Removing a rattle can paint job??

I just got a 76 KZ900 back that I had many years ago. The last guy that had it did a rattle can paint job over the original paint with no prep other than washing. He just bought spray paint at the store so I'm not sure what it is.

Prior to him getting the bike the original paint wasn't in bad shape. I think I saw somewhere that I can possibly remove this mess without destroying the original paint? Any ideas on what I can use to achieve this? And would I use the same thing on the plastic parts as the tank?

It's my understanding the original paint is lacquer, so I would think lacquer thinner would destroy it?

Thanks for any help.

You may want to try removing the spray paint using gasoline in a small spot in an unnoticeable area. Some spray paints can be removed using gas, but gas normally won't damage original paint as long is you don't leave it on there for extended periods. Ed

DK900 wrote: I just got a 76 KZ900 back that I had many years ago. The last guy that had it did a rattle can paint job over the original paint with no prep other than washing. He just bought spray paint at the store so I'm not sure what it is.

Prior to him getting the bike the original paint wasn't in bad shape. I think I saw somewhere that I can possibly remove this mess without destroying the original paint? Any ideas on what I can use to achieve this? And would I use the same thing on the plastic parts as the tank?

It's my understanding the original paint is lacquer, so I would think lacquer thinner would destroy it?

Thanks for any help.

The original paint is not lacquer. It's some some of baked/catalyzed enamel. I seriously doubt you will be able to get the rattle can paint off the tank without damage to the paint underneath. I'd go straight to the paint stripper and take the tank down to bare metal.

Or spend a little extra money and take it somewhere to have it bead blasted...reprime, using higher quality paint and fuel proof catalyzed urethane clear.

No stripper on the plastic.

My guess is that the tank was sanded or scuffed before repainting and the original paint is not salvageable,
but using a little gasoline to melt the top layer of paint is a good way to see what you've got.

If the original paint is trashed I would use Airplane stripper, you can find it at an auto parts store.
Serious stuff

If the rattle can was done recently, within a few months or so, it can probably be done.

Like Ed said, gasoline will take off fresh rattle-can paint very easily...not sure if it's because of the alcohol in the gas, or the gas itself, or some other chemical in the gas.

Like said before it almost had of been sanded though for the pant to stick but won't hurt to try.

Whatever you use to get the rattlecan off will most likely damage the original paint somehat. That said, the damaged original very well may still look better/cooler than the undamaged rattle can...patina is "in"

Recently acquired this chevy van and discovered a cool custom stripe underneath the brainless black primer

DSCN0734 by Sean Barney , on Flickr
I used acetone and an sos pad to get the primer off. And obviously removed some of the custom stuff too...still pretty ugly but at least it has some style. :blink: :blush:

Since the original factory paint was not sanded to prep for the rattle can redo, it might wash off with gas....just test a small area like the bottom of a side cover.....let gas wet the area for awhile to soften it. If the rattle can paint is thin with no clear or primer used, you might able to rub it off with compound. My understanding is the factory paint was a type of lacquer not used in the US. Some of the Honda factory paint from the 70's acts like enamel, but Kawasaki paint acts like lacquer. I think there seems to be enough factory clear on the parts to allow a bit of rubbing out by hand without going thru the clear........just be careful on the pinstripe decals on the tail.....usually not as much clear as on the tank

On my 78 a2a built in Nebraska the side covers and tail have "Made In U.S.A"cast into them.
Wouldn't that mean that they where painted here too?

Yes if it is a made in US bike, yes the paint would be done here.