handlebar switch restoration

I am in the process of giving my 77 KZ1000A a major clean up and would like to have the handlebar switches repainted keeping the original recessed white and yellow lettering - anyone have this done before? Anyone recommend someone to do this?

regards

On my KZ they are fine but have another bike that the letters are worn off. I looked for something to stick on with no success.
On the KZ if they are recessed (mines not here for reference) I don't know why you couldn't get a small brush and do it yourself? Wipe off the excess?

Tancred9 wrote:

Anyone recommend someone to do this?

regards

Ya...YOU!
Seriously...sand off the old paint,and have at er,Bud!
For the white and yellow colouring...use the tip of a pin or a toothpick,or something that size.
Do the base coat first...let it set up and cure properly,and then take Your time,and do Your Own touch-ups...You'll see...You can do it.

And welcome to KZR!!
Post some pics of Your bike,Tancred9B)

I painted mine silver and then cut a bunch of the brissles off of a small brush. It took a few tries but they came out good. I used lime green for all the lettering BTW.

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I used a small wire brush to scuff up the control, and dug out the paint from the lettering recesses. Then I painted everything black. Then I used water-based paint, and dabbed it into the lettering with a small brush. Then wipe off the excess with a damp cloth. I did this two years ago, and the switches still look good.

ltd looks really good.
Ok let me throw this at you.The lettering on my KZ controls is fine but on my Yamaha they are completely worn off. I think they were just on the surface to begin with because if you look at just the right angle you can make the letters out. I made the rounds of the hobby stores looking for small white letters to maybe rub/stick on there, then my idea was to paint clear by hand over them . Problem is I can't find any small letters.You know they've got to be pretty small.

I dunked mine in the (hideously caustic) carb cleaner solution -- this removed paint to bare metal, then repainted. Had a buddy at work, the figure-painter hobbyist, do the fine stuff like LTDRider shows. I believe he used a fine brush and also did a wipe-off, then clear coated to help preserve it.

Incidentally, it's supposed to be 78F today and I'm going riding (again).

ltdrider wrote:

I used a small wire brush to scuff up the control, and dug out the paint from the lettering recesses. Then I painted everything black. Then I used water-based paint, and dabbed it into the lettering with a small brush. Then wipe off the excess with a damp cloth. I did this two years ago, and the switches still look good.

damn, good job! it does look new..

Here's the left side. The photo is just a little fuzzy, but the letters on the control came out clean and sharp.

Post edited by: ltdrider, at: 2007/01/09 13:11

Use a tooth pic,just a dap,then wipe.....practice.

man, those look great...