Painting an xj550r HELP

How would I go about doing this myself? Is there anything I can buy that won't cost an arm and a leg? I figure having a pro do it will be quite expensive. Sorry if this is a noob question. I'm a noob.

 

Base coat / clear coat paints are expensive and you need the right equipment to spray. You will have as much into it as you would finding someone to just do it for you.

MN

 

Well that's true if you insist on going the factory route, or OE. If you are building a restoration bike and you want to maintain the historical and OE nature then true that, but...

You can do a 99% job of the OE without going to all that expense or needing all that equipment. The keys are preparation, product, conditions, and method. It still won't be super cheap as in a few dollars, but you can do it. A tank would cost you about $70-80, but you would have left over materials to do more. Engine about the same although I'm not a big fan of painted motorcycle engines.

You must first have a good surface to work with, dents repaired, surface totally free of dirt, oil, etc., surface etched, and ready for paint. The right paint is essential as you don't want it to fade or blister or come off easily. The clear is critical and must be a 2-part or 2k type. You need a good location to do it in: No sunlight, little or no wind, no blowing debris, not too much humidity, not too cold, not too hot. You must follow directions to the 'T' and using light coats instead of heavy improves the job and reduces the chances of runs. It can be done and most as in 99% of the people who see it will never know it wasn't professional. I have done it and I have these results. If you go this route you should wear a respirator.

All that being said if you want OE matched colors, true candy, or other tricky paint effects-then don't try it yourself without the tools and experience-but a gloss black or similar effect/color you can do.

 

A lot of local full-time body shops will spray it for you with a color left over from another customer's vehicle for $50-$100, but you have to do all the prep work yourself.

Conversely, I have about $60 worth of materials into my tank, color, primer, clear, bondo, etc. And about 8 hours of labor total.

If you have to pay the shop to do the prep it'll cost you around $500. Most of the cost of any paint job is the labor for the body prep.

 

Option 2
Look around and you will find guys that do body work at home. Some guys buy cars and trucks that are repairables from insurance auctions or they might be into building street rods or custom work. They would be more fair price wise than a production body shop. Just ask around and somebody will know someone who does that.