ABS Fender Painting?

Hey paint gurus:

Apologies for the non-KZ question. I have a brand-new fender for my Triumph. $160 item I scored for $40 shipped on eBay! Of course, it's red instead of black, & nowhere near the same red as the trim on my bike...

After getting quoted $100 to paint it at a couple different places, I've decided that a rattlecan job is called for. I'd like to do it right, so I'm looking for tips.

I figure I'll sand it first, but I'm not sure what grit to use.

After sanding, I figure I'll hit it with paint & a clear coat. I'm looking for brand & product recommendations here, the fender is made of ABS plastic.

Also, do I need a primer?

Thanks,
-Kit

I'm not a paint gru, but this is what I think..

since its ABS, you dont need any special paint. Well, I would use a grey scotchbrite pad to scratch the fender up for painting. Do not scuff it too aggressively, or scratches may be seen though the paint. Since you are gonna spray bomb it.. I dont think you need to bother with a primer or sealer. Are you going to spray it black ?

Thanks, Dan. I've never seen a grey Scotchbrite before, but I'll have a look when I'm at Lowe's or Home Depot or whatever.

I am going to spray it black.

Cheers,
-Kit

I dont know if those home improvment stores will have the grey scotchbrite. I'd try a auto parts store - they probably small packages of them.. A paint supplier shop probably would only sell you a box of them.

Thanks. I'll take the local roads home from my girlfriend's place today & stop in one of the auto parts shops along the way.

Cheers,
-Kit

depending on how much the fender is going to flex if any you might want to see about getting paint with a flex agent in it.regular laquir or enamal paint may be too "stiff"and crack since you will be painting ABS / plastic

rammy wrote:

depending on how much the fender is going to flex if any you might want to see about getting paint with a flex agent in it.regular laquir or enamal paint may be too "stiff"and crack since you will be painting ABS / plastic

Agreed.

ABS is funny stuff. There's special mold release treatments to get 'em squeaky clean while prepping - you might think it's clean, but even traces of the mold release will cause enough "fisheye" to make the fender look like a map of the moon. Flex agents to allow the paint to stretch and bend with the fender.

Here's a good site on problems with ABS painting:

www.umgabs.co.jp/en/solution/trouble/t_50.htm

Might sound like a lot, but depending on the job, $100 isn't out of line. Especially if it's guaranteed.

Best of luck with it....

Just find an autobody supply store. They should be able to mix the paint the exact color you need and load it into a rattlecan. They will also know what prep is required for the product you are using.

Thanks for the tips, y'all. I ended up fiberglassing my cracked fender into workable shape & selling the brand-new, factory painted red one. I've been out of work for a while, so a little extra cash makes up for riding around with a ratty fender 'til I'm employed again.

Cheers,
-Kit