Temporarily Painting a Side Cover?

[Geoff]

I won't go into detail about how I lost my previous side cover but suffice to say that it involved leaving my electric gloves plugged in all day:nono :nono . In any case, I've received my new cover and of course it is primer gray. I want to paint it black for the time being so that it blends better with the bikes paint scheme which is basically pearl white. At some point in time I may get really ambitious and switch to the original white with red and black lettering but for now I would just like to know which black paint to use that would look good for now and make any future changes easier. I think I'm just looking for a flat black or mildly glossy finish without a whole lot of prep. Anything in a can you guys can suggest? I'm obviously clueless when it comes to painting, so cut me a little slack.

[krehmkej]

Look for Dupli-Color Engine enamel. Available in low gloss (not flat) black. Makes a nice finish. I have used it on many small parts like headlight mounts with great results.

[Geoff]

Look for Dupli-Color Engine enamel. Available in low gloss (not flat) black. Makes a nice finish. I have used it on many small parts like headlight mounts with great results.

By coincidence, the PO left me with a can of Dupli-Color High Heat with Ceramic. Good to 1200 degrees. Is this the same? No mention of enamel on the can...

[krehmkej]

Just looked at mine: DE-1634 500 degree with ceramic. The 1200 degree is more like header paint and is not available in a many colors/finishes. I use the 500 degree for all sorts of painting. it is my first choice for small parts, etc.

[R80andR100RT]

Good old Rustoleum semi gloss black is a near perfect match for BMW frames if this is the effect you want. Be careful of lacquer over enamel or vice versa.

[26667]

Here's one my buddy showed me years ago. It looks cool; kinda matte, kinda got a gloss, ez to do.

ANY flat black spray paint. But you must do numerous very very light "fog" coats. Hold the can maybe 18" away and just give it a dusting. You can do another coat pretty soon, say just a few minutes, because it'll dry reallyfast. keep going. It'll take lotsa coats, say, maybe a dozen, but it makes a cool looking matte finish w a really unusual unique hint of silver-y gloss.

The drawback, of course is that it has a slight texture so you can't reshine it if it gets a scratch or ding. Or really rub it w any kind of cloth or rag.

I've done this on black head covers, tail racks, fork braces and side covers. And gotten compliments. Hides the dings and nicks w minimal sanding.

[squiffynimrod]

Although not on bike plastic, I've had good results on other plastic with Krylon Fusion spray paint. They make a gloss, satin and flat in black.

http://www.kpg-industrial.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/

[535is]

I won't go into detail about how I lost my previous side cover but suffice to say that it involved leaving my electric gloves plugged in all day:nono :nono .
Maybe you should have tracked down the cheap fiberglass knockoffs I found on ebay because:

1) They don't melt at low temperatures :D and
2) They come in white gelcoat that would 'pearl' right up easily.

That said, I'd go for a Krylon spray bomb enamel. Since you're painting over primer, not plastic, you wouldn't need the Fusion.