How to Paint a Motorcycle Tank

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

Painting a motorcycle tank is way to customize your motorcycle, but not everyone knows how to paint a motorcycle tank. The gas tank on a motorcycle is a highly sensitive part, and there is a specific technique to painting it safely so that you get a smooth finish. Learn the best way to paint your motorcycle tank, and you can save yourself money that you would spend hiring someone else to do it.

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Use a sandblaster to sand the tank down to bare metal. Sandblasting might leave some cracks and holes, so use a metal filler to fill in cracks and a body filler to fill in holes. ^{[1]
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Research source} Use a piece of 180-grit sandpaper over the surface repeatedly until it is smooth to the touch. ^{[2]
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Cover any areas where the rubber gaskets contact the gas tank as this will prevent the paint from getting inside the gas tank. This would include areas in the filler neck area, the petcock assembly, and where the fuel gauge mounts to the tank.

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^{[3]
X
Research source} Allow each coat to dry. After each coat is dry, sand it and apply another coat until you have 5 layers. ^{[4]
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Allow each coat to dry before proceeding to the next coat.
Allow to dry. This will protect your tank in case you drip gasoline on it while using a gasoline pump. ^{[5]
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Should I wet-sand the clear coat?

Community Answer

Yes, you should.

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Which type of paint is best to avoid gasoline damage?

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Use an automotive, catalyzed 2K urethane paint, primer, color layers and clear coat. It is much more resistant to physical damage, UV exposure and chemicals than the acrylic automotive paints.

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Do I need to remove all the old paint when painting a motorcycle tank?

Community Answer

For best results, yes.

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Tips

Apply the primer and paint in optimal conditions for the best results. Make sure your painting area has good lighting, a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 degrees Celsius), and low humidity (below 50-percent relative humidity). Most importantly, make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area.

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Take pictures of the tank, and take note of the location of any pre-existing dents or blemishes before you start to sandblast. This may help you remember where the dents are because they might be more difficult to see later on.

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Warnings

Before you paint your motorcycle tank, drain any gasoline from the tank into a suitable container. Make sure the tank is completely aired out before you begin painting it, since gasoline is highly flammable. Allow the inside of the tank to dry out until you can no longer smell the gasoline fumes, which may take a few days.

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Remove all of the old paint before applying new paint to avoid incompatibility issues between the 2 types of paint. ^{[6]
X
Research source} If you fail to remove all of the old paint, this will become obvious after the tank is repainted.

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Things You'll Need

Sandblaster
Metal filler
Body filler
Sandpaper, 180- and 380-grit
Duct tape
Utility knife
Primer
Paintbrushes
Paint colors of your choice
Clear coat polymer paint
Camera (optional)
Spray Gun

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How to Paint a Motorcycle Tank

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