How To Spray Motorcycle Fairings

Revamp your motorcycle’s aesthetics with a dazzling new paint job on its fairings! Whether you seek to restore their original luster or inject a splash of vibrant personality, understanding the art of spray painting fairings is essential. Embark on this detailed guide and discover the secrets to achieving a flawless finish that will turn heads and leave your ride looking like it just rolled off the showroom floor. From surface preparation to paint application techniques and clear coat protection, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and skills to transform your motorcycle’s exterior into a work of art.

Before you dive into the thrilling world of spray painting, it’s imperative to meticulously prepare the fairings. Remove any existing paint, rust, or imperfections with sandpaper, creating a smooth and even surface for the new paint to adhere to. Don’t overlook the importance of cleaning the fairings thoroughly with a degreaser to eliminate any traces of dust, oil, or grime that could compromise the paint’s adhesion. Once the surface is spotless, don’t hesitate to apply a primer coat to enhance the paint’s durability and ensure a vibrant finish. With proper preparation, you’ll lay the foundation for a stunning paint job that will endure the rigors of the road.

Now, let’s delve into the captivating process of spray painting. Choose a well-ventilated area, don your protective gear, and arm yourself with a spray gun. Remember, practice makes perfect, so if possible, experiment with the spray gun on a scrap piece of material before tackling the fairings. Hold the gun perpendicular to the surface, maintaining a consistent distance to achieve an even application. Apply thin, overlapping coats, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next. Patience is key here; rushing the process can lead to runs, drips, or an uneven finish. Once you’re satisfied with the paint coverage, move on to the final and crucial step: applying a clear coat. This protective layer will safeguard your paint job from the elements, preserving its pristine appearance for years to come.

Preparing the Fairings

Before applying paint to your motorcycle fairings, it’s crucial to prepare them properly to ensure a smooth, durable finish. Here are the steps involved in preparing the fairings:

Cleaning

Thoroughly clean the fairings with a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt, grease, or wax. Use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. Rinse the fairings with clean water and allow them to dry completely.
Sanding

Sand the fairings lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit). This will remove any imperfections, smooth out the surface, and create a better bond for the paint. Sand in a circular motion, avoiding any sharp edges or corners.
Masking

Mask off any areas of the fairings that you don’t want to paint. Use masking tape and paper to cover headlights, turn signals, and any decals or logos. Ensure that the masking is secure and won’t let any paint seep through.
Primer

Apply a primer to the fairings. Primer helps to create a strong bond between the paint and the plastic. Use a high-quality primer specifically designed for automotive plastics. Apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step	Action	Materials
1	Clean	Mild detergent, soft cloth, water
2	Sand	220-grit sandpaper
3	Mask	Masking tape, masking paper
4	Prime	Automotive plastic primer

Cleaning the Fairings

Before you can start spraying your motorcycle fairings, it’s important to clean them thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grime, or debris that could interfere with the paint’s adhesion. To clean your fairings, you will need:

A bucket of warm water
A mild soap
A sponge or soft cloth
A clean towel

Once you have gathered your supplies, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the fairings with water

Use a bucket of warm water to rinse the fairings off. This will remove any loose dirt or debris.

2. Wash the fairings with soap and water

Add a mild soap to the water and wash the fairings with a sponge or soft cloth. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Rinse the fairings thoroughly with water after washing them.

3. Dry the fairings

Use a clean towel to dry the fairings. Make sure they are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Masking the Edges

Masking the edges is a crucial step in painting motorcycle fairings. Failure to do so can result in paint overspray on the unpainted areas, causing an unprofessional finish. Here are some detailed steps on how to effectively mask the edges:

Laying Down the Masking Tape

Start by cleaning the fairing edges with a degreaser or rubbing alcohol to ensure a strong bond between the masking tape and the surface. Apply the masking tape along the edges where the paint will not be applied. Press down firmly to create a snug fit and prevent any paint from bleeding underneath.

Using a Smoothing Tool

Once the masking tape is in place, use a smoothing tool, such as a plastic card or a popsicle stick, to press along the edges of the tape. This smooths out the tape’s surface and ensures a tight seal. Repeat this process on all edges that have been masked.

