Bike Paint Application
Every order will include full application instructions, but here's an overview of the steps we recommend to ensure a great repair job. We can supply everything apart from elbow grease!
Surface Preparation
Degrease
It is imperative that all surfaces are free of silicones and degreased prior to any repair work. Panel wipe is a detergent with excellent degreasing powers and should be applied generously with a clean rag.
Filling dents and holes
Our stopper is brilliant for filling stone chips and minor scratches and is a very fast drying fine filler. Any loose flakes should be removed from the surface, and then 2 to 3 light coats of stopper applied. It can then be sanded down with wet or dry. Any repairs to the plastic or fibreglass, can be done using Q Bond - an ultra strong adhesive.
Priming the surface
Having ensured that all surfaces are clean, dry and grease free, prime the surface with 2 light coats (allowing approx 10 minutes between coats) of either a high build or etch primer. Where bare plastic, fibreglass or metal is visible, a self etch primer MUST be used as it has good anticorrosion and adhesion properties. A high build primer is suitable for all other surfaces and offers excellent corrosion and impact resistance. After approximately 1 hour, flat the surface with 800 grade wet or dry or Farecla G-matt compound. Wipe over with a tack rag to ensure that all dust is removed and no further dust settles on the surface. Tack rags have anti-static properties which will stop further dust landing on the surface.
Painting
The number of coats and length of time between coats varies depending upon the type of paint you have. As your order will include more detailed instructions, the following instructions should act as a guide only.
Base colours
Apply 2 light coats plus a final cross coat, allowing approximately 10 minutes between coats. If your paint requires a base, this must be applied to ensure correct colour matching. Allow to dry for 20 minutes at 20 degrees C, in a dust free environment with a good air flow. No rubbing down is necessary. Either follow with lacquer or the appropriate pearl, mica or candy top coat.
Top coats
Apply 3 to 4 light coats allowing 10 - 15 minutes between coats. Allow to dry for 20 - 30 minutes at 20 degrees C, in a dust free environment with a good air flow. Do not apply a thick film. Please be aware that with candy finishes, the number of coats will affect the final colour. It is vital therefore that a uniform number of coats are applied across the surface and regular comparisons are made with the original paintwork. No rubbing down is necessary, but wipe the surface over with a tack rag before the final stage lacquer is applied.
Lacquer
Our 2 pack lacquer has all the properties of a quality 2 pack lacquer i.e. it has an excellent gloss, is very durable and non yellowing, but it is isocyonate free so air fed breathing equipment is not required. This makes it ideal for the non professional user. Apply 2-4 light coats allowing 5-10 minutes between coats to allow "flash off." It will be thoroughly dried after 24 hours, though it may take longer if many coats have been applied.
