Using a Spray Gun for motorcycle painting

Using a spray gun for your motorcycle paint project could be a guide all by itself.

For the most part, this process is complicated and involved enough that it should be left to a professional. That being said, if you are interested in learning to paint so you can do it yourself in the future it can be a great skill to have - and unless you have access to someone else's equipment, you are going to have the setup to paint a bike whenever you want so it can be a great asset.

There are simply too many options for guns out there for us to cover in this guide, so if you need help choosing a setup, take a look at this forum thread that discusses how to choose the right equipment to make you project work.

Early vintage motorcycle paint used was a lacquer base paint, which have since been discontinued due the EPA governing laws. Today’s paint are EPA approved in all states that are considered to be a safe urethane base enamel. VMR Paints uses the very best pigments and pearls creating a more vibrant look and create more depth after cleared.

2K SelectPrime -

Urethane Primer Fillers designed to provide high build combined with an exceptionally free sanding film without shrinkage or sand scratch. MIXING RATIO 4:1 (activator)

Activator-

Used with the 2K SelectPrime to accelerate the hardening process. SHELF LIFE: 25-30 days in Haz/Mat plastic bottles only (If cloudy or signs of gel, do not use and discard, this product should be clear and watery)

Use with 2K SelectPrime

Universal Base System –

Basecoats may be cleared for a final finish, or used as a basecoat underneath Kandies. Due to their unique chemistry they may be top- coated with either acrylic lacquer or urethane enamel topcoat.. MIXING RATIO 2:1 (reducer)

Urethane Enamel (Candy) System –

Our custom mixed Candy products may be applied over any of our Universal Basecoats. Use only our reducers or (HOK) products . Do not mix other companies products with our product except HOK products or products included in our paint kits, as many have proven to be incompatible. This includes other companies’ primers, sealers, base coats and reducers. MIXING RATIO 2:1:1 (catalyst, reducer) or MIXING RATIO 1:1 (reducer), check label for ratio. Refer to label for manufacture HOK

Urethane Tri-Coat System –

Our customed mixed Tri-coat products may be applied over any of our Universal Basecoats. Use only our reducers or (HOK) products . Do not mix other companies products with our product except HOK products or products included in our paint kits, as many have proven to be incompatible. This includes other companies’ primers, sealers, base coats and reducers. MIXING RATIO 2:1:1 (catalyst, reducer) or MIXING RATIO 1:1 (reducer), check label for ratio.

Note: Some tri-coats color may be formulated with PPG products. If so, only use PPG reducers and/or products.

that may not be included in this order. Refer to label for manufacture PPG

Catalyst-

Used with the Urethane Enamel System to accelerate the hardening process. SHELF LIFE: 25-30 days in Haz/Mat plastic bottles only (If cloudy or signs of gel, do not use and discard, this product should be clear and watery)

Use with Candies and/or Tri-coat

Spot Panel Clearcoat –

Recommended for use over properly applied basecoat. MIXING RATIO 4:1 (hardener)

Hardener-

Used with the Spot Panel Clearcoat to accelerate the hardening process. SHELF LIFE: 25-30 days in Haz/Mat plastic bottles only (If cloudly or signs of gel, do not use and discard, this product should be clear and watery)

Use with Spot Panel Clearcoat Only

ChromaBase

Easy-to-use, fast-drying basecoat with good fill. It provides high-quality and high productivity. MIXING RATIO: Ready-for-Spray or 1:1

Medium Reducer- (70 degrees Climate Control Conditions)

Use with our Urethane Enamel System and Universal Base System. Has staged release for proper flow out, leveling, and gloss retention.

Use with Tri-coat and/or Tri-coat and/or Universal Basecoat metallic colors

PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU PAINT

VMR Paints has formulated a custom match to the OEM manufactures color based upon the correct base coat color, flake size and color mixture. Candy / Tri-Coat colors may be darkened or lightened based upon the number of coats applied. Tri-coat / Tri-Coats are a very unique paint because of the different contrast when viewed under different light conditions.

Always perform a spray out test prior to your application. Have an original OME part or a paint chip available for the painter or yourself to use for comparison.

2K SelectPrime (US-422) Gray

Properly treated bare fiberglass, metal, steel and aluminum as well as thoroughly sanded, painted surfaces. Clean surface thoroughly with mild detergent and water. For substrates other than plastic or fiberglass, wipe surface with Wax and Grease remover or locally permitted cleaner.

