Painting A Gas Tank?

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Donovan401
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Painting A Gas Tank?

Post by Donovan401 »

Hey I already painted my gas tank 2 times in the past year. I simply just removed old paint, applied new paint and clear coat. But eventually it bubbles from the fumes penetrating the plastic surface. It takes a while for the bubbling to occur (about 2-3 months). I plan on painting it again for the summer, how would I go about this to making it last a little longer? Any suggestions? I thought about getting a cover for the gas tank but could not find any. (and buying a new gas tank is not in my budjet :sad: ) Thanks!
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Re: Painting A Gas Tank?

Post by david »

Paint doesn't like to stick to plastic, and no spay paint will live if gas is spilled on it. I don't think fumes are getting through the plastic, the paint just isn't sticking to it.

Your other option is to wet sand and polish the plastic. Unless the plastic is just completely sun baked, this will make it look as good as it's going to get. It's labor intensive so the final product is a direct result of the effort put into it. Just don't start out with too course paper or you will have a hard time getting all the scratches out. I would say start with around 400 then go to 600, 1000, 2000, then a two stage polish.
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K50X200
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Re: Painting A Gas Tank?

Post by K50X200 »

Not sure what color you're wanting to end up with... and I have no personal knowledge of whether or not this works... but you could dye it........
https://www.youtube.com/v/O0s6E0y8O2g
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Re: Painting A Gas Tank?

Post by KDXGarage »

If you are dead set on painting it and want it to last longer, drain the fuel out of the tank (and carb) after every ride.
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pumpguy
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Painting A Gas Tank?

Post by pumpguy »

Curious what type and color paint are you using? There are paints specifically designed for plastics, but haven't tried any so can't offer any insight.
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Re: Painting A Gas Tank?

Post by BamBam »

I believe the gas vapor expands through the pores in the plastic, and paint will not work. I may try dye like in video above.

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Re: Painting A Gas Tank?

Post by Jim B »

david wrote:Your other option is to wet sand and polish the plastic. Unless the plastic is just completely sun baked, this will make it look as good as it's going to get. It's labor intensive so the final product is a direct result of the effort put into it. Just don't start out with too course paper or you will have a hard time getting all the scratches out. I would say start with around 400 then go to 600, 1000, 2000, then a two stage polish.
Good advice. Paint's never gonna look good. :naughty:
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Re: Painting A Gas Tank?

Post by KDXGarage »

No paint is going to stick for long.
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