Who can give me advise on spray painting aluminum bashplate please?

MileageMonster

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Hello everyone,

who can tell me the best way to spraypaint an oem bash-plate?
Was able to get an unused second hand Yamaha bashplate.
I want to paint it matt black, which suits my bike much better.

(I am fully aware that there are better bashplates on the market.
But Offroading that I do, does not require a heavy duty one)

Thanks in advance, looking forward to the tips.

Jan

C144C631-2EC2-45CF-A97A-9390E4D990BB.jpeg
 

DamMechanic

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I would think the best would be to abrasive blast with glass bead or some other fine material and then paint. Or hand sand with 320 grit paper, wipe down with degreaser to remove finger prints and then paint.
 

Wallkeeper

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I would also start with blasting or power sanding to bare bright metal. Immediately dust with a clean brush and wipe with a lint free rag and 90% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). Coat as soon as possible

I am not sure what spray can coatings are available in the EU. If they are available I would use either appliance epoxy (epixy ester) or truck bed liner (poly urea). Follow the instructions on the can. Both will not fully harden for several weeks

The poly urea will be the more durable coating but will have a heavy texture. It cannot be top coated with another coating
The epoxy can be top coated but must be close to fully cured. It must also be light sanded before top coating.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!
 

RCinNC

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I'd also recommend an aluminum specific primer;. It'll help the paint adhere better. They sell it at auto parts stores like Oreilly Auto.
 

MileageMonster

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Thanks guys, I will start using scotchbrite 320 (-ish) grit, then thoroughly degrease the surface.
After that I will apply a primer (multiple thin layers) sandpaper again lightly to roughen surface.
Thet degrease again, followed by the matt black finish (multi layer also).

This is the conclusion after reading your advises, many thanks guys, newbie at spraypainting here..

Of course I will post some pictures of the end result, I’ll keep you updated.
(Please allow me some time, as it is still cold and wet outside, as I live in the Netherlands..)
 

Wallkeeper

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Good luck. Final comment, preparation is everything. With aluminum you need to be to bright substrate. Stay away from MEK, acetone and aliphatic solvents for your wipe down

Minimum application temperature is 55 F, max is 90 F. Ambient temp should be at least 5 F above the dew point
 

Sierra1

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I plan on painting mine also. But, I don't plan on painting the bottom. It won't be seen, and it only increases the difficulty in the prep & painting.
 

Wallkeeper

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So, in the UK, powder coating is the answer to oxidization? :D
A properly applied and cured powder coat is only as good as the surface prep under it. Powder has always been my coating of choice for harsh environments
 

Sierra1

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Don't get me wrong, I prefer powder coating to paint, but surface prep is the key to just about anything. The downside to powder is although it is very durable, it's not indestructible and harder to repair/apply than paint. When it comes to things that are gonna go bang on the ground, I'm sticking with paint. That being said, Rob's red Altriders are gorgeous.
 

bimota

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Don't get me wrong, I prefer powder coating to paint, but surface prep is the key to just about anything. The downside to powder is although it is very durable, it's not indestructible and harder to repair/apply than paint. When it comes to things that are gonna go bang on the ground, I'm sticking with paint. That being said, Rob's red Altriders are gorgeous.
yes,
to be honest where i am alot of guys have had there bash plates powder coated by the guy that did my crash bars and they are good but they don,t ride off road, so like me i would p[owder coat mine to

rob
 

lund

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Personally I would not bother with paint, most are a waste of time. Get it powder coated, far more durable and really not that pricey if your having a basic flat black color.
Plus its a bash plate, scratches and gouges is cool, it means the bike is not a tarmac queen. You can spray bomb scratches if needed even if it is powder coated.
 
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