Sanding and feather-edge according to the following minimum grit recommendations:

Steel: P180 grit,

Aluminum: P320 grit, then pretreat

Galvanized: P320 grit, then pretreat

E-coat: P320 grit. Cured paint: P320 grit OEM featheredge:

P180 grit followed by P240 grit Body filler:

P180 grit 2K putty:

P180-P240 grit SMC/fiberglass:

P180-P240 grit

POT LIFE: 1 Hour at 70°F

Note: SHELF LIFE: Activator 25-30 days in plastic bottles only

Tips for Success:

Sanding is required for optimal appearance and adhesion of topcoat.

When using coarse grit paper, step your way up through P80/P180/P240 grit prior to priming to remove coarse scratches and avoid sand scratch swelling in OEM finishes.

Finish sensitive substrates in P320 grit.

Sand beyond the area to be primed with P320 grit or finer to ensure good adhesion at the thin edge of the primer.

MIX RATIO 4:1

4 parts Epoxy Primer (US-422)

1 part Primer Activator (SR-725) SHELF LIFE: 25-30 days in Haz/Mat plastic bottles ONLY

GUN SET UP

Conventional Siphon Feed: 35 - 45 psi - Gravity Feed: 35 - 45 psi

HVLP: 8-10 psi

FLASH TIME:

5-10 minutes

Apply 2-3 medium wet coats to achieve desired film build.

Tips for Success: Do not ignore flash times between coats; this prevents solvent entrapment that can cause pinholes, popping and shrinkage if flash is abused.

DRY TIME TO SAND :

Air Dry: 2-3 hours at 70 °

Force Dry: 30 minutes at 140 °F (60 °F) after 10 minute flash

Sand wet or dry with #400 or finer paper.

CLEAN UP

Clean equipment thoroughly with lacquer thinner or urethane reducer (check local regulations).

Here is a great tutorial on setting up and using your spray gun for your motorcycle paint project:

Universal Base System

DO NOT APPLY HEAVY WET COATS OF THE UNIVERSAL BASES AND EXPECT THEM TO FLOW, THIS WILL TYPICALLY RESULT IN WRINKLING AND SPLITTING. They behave very much like lacquer, so apply medium coats only and avoid heavy build. Do not dry spray or lack of adhesion is possible. Apply medium coats, 50% pattern overlap. Flash dull between coats.

NOTE: 3 coats Bases equals 1/2 to 3/4 mil, leaving a minimal edge. (Tape pulls away leaving a clean, low edge.)

NOTE: Primer/Sealer is not a cure-all for poor preparation and does not prevent discoloration or bleeding. The main purpose of the sealer is to increase adhesion of topcoats, to make the object one color (nearest to the base for faster coverage), and to improve color holdout.

MIX RATIO 2:1

2 parts Universal Basecoat

1 part Reducer (082-R4)

1 part Flake (FLK-000 series) only when required

GUN SET UP

Conventional Gun = 45 to 55 PSI

HVLP Gun = 10 PSI at the cap

(Refer to spray gun manufacturer's recommendations)

Needle/Nozzle = 1.3 to 1.5 for Basecoats

Needle/Nozzle = 1.5 for Flake Metallic Basecoats

(Depending on the size of object being painted)

Trigger Pull = 50% to 75%

Air Brush: Follow gun manufacturer's recommendations

APPLYING BASECOAT

After reducing, strain the paint into the paint gun. Gun distance while spraying should be approximately 6 inches. Apply 1- 2 MEDIUM coats with 50% pattern overlap. Walk long objects. Avoid dry spraying, as loss of adhesion is possible. Again, MEDIUM coats work best.

APPLYING FLAKE BASECOATS

Use 1.5 tip to prevent clogging. It's very important to keep the flake mixed through at all time while applying. Course flakes will settle at the bottom, preventing an equal distribution while spraying the basecoat. When spraying flake basecoats, many painters choose to remove the screen at the hopper to prevent clogging

FLASH TIME:

10-15 minutes

DRY TIME:

Allow dry time before Candy or clear is applied (usually about 30 to 45 minutes and not longer than 4 hours). Topcoat within 4 hours.

NOTE: If dry time exceeds the (4) hour allotted time, the base coat must be lightly sanded or scuffed with 400-600 grit and re-coated prior to being top coated.

