How Much Paint Do I Need to Paint a Motorcycle?

Painting a motorcycle can give it a fresh new look.

Painting a motorcycle is one way to make an old cycle look new again, or to customize a cycle to your preferences. To paint a motorcycle properly, you need paint, primer and a clear coat.

Preparation

In order to prepare your motorcycle for painting, you are going to need primer if you are painting parts that are not yet painted. Primer surfacer removes imperfections in the current paint job, such as drips, so that it does not affect the new paint job. Sealer helps with creating a surface that is easy for the paint to adhere to. A clear coat is needed to give the color a glossy, shiny look as well as to protect the paint.

Paint Amounts

For a person who has experienced painting before and is efficient at it, 1 1/2 pints of color suffices. For those that are not comfortable with painting, twice that amount would be needed. Paint also can be lost in the air when spraying, so buy more than you think you need to be safe.

Other Products

For every 1 1/2 pints of color, you will need one quart of other products to complete the paint job. This includes one quart of clear coat, one quart of sealer and one quart of surfacer if needed. Double the amount if this is the first time you are painting a motorcycle.

References

• Cycle Color: How Much Paint Do I Need