Buzz
Elevate your bike's aesthetics by adorning its fairings with captivating paintwork. Transforming those plastic shells into dynamic canvases isn't just about reducing air drag—it's about making a statement on the road. With just sandpaper, primer, and spray paint, you can embark on this exhilarating journey of customization.
Procedural Breakdown
Cleansing and Smoothing the Fairings
Liberate the fairings from the motorcycle and position them in a well-ventilated area. Unfasten all bolts securing the fairings to the motorcycle body for detachment. Place them in a spacious environment to ensure proper dispersal of spray paint fumes during the painting process.
- Following fairing removal, shield the remaining motorcycle components with a tarp to safeguard against exposure to external elements.
- If you're working with pristine fairings yet to be affixed, this step can be omitted.
Eradicate Dirt Buildup: Begin by cleansing the fairings using a mixture of soapy water. Combine dish soap with hot water, then utilize a sponge to meticulously clean the fairings. Employ circular motions for optimal cleaning. Ensure thorough rinsing before advancing to the subsequent step.
Pro Tip: To facilitate easy removal of decals or stickers, apply heat directly using a hairdryer. This softens the glue, making removal a breeze!
Surface Smoothing: Employ 400-grit sandpaper to refine the fairings' surface. Adopt circular sanding motions with moderate pressure to achieve optimal smoothness. A smooth surface facilitates superior adhesion of primer and paint in subsequent steps.
Dust Removal and Drying: Rinse the fairings thoroughly to eliminate accumulated dust post-sanding. Wipe the fairings with water and a microfiber cloth to ensure complete dust removal. Allow approximately one hour for the fairings to air-dry fully.
Preparing for Prime Coating and Painting
Primer Application: Begin by applying a layer of primer onto the fairings, ensuring thorough coverage. Utilize even strokes to achieve a smooth, uniform coating. Allow the primer to dry completely, typically within 3-6 hours.
Applying the Base Color: Spray a thin layer of your chosen base color onto the fairings, ensuring complete coverage. Allow approximately 6 hours for this initial coat to dry fully, avoiding any areas where the primer is still visible.
Caution: Inhalation of spray paint fumes can lead to various adverse effects, including headaches, irritation of the nose and throat, and nausea.
Wet Sanding: After the base color coat has dried, wet sand the fairings using 1000-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface. Ensure the fairings are completely dry before proceeding.
Base Color Reapplication: Apply another coat of the base color onto the fairings, ensuring even coverage. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for drying, ensuring complete adherence of the paint.
Enhance Depth with Multiple Coats: Employ the “grip coats” technique by repeating the painting process 3-4 times. Each coat adds to the richness of the paint, yielding a professional-grade finish. Allow at least 6 hours for the final coat to dry completely.
Applying Lacquer: Once the paint has dried, apply two coats of lacquer to the fairings. Spray the first coat evenly and use a microfiber cloth for uniform distribution. Let it dry for approximately 2 hours before adding the second layer.
Drying and Reattachment: After 24 hours of drying, reattach the fairings to the bike using the same bolts. Once secured, your bike is ready for the road!
Pro Tips
Essential Supplies
- Bucket
- Sparkling bubbles
- Gentle sponge
- Smooth sandpaper
- Soft cloths
- Base coat
- Airbrush paint
- Glossy finish
