What kind of clearcoat for spray-canned tank?

[gribbs]

I am thinking about spraying my tank, probably with Dupli-color because it holds up well. But what clear should i use that won't be ruined by gas, oil, etc ???

 

[Steve Zodiak]

I painted my Suzuki with rattle cans. Use the clear coat for engines (high temp). Put it on in many light coats eventually building it up so that it can be wet sanded with 1500 wet/dry then buffed out. If you put it on heavy it will eat the paint underneath. I've found it to be fuel proof. I had gas splash all over it on the first day I had it out!

 

[gribbs]

killer your bike looks good too! high heat spray is the trick eh, nice...thanks!!

 

[rockcitycafe]

I would go to a good paint store and get an activated urethane clearcoat in a can... they'll know about it, basically it's a $25 can of clearcoat with a button on the bottom that activates it, and you need to use it all that day otherwise it'll harden in the can. It's a bit pricey but it's really the best way to protect your tank from the occasional gas drips

I am thinking about spraying my tank, probably with Dupli-color because it holds up well. But what clear should i use that won't be ruined by gas, oil, etc ???

 

[gribbs]

Thanks for the suggestions! What about clearing a tank that has been wire brushed only, with no paint on it?

 

[Steve Zodiak]

Rocket is right in that his is probably the best way to go and will probably give a better finish. Using the engine clear coat is a lot cheaper though. I was surprised how well mine came out. It seems to be holding up fine. If it doesn't work out the first time just sand it down and do it again.

 

[supercafe]

whats up guys.
i used the dup spray on mine aswell and then used the dup clear coat and same thing, lots of
small coats. cost about 8 bucks to ten for the can. you have to wait a week to do each coat, but
do one full coat with in a hr. i did this and it turned out great. seems to be ok with gas.
its really up to you, the others are all great ideas...
either way if you do them right it should turn out good.
ant way. later.
cheers

 

[da_wun]

Thanks for the suggestions! What about clearing a tank that has been wire brushed only, with no paint on it?

I went for the Dupli-Color Rim Paint Clear Coat directly onto the bare metal. Label said it was tough, chemical
resistant, chip proof, etc etc. Dropped a bit of gas on it the other time, and it seemed okay. Texture felt a bit
different where the gas fell on it, but wasn't the same texture as the bare tank.

Just make sure that the tank is cleaaaannnnn before clearing it, or else, little ugly spots start to appear :'(
^^ from experience...

 

[goodfornothing]

I just ordered two cans of these: http://www.repaintsupply.com/pd_2_part_2k_aerosol.cfm

It has some good reviews and an old member here used it too with great results. I'm going to be clearing my frame/swingarm, and tank and seat with this. Basically the stuff I don't want to keep re-touching up.

 

[paultsmith]

you really need a 2 part paint, a clear with a hardener. If not any other paint will not likely stand up to any drips of gas spills.

If you go to a paint store you can get it in a can, usually the hardener is in there, but you puncture it with a button and it will mix with the paint, then you have up to a few hours to paint before it hardens in the can. Around $20-25 per can.
My autostore sells Spraymax paint in cans and it stands up to gas

http://www.spraymax.com/index.php?id=361&L=1

You can also purchase paint with a hardener from Colorite. Colorite is a bit different, they sell a can of clear and an adapter with the hardener, so when you spray they clear mixes with the hardener.
http://www.colorrite.com/