a week. (as have to wet and dry it
later)

[ukjules]

update:
wiped down with panel wipe (I use brake cleaner on a rag
as never had panel wipe). (a cotton rag)

3*coats of petrol res clearcoat.

no pics as looks samish.

now to dry in kitchen before in a few
days to completion- wet and dry 2000,
cutting paste , polish , wax.

def as good as I want. prob my best tank so
far.

remember this was done on purpose with cheap
halfords spray. primer 2 500ml cans 16£. and petrol res clear coat 2 300ml cans 15£
(proper colour rspaints basecoat mind)
screwfix 6£ paint striper
decals 48£
the various grade wet and dry120 -2500

and I am no expert. but ya gota follow the sequence.
I dont have time in this life to attain learn how to use
a compressor and spray gun. any free time if I had it would
be to learn welding !!!

[LAB3]

update:
wiped down with panel wipe (I use brake cleaner on a rag
as never had panel wipe). (a cotton rag)

3*coats of petrol res clearcoat.

no pics as looks samish.

now to dry in kitchen before in a few
days to completion- wet and dry 2000,
cutting paste , polish , wax.

def as good as I want. prob my best tank so
far.

remember this was done on purpose with cheap
halfords spray. primer 2 500ml cans 16£. and petrol res clear coat 2 300ml cans 15£
(proper colour rspaints basecoat mind)
screwfix 6£ paint striper
decals 48£
the various grade wet and dry120 -2500

and I am no expert. but ya gota follow the sequence.
I dont have time in this life to attain learn how to use
a compressor and spray gun. any free time if I had it would
be to learn welding !!!

A true DIY job out of rattle cans, gotta love it!

[ukjules]

Bu^%er .....
I went over clearcoat with a heavy spray as I noted
one of decals might pick up.
Damned run !

so I have to dry it now and hope I can sand it out but
it's on the text.

it was almost perfect but let's see if I can sand it out.

only 1 revisits left and within 2 hours of work it
will be finished.

why did ingo over ot with a stupidly heavy coat ?
you never do that......

[salty_monk]

What is your petrol resistant clearcoat? Does it differ from what you used for the drycoat over the decals? Just out of interest

[ukjules]

Q&A
Clearcoat type:
I use halfords 300ml cans of petrol res clearcoat.

Good quest on the drycoat and over the decals !
- I use normal clearcoat as the drycoat
- I have on this occasion used petrol res clearcoat
over the decals . followed by 3 more of the said
petrol res clearcoat. the finish is superb but
exacting steps must be followed.

As it is now finished I'll continue as
I then allow to dry for 24-48 hours.
(apparently this is important as longer is not better)
then wipe over with wet and dry 1500-2000.
this tank I only used 2000. must keep
surface wet at all times.

I then used cutting paste
then polish
then a good wax polish

job done and pic below.
it is as perfect as I want it, no orange peel,
no rust , smooth ...

20191019_104138_resize_61.jpg

Not hard work but it is not quick !

[salty_monk]

Looks good. I wonder what Halfords petrol/gas resistant clear actually is... I haven’t seen anything here advertised as resistant.
Is it single stage or catalyzed?

[salty_monk]

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-body-repair/specialist-decorative-paints/halfords-petrol-resistant-lacquer-300ml