Painting Gas Tank

I picked up a 79 xs750 tripple. I'm going to repaint the tank. Going to try my hand with the spray gun. My questions is on the tank there's two petcocks. They have big orings that seal to the tank around the screen and screws. Do i have to tape of the entire area that the gasket seals. or will it seal ok over the paint. I know the clear coat will hold up to gas but will the paint under the clear hold up. I don't want it to eat the paint under the clear. but also don't want bare metal showing if I don't tape exactly right.
Thanks

 

No, you should tape it off. The new paint, although it may be nice and shiny, will not make a good seal down the road and will probably start to leak after time.
I always remove the petcocks and gas cap when painting a tank and tape the off with masking tape. I make user it seals the openings off with a good tight seal. Use several layers if you need to.
When I seal the gas cap opening, I tape it with enough passes to close the area off and make sure it sticks all the way around the opening, then use a utility knife to cut the excess off around the opening. Duct tape will work also, but it's harder to cut off the excess. You will need to use a razor blade to trim off the excess duct tape.
That o-ring you talked about will seal better if you use a small amount of RTV silicone when you re-install it also. Unless the o-ring is smashed flat, you should be able to re-use it. I painted alot of tanks and never had to replace the seals if I use the RTV silicone on them. Just be careful not to use too much and plug any holes when you put everything back together. PD

 

What kind of rtv do you use. most won't hold up to gas. I also have new orings for it because I rebuilt the petcocks.

Thanks I think I'll make a plug to cover the hole useing a peice of wood and a rubber mat. then screw it down like the petcock that should work.

 

I always us the red RTV silicone on everything. It stands up to high heat also.