First "real" paint job questions

Ok, so I'm planning on painting the tank, side covers and tail section on my kz650 when it warms up outside. I will be using Acrylic Lacquer. I will be using prevals to do the job. Here are some of my questions:

1. Can I just prep and paint over the factory paint job or will I need to strip or prime or anything?

2. What type of paint was used on a 78 model kz650?

3. Should I do anything different to prep the plastic pieces as opposed to the tank?

I'm sure I will think of more questions but that's enough for now. Thanks for your help.

Post edited by: EasyRider1, at: 2008/02/18 15:21

i'am in the same boat as you, and heres what i found out
the guy at the paint store steered me away from lacquer
actually i gave him the paint code from my ford truck and he gave me some choices, so it's ppg omni urethane

if the thinner/reducer for the new paint doesn't mess up the original paint all is well

i don;t know what's on it now

there is a flex additive for urethane but i don;t know about Lacquer
i'am sure someone knows more than me will help out

laquer is very hard/brittle stuff,id try some kind of enamel so you dont have to worry about paint lifting;)

ppg omni urethane = great stuff. My painter swears by this stuff ! It's whats on my bike !!!

Whatever paint you use the finish depends on the prep. The better you prep the nicer your paint job will come out !!!

del

PLUMMEN wrote:

laquer is very hard/brittle stuff,id try some kind of enamel so you dont have to worry about paint lifting;)

Well, I've already spent the money and bought the lacquer so that's what I'll be using. I know that lacquer blends and is easier to make it look professional without pro tools. Is the original paint on these old kaws lacquer?

Also, enamel takes a LONG time to cure while lacquer is ready to go rather quickly.

Post edited by: EasyRider1, at: 2008/02/19 18:54

JMKZHI, heres something to consider
www.uschem.com/index.cfm?page=productDetail&id=141&pid=2
that looks real nice

Somebody has to know what type of paint was originally used in the late 70's by kawasaki. Somebody help me out if you know. Thanks

cheap production enamel.you need to find out what kind of a sealer you can use over the enamel.laquer was popular back in the 50s-70s because you could just water down the driveway or local carwash bay:whistle: and just starting laying down 20-30 coats of paint over bugs and all and just wet sand the hell out of it till it was smooth;)

PLUMMEN wrote:

cheap production enamel.you need to find out what kind of a sealer you can use over the enamel.laquer was popular back in the 50s-70s because you could just water down the driveway or local carwash bay:whistle: and just starting laying down 20-30 coats of paint over bugs and all and just wet sand the hell out of it till it was smooth;)

Do you have any idea what to look for in a sealer/barrier coat? Or where to buy it? Should I just strip the factory paint to do this?

check your pm;)

I like wax.