No Paint Tanks

[DannyMotor]

I'd like to hear some opinions, and see some options for non-painted gas tanks.

I know a lot of people will just strip them, 3M them, and run them... but has anyone actually polished up a steel tank?

I'm trying to weigh some options for my KZ build.

No paint, just clear-coat on a 3M tank.
No paint, allow it to rust up, then clear-coat.
Polish the sides, paint the top and bottom or a graphic, then clear-coat.

Ideas?

 

[Cody.linhart]

Check out Hookie & Co. bikes. They use no paint tanks and they look pretty great!

 

[runmikeyrun]

I almost did this on my KZ last year. A local shop said they would do clear powdercoat over the bare metal. They said a rougher finish would help it to bond, and that if it chipped it would rust but said it should be very durable if cared for properly. Also said if I put down vinyl over it that it could be sprayed with a clear coat paint compatible with the vinyl. Quoted me $100 to powder coat it.

 

[Shoeman]

I stripped my tank down earlier this summer and started sanding it smooth. Every time I stopped I'd rub a quick coat of turtle wax on it as a protectant. Last time I touched it was over a month ago, and it looks fine, no rust at all. It gets hot and humid here too. One of these days I'll finish sanding it ;D I'm not sure it will need any clear coat. Just wax would be nice and cheap.

 

[Scratcher09]

Something to keep in mind--

If you paint over existing rust, the rust will eventually progress and the paint will fail. Doesn't matter if it is primer, basecoat, and/or clear. Paint will only be stable if rust is first removed or treated. Treating it usually means it changes color to black so it no longer looks like patina. A coat of satin finish clear over an old finish will keep it looking the same over time (as long as there is not rust in the equation.

 

[o1marc]

Finish the raw steel how you like and then clear powder coat it.