How To Paint A Motorcycle (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Paint a Motorcycle Step-By-Step PDF download Download Article A beginner’s guide to paint a motorcycle at home Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: January 17, 2025 Approved

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  • Creating a Paint Booth
    • |
  • Preparing Your Motorcycle
    • |
  • Painting Your Motorcycle
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 18 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 353,034 times.

Custom motorcycle paint jobs are a great way to give your bike a unique look. Do it yourself and you can cut down on labor costs while having more control over the personal touches that you want to add. Furthermore, it can be a lot of fun to paint a motorcycle if you are a motorcycle enthusiast. This article will explain both how to prepare and paint your bike, and also how to protect the area in which you're working from paint damage.

Painting a Motorcycle: Detailed Steps

Rub the surface you plan to paint with sandpaper, then wipe down the surface and apply a smooth layer of body filler over it. Re-sand the surface once the filler has dried, apply 2 coats of epoxy primer, mix your paint with thinner, use a spray gun to apply 3-4 layers of paint, then apply 2 coats of lacquer on top.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Creating a Paint Booth

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  1. Step 1 Choose a large area where you can make a mess. 1 Choose a large area where you can make a mess. Though you’ll take steps to protect this area, don’t create the paint booth somewhere where an errant paint stain will be a big problem. A garage or storage area would be your best options.[1]
  2. Step 2 Protect the walls with plastic sheets. 2 Protect the walls with plastic sheets. You can buy plastic sheeting at any home improvement store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Make sure you buy enough to protect the whole area.
    • Use thumbtacks or a hammer and nails to hang the sheeting up on the walls.
    • Use masking tape to secure the bottom of the sheet to the floor. This will prevent the sheets from billowing out and allowing paint to stain the wall.
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  3. Step 3 Set up a variable speed, oscillating fan. 3 Set up a variable speed, oscillating fan. Place it somewhere where it will blow fumes out of the room or space, so you don’t inhale too much of it.
  4. Step 4 Set up additional lighting. 4 Set up additional lighting. It’s important that you can see what you’re doing, so place extra lights in the area where you’ll be working. Floor lamps would work well, but you can place side table lamps or desk lamps on a flat, elevated surface, as well.
    • You can also increase the brightness in the room by adding reflective materials such as aluminum sheets or mirrors on the walls.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Preparing Your Motorcycle

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  1. Step 1 Remove and set aside the parts of the bike you plan to paint. 1 Remove and set aside the parts of the bike you plan to paint. This article will use the tank as an example, but the same basic method should be applied to all bike pieces. The tank is a great place to start if you’re new to painting motorcycles because it’s fairly easy to remove and has broad, flat surfaces that are easy to work with.
    • Check which size allen wrench you need to remove the bolts holding the tank in place.
    • Remove all the bolts holding it in place and lift the tank off the frame. Set it aside.
    • Store the bolts in a plastic baggie clearly marked as “tank bolts.”
  2. Step 2 Sand down the surface you wish to paint. 2 Sand down the surface you wish to paint.[2] This part will take some time and elbow grease, but it’s an important step. If the surface you’re painting isn’t perfectly smooth, you’ll end up with an ugly, uneven coat of paint on your bike, and nobody wants that.
    • Purchase sandpaper at any home improvement or hardware store, like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
    • Rub the metal surface down with sandpaper in a circular motion until you have removed the old paint.
    • You should be down to bare metal by the end of the process.
    • Switch back and forth between arms to prevent fatigue and soreness.
    • Take a break if you need one. You don’t have to finish this project in one sitting.
  3. Step 3 Wipe down the newly-sanded surface. 3 Wipe down the newly-sanded surface. Remove any residual dust or particles that might be on the surface. You want to be working with a clean canvas.
  4. Step 4 Smooth a layer of body filler over the newly sanded surface. 4 Smooth a layer of body filler over the newly sanded surface.[3] This will help ensure you’re working with as smooth and level a surface as possible. You can purchase body filler at any automotive retailer, from O’Reilly’s to Auto Zone, and also in many home improvement stores.
    • Mix the filler up well to make sure it’s loose and not clumpy when applied. It hardens quickly, so repeat the process in small batches as often as necessary.[4]
    • Apply it in a layer about 1/8” thick.
  5. Step 5 Re-sand the surface once the body filler has dried. 5 Re-sand the surface once the body filler has dried. You want to wait about an hour to make sure the surface has dried completely and ready for a second sanding.
    • If you’re not satisfied that the surface is perfectly smooth and ready to be painted, apply another layer of body filler and sand it down again.
    • When you’re satisfied with the smoothness of the surface, move on to the next phase: painting your bike.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Painting Your Motorcycle

