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paint for plastic
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Posted by: 94kdx200---------------------

I want to paint my gas tank black. I was wondering if anybody knew if there was a good paint to do this with?

Posted by: adam728---------------------

There's not really any paint that will work well for that application. Painting plastic is hard enough itself (although Krylon fusion works well), but when it's on the tank you get a second problem, fumes. The plastic tanks pass vapors as the gasoline evaporates, and I can't think of any paint that will hold up well to that for more than a few months.

Posted by: encryptor---------------------

I went through the same idea and gave up on it. Its a good thought but there is in no way that you can paint the tank. You will get bubbles in the paint from the fumes through the gas tank. Sorry your out of luck.

Posted by: Ruff Rider---------------------

Yeah same previous experience. Maybe look into dyes

Posted by: rubbersidedown---------------------

Are the 94 tanks different shape/petcock position etc. than the newer ones? I have an 05 220 and the tank is black, so maybe you could just by an 05 tank...dunno

Posted by: m0rie---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubbersidedown

Are the 94 tanks different shape/petcock position etc. than the newer ones? I have an 05 220 and the tank is black, so maybe you could just by an 05 tank...dunno

The 89-94 KDX is not a perimeter framed bike, the gas tanks will not interchange with a 95+ KDX. We do get a bit more fuel out of the deal though ;-)

-Maurice

Posted by: Speedfreek---------------------

Wouldn't Clark or IMS make a tank for your bike that is in the colour your want?

Posted by: kdx220freak---------------------

keep it stock color, uless you want to spend $200 on a new tank.

Posted by: daniel_1988---------------------

get it painted with bedliner paint black it will be rough too like grip tape

Posted by: adam728---------------------

Quote:

Originally Posted by daniel_1988

get it painted with bedliner paint black it will be rough too like grip tape

And still won't stay adhered to the plastic beneath it.

Posted by: JasonRan---------------------

Basically, there is no way to paint plastic that will work well and stay on the tank. I agree that Krylon Fusion spray paint is really good, but still will not hold on.

Posted by: drz400e---------------------

Try a black liquid dye. Most sho repair places have the black dye. Try it on the underside of the tank and see if it works.

Posted by: cjonesy22002---------------------

in my plastics and adhesives class, we use a lot of roducts from a company called "SEM". they make a full line of proffesional-bodyshop quality products that allow you to do all manner of work to plastic panels and parts.

there is a specific soap that we start with, that removes any grease, mold release agent, dirt, etc that coul foul the paint. after it dries from washing, sand, then (if no repairs are neccesary) spray with the plastic adhesion promoter, let flash then prime and paint.

"SEM" makes additives to paint that makes it flexible so as to prevent flaking and cracking, and the adhesion promoter prevents lifting, bubbles and rippling.

"SEM" also makes a filler specifically for plastics which hardens and remains flexible (unlike normal body filers) which allows you to fill a gouge without having to replace a part.

i do not know how well painting a plastic gas tank would go, but keep in mind, streetbikes have painted metal tanks that do fine and dandy.

i am well aware that this looks like a commercial for "SEM", but, i only have experience with their products and procedures, and i don't want to give any bad advice.

Posted by: saveaux---------------------

Street bikes have metal tanks which resist the diffusion of gas vapors through pores. Dirt bikes tend to have plastic tanks which are porous, if you try to paint them, gas vapors will still diffuse through the pores and bubble your paint.

http://dirtrider.net/forums3/showth...hlight=graphics

Posted by: Gerg---------------------

I hate to disagree, but I painted my purple tank black with Krylon Fusion 2 years ago, and have never had an issue with the paint coming off, except for when I've scratched it hard with something. I've never had any bubbling due to fumes or anything like that.

It wasn't still glossy after 2 years, so this spring I removed the paint & re-did it to look "showroom" new again.

At any rate, it's so cheap & easy, if you scratch it, just spray that spot over and you're back in business!

You can see the beast here: http://homepage.mac.com/gerg7836/PhotoAlbum44.html

Posted by: Aaronkdx---------------------

That's awesome, I might try that. Did you use primer or clear or anything. I also thought about painting the side panels?

Posted by: Gerg---------------------

The instructions for Krylon's Fusion paint say nno preparation is necessary. Still, I cleaned the snot out of the tank first, just to be safe. This second time I painted it, I did basically the same thing: cleaned it as much as possible and sprayed on a couple of thin coats. I didn't use a clear coat on top.

I'm not as sure about painting the side panels, I don't think it would hold up as well. Remember, the tank is mostly protected by other panels, so there's little chance of it getting scratched (normally). Side panels take quite a beating. I just don't know how well the paint would last on them.

Posted by: sotchong---------------------

I painted my side panels black with the Kylon fusion paint and its holding up great. You just have to put on like 3-5 coats but its so cheap that its not a big deal. Make sure that if you do it use the matte finish not the glossy because if sticks a bit better and looks better longer. I know because i have tried both, the glossy inmo isnt as good. Try to get some pics to show.

Posted by: StuckinJersey---------------------

Use the Kylon fusion. I had the yuck purple tank painted it with Black and it still looks great. The dry time says 7 o 8 I think, but the first time I couldn't wait (I'm not too bright sometimes.) so tried it out after 3 days. Paint held up but any spilled gas would remove the paint quick. So I sanded the paint off and repainted letting it dry for 10 days (totally did the trick.). I ended up doing all the plastics on the bike and it still looks great (even though I fall all the time.). Good luck!

Posted by: 94kdx200---------------------

Thanx everyone for your help

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paint for plastic

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