Which product to apply to the bodywork of your motorcycle ?

For anyone who has the project or the desire to redo their motorcycle paint, 

the choice of paint type and technique are crucial to the success of the project. With the new motorcycle paints offering phenomenal colors, it's now possible to combine refurbishment, metal protection and an impressive aesthetic effect.
Here are a few valuable tips from our technician, a custom painter specializing in motorcycles :

First, let's talk about the budget : you have to bear in mind that quality products come at a price. There are professional coatings on the one hand, and consumer products on the other, which are 2 to 4 times cheaper.
But do we really save money when a paint job is prematurely flaking or peeling, and has to be completely redone?

The level of resistance and the lifespan of the paint must be taken into account, not to mention the risk of defects, reactions and inconveniences that are inevitable with the cheap products offered by chain stores.
Our advice ? Choose the best and get the result you want !

Which motorcycle paint to choose ?

Coatings for two-wheelers are essentially of the same nature as those used in the automotive industry.

Solvent-based? Water-based? Both are perfectly suitable. Spray gun? Aerosol? It makes no difference, as with a professional supplier, you get exactly the same product in the can or the spray.

It is important to note that the technique for fairings, fuel tanks, and mudguards is sometimes a little more complex than for car bodywork. Why?
Because more intricate colours, known as "three-layer" or "tri-coat" finishes, are often used and we have flexible motorcycle parts.

Motorcycle paints are often more beautiful, and designers are more daring and creative, with deep, pearl and metallic hues.
To paint a motorcycle, we therefore mainly use monocomponent paints, known as “1K basecoat” paints. They are thin, quick-drying and easy and pleasant to paint, layering one on top of the other before being varnished with a two-component clearcoat*.

Which paint for a motorcycle? This is where it gets interesting, with those curved and angular surfaces, where you can put the most beautiful effect paints (fluorescent, Chameleons, Candy, matte...), and in this area there's no shortage of choice and imagination on the Stardust store.

Should we make our paint flexible ?

Some non-metallic parts are made of plastic and are designed to withstand slight torsion. These include mudguards and especially side fairings or visors.
Be aware that there are paint flexibilizer additives, also known as flex agents, preventing paints from cracking or splitting over time.
There's no need to add these additives to paints and primers! They are only recommended in the final coat of clearcoat.

Should we use a surface primer ?

When you want to paint a fairing or tank where there are adhesives (SUZUKI markings, for example, present under the original clearcoat layer), you absolutely must remove this relief. Paint and clearcoat  won't be able to cover it. In this case, there are two options :
- The first is to sand the varnish down to the adhesive and remove it, leaving a gap between the clearcoat and the adhesive, which must be filled in using a surfacer, a filling primer.
- The second is to apply the surfacer primer directly over the clearcoat, in 2 or 3 coats, without removing the sticker, and then sand.

How to find the reference and color code of your motorcycle paint ?
How to paint the frame of your motorcycle ?
What paint to repaint the fairings of your motorcycle ?
How much paint to paint your motorcycle ?

How to paint your motorcycle ?