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  1. Step 1 Apply two coats of epoxy primer. 1 Apply two coats of epoxy primer. This will help protect the metal against moisture down the road, preventing unwanted effects like rusting.[5]
    • Follow the instructions on the packaging for the brand you purchase to figure out which hardener you should mix it with. Make sure to do this at the automotive store so you can buy the hardener at the same time.
    • These products can vary significantly in their treatment needs, so don’t work by a rule of thumb — always follow the specific instructions.
    • Mix the primer with the hardener.
    • Pour the solution into the can of your spray gun.
    • Apply one coat evenly onto the bike, allow it to dry, then repeat.
    • Follow the recommended drying times on the packaging for the primer you bought.
    • When applying any product with a spray gun, make sure to move the spray slowly and evenly across the surface.
  2. Step 2 Lightly sand down the primed surface, once the second coat has dried. 2 Lightly sand down the primed surface, once the second coat has dried. Most primers leave a powdery texture behind, especially after multiple coatings, so you want to smooth the bike back down to a level surface.[6]
    • Use a 2000-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper.
  3. Step 3 Wipe the surface down with a rag that’s been lightly wetted with thinner. 3 Wipe the surface down with a rag that’s been lightly wetted with thinner. Don’t use enough thinner to strip the primer, just enough to wipe down the newly sanded surface.
  4. Step 4 Clean the spray... 4 Clean the spray gun. You don’t want any of the epoxy primer mixing in with the paint you want to apply.[7]
  5. Step 5 Mix the paint with the thinner. 5 Mix the paint with the thinner. As with the epoxy primer, use the ratio recommended by the packaging on the specific product you buy. Again, you want to make sure you’ve mixed the products thoroughly. This will prevent clogging in the spray gun and ensure a smooth coat on your motorcycle.
  6. Step 6 Use the spray gun to apply three to four layers of your chosen paint to the motorcycle. 6 Use the spray gun to apply three to four layers of your chosen paint to the motorcycle. You’ll sand down the bike before applying the final layer.
    • Let each layer dry completely between applications, using the drying times recommended on the paint packaging.[8]
    • After the third layer of paint has dried, sand the surface again with a 2000-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper. You want to surface to be perfectly smooth in preparation for the final coat of paint.
    • Wipe the surface down with a clean rag after sanding.
    • Apply the final coat of paint and let it dry.
    • Clean the spray gun thoroughly again after applying your final coat of paint.
  7. Step 7 Apply two coats of clearcoat lacquer to finish and protect your paint job from the elements. 7 Apply two coats of clearcoat lacquer to finish and protect your paint job from the elements.[9] Follow the recommendations on the lacquer packaging to determine how long you should let it cure before applying the second coat.
    • If, after the second coat of lacquer has cured, you’re satisfied with the final product, you’re done!
    • If there are still inconsistencies, sand it once more with 2000-grit wet-and-dry sandpaper, then reapply a coat of clearcoat lacquer to your satisfaction.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How do I prep fiberglass and hard plastic? Community Answer Community Answer Wash with a tiny amount of thinner then sand with 400 grit paper prior to primer. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14
  • Question Is it the same process to paint the plastic fairings? Community Answer Community Answer No, you can skip the epoxy primer and just prep it for painting. Make sure that you sand it down to a smooth finish. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
  • Question Why should I put filler on if there are no dents on the tank? Community Answer Community Answer You could have small, barely noticeable dents or scratches that would show more once you have a shiny new paint job. It is not a necessary step, but to ensure that your paint looks as good as new when you are finished, it is definitely recommended. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 18
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • There is a lot more that you can do than just painting the motorcycle to customize it. Motorcycle shops offer handlebars, wheel rims and many other accessories to create a custom motorcycle. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • You can paint a motorcycle with a new motorcycle paint color to change the color of your motorcycle. You can even select different colors for different parts of your motorcycle to give it a unique appearance. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Paint fumes are toxic. Wear a breathing filter and ventilate the fumes to an open area Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 13
  • Paint is highly flammable. Do not use paint near a kitchen or other areas that have flames. You should avoid smoking while painting. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 12
  • Your motorcycle should not have any leaks that could cause spills and slippery puddles. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 12
  • The room where you paint should not be near the living area because long-term inhalation of fumes can be very hazardous to health. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 12
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Things You'll Need