Applying a Second Layer

For added protection, apply a second layer of masking tape over the first layer. This double layering provides extra thickness and helps prevent any paint penetration through the edges. Repeat the smoothing process to ensure a complete seal along all edges.

Item	Use
Degreaser or rubbing alcohol	Cleaning the edges before masking
Masking tape	Protecting unpainted areas
Smoothing tool	Ensuring a tight seal along edges

Choosing the Right Spray Gun

The spray gun you choose will have a significant impact on the quality of your paint job. For spraying motorcycle fairings, a high-quality HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) spray gun is recommended. HVLP guns use less air pressure than conventional spray guns, resulting in a finer, more controlled spray pattern. This is important for achieving a smooth, even finish on your fairings.

When choosing a spray gun, consider the following factors:

Type of Paint

Not all spray guns are compatible with all types of paint. Choose a gun that is specifically designed for the type of paint you will be using.

Air Pressure

The air pressure used in a spray gun is important for controlling the flow and pattern of the paint. A lower air pressure will produce a finer spray, while a higher air pressure will produce a wider, heavier spray. Choose a gun that allows you to adjust the air pressure to suit your needs.

Nozzle Size

The nozzle size of a spray gun determines the width of the spray pattern. A smaller nozzle size will produce a narrower spray pattern, while a larger nozzle size will produce a wider spray pattern. Choose a nozzle size that will create the desired width for your application.

Additional Features

Some spray guns come with additional features, such as a built-in spray pattern control, a trigger lock, or a variable fan width. These features can make spraying easier and more efficient. Consider your needs and choose a gun that has the features you want.

Selecting the Right Paint

Selecting the appropriate paint for your motorcycle fairings is crucial for achieving a flawless and durable finish. Consider the following factors when making your choice:

Paint Type:

Acrylic Enamel: Fast-drying and easy to apply, providing a glossy finish with good durability.
Polyurethane Enamel: Offers excellent durability, fade resistance, and chemical resistance, but with a longer drying time.
Two-Component Urethane: The most durable option, providing a high-gloss finish with exceptional scratch and chemical resistance.
Powder Coating: An industrial process that applies a durable, scratch-resistant coating to metal surfaces.

Color and Finish:

Determine the desired color and finish for your fairings. Consider OEM (original equipment manufacturer) colors and finishes, as well as custom options. Matte finishes can offer a stealthy look, while metallic finishes can add depth and radiance.

Substrate Compatibility:

Ensure the paint you select is compatible with the material of your fairings, such as ABS plastic or fiberglass.

Coverage and Drying Time:

Consider the coverage of the paint and the drying time required. A paint with high coverage will require fewer coats, while a paint with a short drying time will allow you to complete the project more quickly.

Brand and Price:

Research different paint brands and compare their quality, performance, and price. Reputable brands often offer superior products, but may also come at a higher cost.

Primer and Base Coat Application

Step 1: Sanding the Fairing

Thoroughly sand the fairing with 600-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections or scratches. Wear a dust mask during sanding.

Step 2: Cleaning the Fairing

Clean the fairing thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol or wax and grease remover to remove any oils or debris.

Step 3: Taping and Masking

Mask off any areas you do not want to be painted, such as the windshield, lights, and emblems.

Step 4: Applying the Primer

Apply the primer in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Sand lightly between coats with 1000-grit sandpaper.

Step 5: Applying the Base Coat

Apply the base coat in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Sand lightly between coats with 1500-grit sandpaper.

Step 6: Spraying Techniques

Hold the spray gun perpendicular to the fairing, approximately 6-8 inches away. Lightly overlap each pass to achieve an even finish. Avoid overspraying, which can create runs or sags. Use a light touch and smooth strokes to apply the paint.

Sanding and Smoothing

Prior to applying primer or paint, the surface of the fairings must be thoroughly sanded and smoothed to create a smooth and even base. This process is essential for ensuring proper adhesion of the paint and preventing imperfections in the finish.