REQUIREMENTS:

Maybe be used as a basecoat for Kandies or top coated for extra protection.

FLASH TEST: - ALL BASES WILL DRY DULL AND SHOULD FEEL DRY TO THE TOUCH BEFORE THE NEXT COAT IS APPLIED. Monitor closely for maximum merging of coats

SANDING

Dry Sandpaper = 280P to 320P grit (CAMI grade = 240 to 280 grit)

Wet Sandpaper = 400 to 500 grit

(FEPA grade 600P to 800P grit)

Maroon scuff pad

CANDY COAT

Bases may be Candied with either acrylic lacquer or urethane enamel. Remember if you Candy with acrylic lacquer, you must also clear with acrylic lacquer. (If you Candy with urethane enamel, you must also clear with urethane enamel). See appropriate tech sheets for Candy application. For artwork, our Candy Koncentrates may be mixed with SG100 Intercoat Clear for Candy graphics. See KK & SG100 tech sheets for more information.

CLEAN UP

Clean equipment thoroughly with lacquer thinner or urethane reducer (check local regulations).

Urethane Enamel System ( 000-00)

Our products are urethane enamel Candies that provide fantastic gloss and depth. Available in many stunning translucent colors. They are crack resistant and can be applied over any of our Universal Base System.

Requires Catalyst and Reducer

MIX RATIO 2:1:1

(check label)

MIX RATIO 1:1

(check label)

2 parts Urethane Candy (000-00) 1 part Urethane Candy (000-00)

1 part Catalyst (127-C9) 1 part Reducer (082-R4) or (PG-084)

1 part Reducer (082-R4)

POT LIFE

2 hours @ 70°F / 50% Relative Humidity

GUN SET UP

Conventional Gun = 55 to 65 PSI

HVLP Gun = 10 PSI at the cap

(Refer to spray gun manufacturer's recommendations

Needle/Nozzle = 1.3 to 1.5

(Depending on the size of object being painted)

Air Brush Application = Not recommended

APPLYING CANDIES

Candys may be applied over any of our bases. Always spray a test panel before committing to the job.

NOTE: Catalysts are moisture sensitive and will not keep for long periods once opened. When doing small jobs, buy smaller containers to prevent spoilage. Keep container tightly sealed.

Strain the paint into the paint gun. Apply multiple coats to achieve proper color. Start with 2 medium wet coats first, with 75% spray overlap. Finish with 2 to 3 full wet coats or until desire shade of color is achieved with 50% spray pattern overlap. Gun distance while spraying should be approximately 6 inches. Walk long objects. Allow flash time between coats.

URETHANE FLASH TEST - PAINT SHOULD BE STICKY AND NOT STRING WHEN TOUCHED AT THE WETTEST POINT BEFORE NEXT COAT IS APPLIED.

NOTE: Too long a dry time between coats may cause lifting. If finish feels dry, allow 12 hours at 70°F before re-coating. Scuff with maroon scuff pad to remove gloss or lightly wet sand with 500 or 600 wet. Use caution as too aggressive sanding can cause light and dark spots in the Candy.

NOTE: Color strength will vary based on base color, number of Candy coats, type and number of clear coats, and spray technique. LIGHTER BASE COLORS REQUIRE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF Candy COATS FOR LONGEVITY. A base color tinted near the Candy color eases application and improves longevity.

CANDY APPLICATION TECHNIQUES

The application of “Candy Type” finishes are among the most demanding of all finishes applied. Great attention must be paid in spray gun settings, number of coats and basic spray gun techniques. The following steps, when observed, provide consistent results.

Setting up the Spray Gun

Know the equipment

Check spray gun pattern, it must be consistent.

Turn fluid knob in, to restrict trigger pull and reducer amount of Candy delivered.

This must be done for the first two to three coats to avoid streaking. A 75% pattern overlap is mandatory.

Apply Candy with recommended pattern overlap.

Spray gun should be 4 to 6 inches from surface.

Do not apply Candy panel to panel, spray entire length of object.

Spray in straight lines, do not follow body lines. (See Diagram Three)

Application - Final Coats before Clear

Adjust fluid knob for a larger pattern 5-7“ apply additional 2 to 3 coats with 50% overlap.

