Paint job
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Paint job
I have a white PCX. I am considering painting the black panels and cowling in a colour. Has anyone had experience of doing this and is there any problems, is there any priming to be done? I was not thinking of spray can, beause of the cost and difficulty of producing a uniform finish.
Any suggestions please?
Any suggestions please?
Re: Paint job
scuff all plastic painted panels with 220, then prime and sand to 600, paint and your done.
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Re: Paint job
Thanks for the information, sounds sensible.dem0nk1d wrote:scuff all plastic painted panels with 220, then prime and sand to 600, paint and your done.
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Re: Paint job
Another thing that helps a lot with plastic panels is to use an adhesion promoter. It is similar to a primer but helps paints stick better to the plastic. SEM makes great products but they can be pricey. Dupli-color makes one as well and it works pretty good. Also keep in mind that better paints work better than lesser quality paints. Make sure NOT to use lacquer based paints as they tend to eat some plastics.
- meissinger
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Re: Paint job
years ago, I repainted an old red Honda 50 cc scooter in metallic gun metal grey. I dismantled the bodywork and wet sanded the entire surface with 200-600 grit paper, primed it, sprayed a coat, wet sanded that with 600, sprayed another coat (some of the panels I did more than 2 coats), and it came out looking like it had come off the showroom floor that way. Patience and care and you can have your scoot any color (or combination) you want. 

Re: Paint job
always wet sand, i find it easier to deal with in the long run. cleaner finish in the product. and yes you can actually buy automotive paint in rattle cans. ask your local auto paint supplier.dem0nk1d wrote:scuff all plastic painted panels with 220, then prime and sand to 600, paint and your done.
also get the plastic adhesion promoter
- maddiedog
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Re: Paint job
Plastidip is AWESOME if you want to minimize prep work. Wash, clean, spray. It's durable stuff too.
Currently ride: Nothing right now - mostly mountain biking with my boys until they're old enough to ride
Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes

Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Re: Paint job
http://www.zumaforums.net/phpBB3/viewto ... 57&t=20367
^old post of mine...
^old post of mine...
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Re: Paint job
Interesting thank you.dem0nk1d wrote:http://www.zumaforums.net/phpBB3/viewto ... 57&t=20367
^old post of mine...
Just a point. Would it help if the panels were put flat to avoid runs? I am sure hanging verticle will encourage the paint to run downwards no matter how thin you apply it. I also appreciate how there would be problems in painting the edges on a flat layout, unless you placed them under some sort of island support.
- chucktuna
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Re: Paint job
Great write up from dem0n..
Follow his advice.
You shouldn't be spraying it thick (wet) enough to cause runs no matter what the orientation. Build it up in lighter coats.
The main reasons for hanging parts are access to all edges and less dirt falling onto vertical surfaces.
I've done my Morphous with Plasidip.
It was easy to use, but not as durable as a real paint job.
Its made to be good for a year or two, then removed and redone. IMO
Follow his advice.
You shouldn't be spraying it thick (wet) enough to cause runs no matter what the orientation. Build it up in lighter coats.
The main reasons for hanging parts are access to all edges and less dirt falling onto vertical surfaces.
I've done my Morphous with Plasidip.
It was easy to use, but not as durable as a real paint job.
Its made to be good for a year or two, then removed and redone. IMO
Too many scoots..... 12 or so I think .
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Re: Paint job
I want to paint my bike like this someday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_edfB5dbsE
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Re: Paint job
Thanks for all the tips, and the video from dem0n,
I will wait for the weather to warm up before proceeding.
Plastidip is far too expensive in the UK.
I will wait for the weather to warm up before proceeding.
Plastidip is far too expensive in the UK.
- Alibally
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Re: Paint job
I use a hot air gun to warm the item that's been painted gently to speed things up a bit.
We have to paint parking sensors to colour code the to bumpers when replacing them at work.
A light dusting first then a decent coat of paint before a coat of clear lacquer.
We have to paint parking sensors to colour code the to bumpers when replacing them at work.
A light dusting first then a decent coat of paint before a coat of clear lacquer.

