To paint or not to paint?

[mitchell0481]

I have some chips in the gas tank on my 81 R100S. Instead of repainting the tank I was thinking of having the tank Powder Coated. Has anyone ever done this? Pros/Cons?

[jdubick]

First of all, repainting the tank will decrease the value of the bike. Powder coating is ok for the frame but not a smooth enough finish for tanks. I have had several old airheads and have always gone to the Dupont paint store and have them mix a small bottle of paint that they can computer match and brush touch the scratches and chips on the tank and fenders. Shine it up good and it will look good and still be original. Then when you go to sell it you won't have as much trouble getting your money out of it. Used car dealers do it and I used to be an airplane salesman and we did it too. Just my humble opinion.:D

[osbornk]

If the tank is painted by someone who is good, it will not show being repainted. My brother does paintwork on new or late model cars all the time for 2 dealerships and nobody ever knows they were scratched. They buy the cars with scratches or minor damage and take them to his shop and have them repaired before they go to the dealership.

Regarding the color, his and most paint mixing systems have the color formulas in their computer. Some are under BMW motorcycles and some are under BMW cars. ther is no need for color matching because the colors match well. Paint code and color information is here http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/paintcodes.htm

[manicmechanic]

You do realize that with powder coating, a dry powder is "dusted" on the item, which is then baked in an oven? Make sure the tank is empty and rinsed well before doing this.

[squiffynimrod]

I sell powders and have a fair bit of knowledge on them. I would not consider powder for a tank. You could end up with an epoxy powder instead of a urethane or hybrid if you're not careful- the epoxy will lose gloss in UV exposure. The color range is limited to mostly "flat" (non-metallic) colors- virtually no chance of getting a current bike color, limited metallic colors available- UNLESS you want custom made powder- just be prepared to spend $$$$$$$$ on small run/custom color. There usually is some orange peel to the surface (depends on powder and application), clear coats are available, but they don't buff as well as automotive clears. As stated earlier, great for frames and redoing bits, but not really suitable for tanks. Spend the bucks and get decent automotive products.

Steve

[mitchell0481]

Color matching wouldn't be to hard since my bike is black. I see what you guys are saying about the powder not being as shiney. I am getting my rims done by TTNC powder coating and I saw a tank done in the shop. Just thought it might look cool. I really have no plans on selling the bike.

http://www.tncpowdercoating.com/