Allow each coat to stop “stringing” before applying next coat. Do not allow coats to completely dry to touch between coats. Allow 30-60 min. flash prior to clear, allowing Candy only enough time to stop “stringing”.

Apply 2 to 3 coats of Spot Panel Clear, Do not allow Candy to completely dry before clearing or wrinkling and lifting is likely to occur.

FLASH TIME:

10-15 minutes in between Kandies

30-60 minutes before Clear

DRY TIME

Air dry at 70°F = 24 hours

Force dry at 140°F = 30 minutes flash time, 2 hours bake, with 1 hour cool down.

NOTE: Based upon weather conditions, number of coats, solvent speed, etc. It is not unusual for the Candy job to remain soft for extended periods of time. This does not mean the finish is uncured, it indicates the finish is holding solvents and will need additional time to fully harden.

FINISHING AND POLISHING

In a 70°F shop, allow 24 hours for dry time before polishing.

After 60 days, the vehicle may be waxed. We recommend using a quality non-abrasive Carnauba wax.

REQUIREMENTS

Clearcoat

CLEAN UP

Clean equipment thoroughly with lacquer thinner or urethane reducer (check local regulations).

Tri-coat System ( 000-00)

Our products are urethane enamel Tri-coat that provide fantastic gloss and depth. Available in many stunning translucent colors. They are crack resistant and can be applied over any of our Universal Base System.

Requires Catalyst and Reducer

MIX RATIO 2:1:1

(check label)

MIX RATIO 1:1

(check label)

2 parts Urethane Tri-coat (000-00) 1 part Urethane Candy (000-00)

1 part Catalyst (127-C9) 1 part Reducer (082-R4) or (PG-084)

1 part Reducer (082-R4)

POT LIFE

2 hours @ 70°F / 50% Relative Humidity

GUN SET UP

Conventional Gun = 55 to 65 PSI

HVLP Gun = 10 PSI at the cap

(Refer to spray gun manufacturer's recommendations

Needle/Nozzle = 1.3 to 1.5

(Depending on the size of object being painted)

Air Brush Application = Not recommended

APPLYING TRI-COAT

Tri-coat may be applied over any of our bases. Always spray a test panel before committing to the job.

NOTE: Catalysts are moisture sensitive and will not keep for long periods once opened. When doing small jobs, buy smaller containers to prevent spoilage. Keep container tightly sealed.

URETHANE FLASH TEST - PAINT SHOULD BE STICKY AND NOT STRING WHEN TOUCHED AT THE WETTEST POINT BEFORE NEXT COAT IS APPLIED.

NOTE: Too long a dry time between coats may cause lifting. If finish feels dry, allow 12 hours at 70°F before re-coating. Scuff with maroon scuff pad to remove gloss or lightly wet sand with 500 or 600 wet. Use caution as too aggressive sanding can cause light and dark spots in the Candy.

NOTE: Color strength will vary based on base color, number of Tri-coats, type and number of clear coats, and spray technique. LIGHTER BASE COLORS REQUIRE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TRI- COATS FOR LONGEVITY. A base color tinted near the Tri-coat color eases application and improves longevity.

TRI-COAT APPLICATION TECHNIQUES

The application of “Tri-coat Type” finishes are among the most demanding of all finishes applied. Great attention must be paid in spray gun settings, number of coats and basic spray gun techniques. The following steps, when observed, provide consistent results.

Setting up the Spray Gun

Know the equipment

Check spray gun pattern, it must be consistent.

Turn fluid knob in, to restrict trigger pull and reducer amount of Candy delivered.

This must be done for the first two to three coats to avoid streaking. A 75% patterN overlap is mandatory.

Apply Tri-coat with recommended pattern overlap.

Spray gun should be 4 to 6 inches from surface.

Do not apply Tri-coat panel to panel, spray entire length of object.

Spray in straight lines, do not follow body lines. (See Diagram Three)

Application - Final Coats before Clear

Adjust fluid knob for a larger pattern 5-7“ apply additional 2 to 3 coats with 50% overlap.

Allow each coat to stop “stringing” before applying next coat. Do not allow coats to completely dry to touch between coats. Allow 30-60 min. flash prior to clear, allowing Tri-coat only enough time to stop “stringing”.

Apply 2 to 3 coats of Spot Panel Clear, Do not allow Tri-coat to completely dry before clearing or wrinkling and lifting is likely to occur.