The following steps outline the sanding and smoothing process:

7. Wet Sanding

Once the fairings have been primed, wet sanding is necessary to remove any dust or particles that may have settled on the surface. This technique involves using sandpaper that has been soaked in water. The water lubricates the sandpaper and prevents it from clogging, resulting in a smoother finish. Begin with a coarse-grit sandpaper (around 400-600 grit) and gradually work your way up to a finer grit, such as 1000-1200 grit. Rinse the sanded surface thoroughly with water to remove any sanding residue before proceeding.

Table: Recommended Sandpaper Grits for Wet Sanding

Sandpaper Grit	Usage
400-600	Initial sanding
800-1000	Smoothing
1000-1200	Final sanding

Clear Coat Application

Clear coat application is crucial for protecting your motorcycle fairings from harmful elements and enhancing their shine. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a professional-looking and durable finish:

8. Spraying Clear Coat

Steps	Details
Apply thin coats	Hold the spray gun perpendicular to the surface at a distance of 8-10 inches. Apply multiple light, even coats, allowing 5-10 minutes of flash time between each coat.
Overlap strokes	Slightly overlap each stroke to ensure an even coverage. Avoid spraying too much at once to prevent runs or sags.
Check for dry spots	Continuously check the surface for dry spots. If you find any, spray additional coats to those areas.
Build up layers gradually	Gradually build up layers of clear coat. Avoid applying thick coats in one go, as it can cause cracking or peeling.
Dry thoroughly	Allow the clear coat to dry thoroughly before handling. Full curing usually takes 24-48 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity.

Drying and Curing

Drying

* Flash Off: Allow the paint to dry to the touch for 15-30 minutes to remove solvents.
* Air Dry: Dry the paint for several hours to allow the solvents to fully evaporate.

Curing

* Initial Cure: After air drying, let the paint cure for 24 hours at room temperature.
* Final Cure: Bake the paint in a paint oven at 120-150°F (49-66°C) for 2-4 hours to achieve full curing and hardness.
* Time to Handle: Handle the fairings carefully after the initial cure but wait until the final cure is complete before fully assembling and using the motorcycle.

Wet Sanding and Polishing (Optional)

For a smoother, more professional finish:

* Wet Sanding: Use 2000-grit sandpaper with water to gently sand the paint and remove any imperfections.
* Compounding: Apply a rubbing compound and buff the paint with a polishing wheel to remove surface scratches and enhance shine.
* Waxing: Protect the paint with a coat of wax.

Additional Tips

* Use a dedicated spray booth or well-ventilated area to avoid contamination and fumes.
* Protect the unpainted areas of the motorcycle with masking tape.
* Wear a respirator and gloves for safety.
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific paint and curing process.

Curing Method	Time	Temperature
Initial Cure	24 hours	Room temperature
Final Cure	2-4 hours	120-150°F (49-66°C)

Polishing and Finishing

Polishing

Once the paint has dried completely, you can start polishing it. Use a rubbing compound and a polishing wheel to remove any imperfections in the paint. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to protect yourself from the fumes.

Buffing

Once the paint has been polished, you can buff it to give it a high-gloss finish. Use a buffing wheel and a buffing compound to bring out the shine of the paint. Be sure to work in a circular motion and avoid applying too much pressure.

Wet Sanding

If you need to remove any deep scratches or imperfections in the paint, you can wet sand it. Use a fine-grit sandpaper and water to sand down the area until the scratches are gone. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with water after sanding.

Scratch Removal

If you have any small scratches in the paint, you can use a scratch removal compound to remove them. Apply the compound to the scratch and rub it in with a clean cloth. Be sure to work in a circular motion and avoid applying too much pressure.

Touch-Ups

If you need to touch up any areas of the paint, you can use a touch-up brush or an airbrush. Be sure to use the same type of paint that you used to paint the rest of the fairing.

Clear Coat

Once you have finished painting and polishing the fairing, you can apply a clear coat to protect it. A clear coat will help to prevent the paint from chipping or fading. Be sure to apply the clear coat in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask to protect yourself from the fumes.

10. Waxing

Once the clear coat has dried completely, you can wax the fairing to give it a glossy finish and protect it from the elements. Use a high-quality wax and apply it to the fairing with a clean cloth. Be sure to buff the wax off after it has dried.