- Thread starter MrMac
- Start date
Paint finish on the whole thing is straight from the gun. I had frightening quotes to have it painted (£4k+) and so bought a second hand compressor setup and guns (check the thread) and painted it myself - loved the whole process.
Generally I'm pretty happy with the finish but looking back I used quite a low pressure on the gun for the clear coat to minimise overspray and so it's quite over-peely. I'm not that bothered and it's my scooter so I'm happier that I painted it myself and it isn't a show queen, but before I start fitting badges and trim I wonder whether I could improve the paint a bit.
I'm mainly worried about ******* things up. I'll put some pics up of the finish I've got.
Generally I'm pretty happy with the finish but looking back I used quite a low pressure on the gun for the clear coat to minimise overspray and so it's quite over-peely. I'm not that bothered and it's my scooter so I'm happier that I painted it myself and it isn't a show queen, but before I start fitting badges and trim I wonder whether I could improve the paint a bit.
I'm mainly worried about ******* things up. I'll put some pics up of the finish I've got.
So I haven't gone near it. I'm happy enough to leave it as is and just get it on the road, but if there's an approach I can take (can I hand polish with the cutting compound?) that doesn't risk the current paint finish and is idiot proof then I'd like to do it before I put the badges and trim on permanently.
I found throwing paint on quite easy and got a decent finish (looks great from 10 feet) but feel like polishing needs more skill?
I found throwing paint on quite easy and got a decent finish (looks great from 10 feet) but feel like polishing needs more skill?
That Cavalier is up for sale mate - have you seen it? £120k... Cheap for a bit of BTCC history.
ajlelectronics
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Knock back the peel with the finest grade that will do the job. 1500 is a good starting option. You are looking for a uniformly flat, matt surface free of imperfections. Then change the water and go up a grade or two until you get to around 3000. At that point you should be able to use a compound and mop to restore a deep gloss.
I just don't want to start sanding paint off it I can help it. At least it isn't a car, and it is very curvy so there aren't lots of flat panels. I reckon there's only a few square feet that would need polishing that are really visible. But curvy panels are easy to burn through with a polisher - I'm not brave enough.
ajlelectronics
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Don't even think about doing with a machine. Get some wet and dry, soak it for a while and then nestle it into your palm. You can then carefully caress the curves as required.
Cheers AJ. My worry is that the areas on the front of the legshields are curved and probably one square foot each, and the same with the side panels - lots of curves and edges. My polisher is 125mm disc and I'd struggle to move it around much. Scary - I think I winged it on the painting and got away with it but could ruin it quite easily. How much could I do just by hand?
Cross posts. Can I hand polish it up afterwards as well?