  • Plastic sheets
  • Duct tape
  • Sandpaper
  • Spray-paint gun
  • Body filler
  • Epoxy primer
  • Paint

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References

  1. ↑ https://garagespot.com/how-to-build-paint-booth-garage/
  2. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/wet-sand-cars-primer-or-paint-281367
  3. ↑ https://www.cycletrader.com/research/news-reviews/custom-motorcycles/tips-for-painting-your-motorcy
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/HhggdspcZys?t=52
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/fbysEYtn8MU?t=130
  6. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/painting-motorcycle-parts-743654
  7. ↑ https://www.autorefinishdevilbiss.com/Portals/0/documents/Cleaning%20Your%20Gun-Rev1.pdf
  8. ↑ http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/a-diy-guide-to-painting-your-car-15998013
  9. ↑ https://www.liveabout.com/painting-motorcycle-parts-743654

About This Article

Jason Shackelford Reviewed by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician This article was reviewed by Jason Shackelford. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 353,034 times. 104 votes - 83% Co-authors: 17 Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 353,034 Categories: Motorcycles Article SummaryX

To paint your motorcycle, first remove the parts you want to paint and sand them down. Then, apply body filler and sand them down again. Next, use a spray gun to apply 2 coats of epoxy primer, which will prevent rust. Before you paint, sand the primed surfaces and wipe them with a rag and a little paint thinner to clean them. When you’re ready to paint, spray 3-4 coats on your parts, letting them dry completely between coats. Finish by applying 2 layers of clearcoat lacquer to protect your paint job. To learn how to set up your work space to paint your motorcycle, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Jim Jennings

    Jim Jennings

    Dec 18, 2016

    "Basically just knowing the order of the steps helps, because I think a lot of people do not follow each step in..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jason Shackelford Reviewed by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician Co-authors: 17 Updated: January 17, 2025 Views: 353,034 83% of readers found this article helpful. 104 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote Jim Jennings

Jim Jennings

Dec 18, 2016

"Basically just knowing the order of the steps helps, because I think a lot of people do not follow each step in..." more Steven Allen

Steven Allen

Apr 13, 2021

"I followed these instructions. Well, actually I only half heartedly followed them at first and I put a lot more..." more Caleb Stover

Caleb Stover

Mar 16, 2018

"I love how its step by step in detail what to do. I'm painting my motorcycle and was looking for exact..." more Florante Javier

Florante Javier

Feb 8, 2017

"This article is very useful and more detailed than others I have read. Thank you for sharing the ideas, it works..." more Bern Sahurda

Bern Sahurda

Aug 21, 2017

"Was looking for an easy-to-understand doc for my repair project for my Honda Gilas, and this one helps a lot,..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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