Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I've been doing a few different paint jobs on the bike (xz550) over the last few months to see what I like the best. I've been having a problem though as the seat sits on the back of the tank for a good 9 inches and it rubs right through.

Granted I've been using the spray paint you buy at the autoparts store which doesn't have the hardners of a good paint which I'll eventually use, but should I be having that problem or is there something wrong with how I'm painting?

Three layers primer, 3 layers paint 4 layers clear, wet sand 400 between layers, then 800 then 1000 then buffing compound- just so you know where I am

I'd just pick up some of that clear 3M protective tape and apply it over the place where the seat rubs. Sort of like a tank pad, but invisible.

Badda bing badda boom.

Genious

Why suspect there's anything wrong with your work when 3m has such a handy solution

I'm going to assume that isn't sarcasm, and say you're welcome

I've never had this problem, even on a rattle can job. Are you sure you're letting it sit long enough to cure each coat before moving on? If so, then what else could it be but materials? Your description certainly makes it sound like your surface prep is more than adequate.

Sevulturus wrote:I'm going to assume that isn't sarcasm, and say you're welcome

No- definately a good idea

flynrider wrote:I've never had this problem, even on a rattle can job. Are you sure you're letting it sit long enough to cure each coat before moving on? If so, then what else could it be but materials? Your description certainly makes it sound like your surface prep is more than adequate.

I give it extra time over what it recommends between coats and I've been doing primer one day, paint hte next and the clear on the third day- more of a time thing than a set plan but that's been the way it works out.

I think part of the problem is the part of the seat that sits over the tank is right where you're sitting so it presses the seat into the tank.