G'day all,

this is my first post, cheers.  Apologies if there is already a bit on here re painting, I've done a few searches but haven't found quite the answer I'm looking for.

I'm gonna repaint the tank on my 2011 48 sportster.  It's currently black with the orange writing, but I'm going for silver with a coat of clear (then gonna stick some badges on it).

So, my question is, is it best/easiest to strip the black paint chemically or sand it back??  If sanding, do I need to take it back to bare metal before applying the primer coat?? I'm a complete rookie at this painting thing but keen to give it a crack.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated, cheers fellas.

Mike 

 Hi Marno,

welcome to the forum mate, you won't go wrong being part of this group. Any question you have is usually answered accurately and there is always someone to help.

i have seen the raw metal look on a couple of bikes and would recommend it. I really like the look and plan to do it to my iron someday.

i would suggest sanding over sand blasting. The sanding will give the grain pattern through the tank, making it look far more interesting once clear coated.

i have also read where blokes have let the tank rust slightly before clear coating and badging, for a really junk yard raw look...also a great mod.

i would suggest you scroll through the lets see your bike sportster photos on the forum here, I know there are a few photos of the same style look you are after.

hope this info helps.

Post a few photos and keep the forum updated.

thanks

johno.

Cheers Johnno. I was gonna go the bare metal look, but have decided to paint it silver with a clear coat on top. Is sanding still best or chemical removal of the old paint the go??? Any advice appreciated fellas. Cheers mike

not much use to you but i have a black 48 tank i would probably part with as it just sitting in the box in the shed. saves you having downtime if your tank is off the bike for a long period.

Hey Mike,

Are you in Sydney?

To answer your painting questions-

Sand the tank with a 800grit wet/dry using hand then use a block on the flatter surfaces to ensure even sanding etc.

if the paint was in pretty good cond just sand as much clear coat off as possible.

Use a good 2k primer. Sand that and apply a silver base coat followed by a 2k clear.

plenty info on the net mate, google etc. all the best

Marno,

You say that you are going to paint your tank and put some badges on it. Have you investigated which Harley badges/emblems fit on the 48 tank? I am wanting to do the same and want to use the bar & shield design but cant find one that is not curved.