- Lancer525
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Re: Paint job
This isn't remotely the same thing, but I've been thinking about doing the side panels and the panel where the fuel cap cover is in the 3M Di-NOC carbon fiber vinyl.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... 4285847665
Just a quick Google and I think there's nothing that can't be covered with the stuff. Except maybe the exhaust system...
https://www.google.com/search?q=3m+carb ... 4&dpr=1.33
I'm leaning towards the silver because I'd like to get a light-gray seat cover so that I don't burn my tushie in the summer.

From what I understand, with a little patience, and a decent heat gun, this stuff applies very easily to compound curves, and irregular shapes. There are hundreds of "how-to" videos on YouTube that show how to put this stuff on everything from inside door panels in cars, to mirrors, and even helmets.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... 4285847665
Just a quick Google and I think there's nothing that can't be covered with the stuff. Except maybe the exhaust system...

https://www.google.com/search?q=3m+carb ... 4&dpr=1.33
I'm leaning towards the silver because I'd like to get a light-gray seat cover so that I don't burn my tushie in the summer.

From what I understand, with a little patience, and a decent heat gun, this stuff applies very easily to compound curves, and irregular shapes. There are hundreds of "how-to" videos on YouTube that show how to put this stuff on everything from inside door panels in cars, to mirrors, and even helmets.
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- chucktuna
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Re: Paint job
I've used the 3M stuff on my Big Ruckus side panels.
Good stuff, but there is a small learning curve....


Good stuff, but there is a small learning curve....


Too many scoots..... 12 or so I think .
- Lancer525
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Re: Paint job
Man, that looks great! Exactly the look I was hoping it would have, and you did an absolutely bang-up job with it.
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- chucktuna
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Re: Paint job
Thank you very muchLancer525 wrote:Man, that looks great! Exactly the look I was hoping it would have, and you did an absolutely bang-up job with it.
It took me a good hour+ on each side panel to get it satisfactory.
If you do decide to use it, I'd do a few thing differently.
They sell some kind of adhesion promoter or glue to use around the edges.
I didn't use any and over time, it has shrank in some areas and pulled away in others, where it was stretched to fit concave spots.
The glue is supposed to prevent that from happening, but it also makes it a more permanent install.... Something to think about.
On an area like this fender, its impossible, at least for me, to do it with one piece.
I ended up seaming it on both sides.
It just wouldn't shrink enough to handle all the material once it made the top section.
There probably was a better way...



And a few more of the side panels in progress.


Too many scoots..... 12 or so I think .
- Lancer525
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Re: Paint job
I didn't know about the adhesion promoter. Guess I haven't done enough research yet!
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely have to look into that.
I'm most concerned about the transition into the area where the side panels become the footrests. I'm really not sure exactly where I'm going to stop the vinyl in that area. The problem might be solved by the addition of aftermarket footrest cover plates I've seen.
You've done a really great job with that wrap.
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely have to look into that.
I'm most concerned about the transition into the area where the side panels become the footrests. I'm really not sure exactly where I'm going to stop the vinyl in that area. The problem might be solved by the addition of aftermarket footrest cover plates I've seen.
You've done a really great job with that wrap.
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Re: Paint job
I have done some vinyl wrapping and the 3M DiNoc is the best. The carbon fiber not only looks cool but has a neat texture too. I wrapped the front fender on my old Yamaha Zuma.


I also used two pieces to do my fender but hid the seam where it mounts so it couldn't be seen. Also the CF pattern will distort in areas where you have to stretch it a lot{major curves}. Heat is your friend when wrapping anything other than a flat surface. A good hair dryer set on high works great. DON'T use a heat gun unless you are super careful as it gets the vinyl wrap too soft and never when working on a plastic part. The adhesive is pressure sensitive so make sure you fully burnish the vinyl into place. The adhesion promotor{3M calls it a primer} does help.
I also used two pieces to do my fender but hid the seam where it mounts so it couldn't be seen. Also the CF pattern will distort in areas where you have to stretch it a lot{major curves}. Heat is your friend when wrapping anything other than a flat surface. A good hair dryer set on high works great. DON'T use a heat gun unless you are super careful as it gets the vinyl wrap too soft and never when working on a plastic part. The adhesive is pressure sensitive so make sure you fully burnish the vinyl into place. The adhesion promotor{3M calls it a primer} does help.