FLASH TIME:

10-15 minutes in between Kandies

30-60 minutes before Clear

DRY TIME

• Air dry at 70°F = 24 hours

Force dry at 140°F = 30 minutes flash time, 2 hours bake, with 1 hour cool down.

NOTE: Based upon weather conditions, number of coats, solvent speed, etc. It is not unusual for the Tri-coat job to remain soft for extended periods of time. This does not mean the finish is uncured, it indicates the finish is holding solvents and will need additional time to fully harden.

FINISHING AND POLISHING

In a 70°F shop, allow 24 hours for dry time before polishing.

After 60 days, the vehicle may be waxed. We recommend using a quality non-abrasive Carnauba wax.

REQUIREMENTS

Clearcoat

CLEAN UP

Clean equipment thoroughly with lacquer thinner or urethane reducer (check local regulations).

Premium Basecoat System ( 000-00)

POT LIFE

4-8 hours @ 70°F / 50% Relative Humidity

MIX RATIO

Ready for Spray

SURFACE PREPARATION

Prepare all surfaces to be repainted using the recommended undercoat systems, following recommended

procedures. Finish sand with P400 DA grit paper or finer (dry or wet).

GUN SETUP

Conventional

Siphon Feed: 1.4 mm - 1.6 mm (.055” - .063”)

Gravity Feed: 1.4 mm - 1.5 mm (.055” - .059”)

HVLP

Siphon Feed: 1.4 mm - 1.6 mm (.055” - .063”)

Gravity Feed: 1.4 mm - 1.6 mm (.055” - .063”)

AIR PRESSURE

Conventional Spot/Panel Overall

Siphon Feed: 45 psi @ the gun.

Gravity Feed: 35 - 45 psi @ the gun.

HVLP

6 - 8 psi @ the gun cap. 7 – 9 psi @ the gun.

APPLICATION

Apply 2 - 3 medium wet coats

FLASH TIME

Air Dry

Flash between Coats 5 - 10 minutes.

Flash before Clearcoat: 15 - 30 minutes.

Flash before Tape: 30 minutes.

Flash before Two-Toning: 30 minutes.

Maximum Allowable Dry before Clear coating: 24 hours.

Force Dry

Not Recommended

RECOATING / REPAIRS

Premium basecoats may be recoated with itself within 24 hours.

SANDING

Premium basecoats dries to a smooth matte finish and SHOULD NOT be sanded. Nib sanding of small

areas to remove dirt must be followed by the application of more color before clearcoating.

REQUIREMENTS

Clearcoat

CLEANUP

Clean spray equipment immediately after use with Lacquer Thinner.

Spot Panel Clearcoat (UC-960)

SelectClear is a 2K Urethane clearcoat designed for fast spot and panel applications. It is designed for those shops seeking a productive clearcoat that is easy to spray while delivering excellent gloss and Distinctness of Image. Recommended for use over properly applied basecoats and Kandies

POT LIFE

2 hours @ 70°F / 50% Relative Humidity

MIX RATIO 4:1

4 parts Urethane Clear (UC-960)

1 part Clearcoat Hardener (H-54) SHELF LIFE: 25-30 days in Haz/Mat plastic bottles

GUN SETUP:

Conventional

Gravity Feed: 30 – 40 PSI at the gun

HVLP: 8 – 10 psi at the cap

TYPICAL GUN SET-UPS:

Conventional & HVLP: 1.3mm – 1.6 mm

APPLICATION:

Apply 2-3 medium wet coats of clear.

FLASH TIME:

5-7 minutes flash between coats

DRYING TIME:

Out of dust: 5-7 minutes

Tack Free: 1 to 2 hours

To Tape: Overnight

Force Dry: 140°F x 30 minutes.

BUFFING:

If force dried, wait 3-6 hours @ 70°F before buffing.

If air dried, wait 6-10 hours, depending on temperature and activator, before buffing.

Remove dust with soft, dampened cloth and sand with 1500 grit and finer paper. Then polish with medium duty compound and finish with a soft polishing pad to remove any swirl marks. Operate at 1700-2000 RPM.

CLEAN UP

Clean equipment thoroughly with lacquer thinner or urethane reducer (check local regulations).

If you are looking for a gun, you can check out some options here. If you are ready, you can move on to the cleanup and aftercare section for your new motorcycle paint.