Repaint Honda Spree-advice

kristieincalgary · Post by **kristieincalgary** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:49 pm

I just got a 1984 Honda Spree and am considering repainting it. Has anyone does this and could you please let me know what you think is the best way to tackle this. Thanks!

GearNut · Post by **GearNut** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:13 pm

I have never repainted a scooter before but I have painted many plastic parts.
I recommend washing the parts thoroughly.
Sand all surfaces to be painted with 300 grit wet-dry sandpaper, using 1 gallon of tap water with 1 drop of dishwashing soap mixed in a bucket.
Always keep the wet-dry sandpaper wet and use a sponge to dribble water on the surface to keep the surface wet while you are sanding. Occasionally rinse the wet-dry sandpaper in the bucket of water to keep it free from particle buildup.
The goal here is not to remove the original color from the parts but just to scuff up the surface and smooth out any imperfections you do not like.
When you are happy with the sanding job, thoroughly wash the parts again and let dry.
I recommend Krylon Fusion for painting plastic. Wipe the parts down with ammonia and let dry to prep the surface for best adhesion. Many thin coats sprayed a few minutes apart works better that a few thick coats.
You have 24 hours to spray as many coats as you want to. After that you have to wait 7 days before re-spraying it again.
In case anyone here is wondering, Krylon Fusion is a lacquer based paint.

evilone · Post by **evilone** » Mon Apr 16, 2012 9:16 pm

Good write-up GearNut, i've had good results with Krylon Fusion also.

OneBulletDan · Post by **OneBulletDan** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 11:05 am

According to the good folks at Krylon, their paint is a acrylic enamel paint, not lacquer. Lacquer has no re-coat window.

Ewestfall · Post by **Ewestfall** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:54 pm

I only painted a few plastics Never used ammonia before, mineral spirits ? Try to use powder free latex gloves after wiping also. The oils from your hand will transfer to your substrate, ie. Plastics etc.
Also don't get discouraged using spray can. You are not in total control of your fan size or air pressure. Orange peel effect will happen but 1000 grit wet with same Instructions above on wet sanding. Between sanding the top coat and clear you can get good results with patience.
Also take note if you do have re coat windows your climate affects dry time every degree up it drys faster so you want lighter coats or cracking will occur if it's colder and humid it will run and take longer to dry ,try to Find a happy medium.
Mothers makes a good wax to get all the scratches out.
Decanting and using a air brush or a gravity fed gun is good a little more control , if you have a compressor. Kits run from $15-.....I am in no ways a plastic painting pro or a scooter pro just a few tips from my 15 years union of painting commercial,industrial and residential.
I hope this helps.

GearNut · Post by **GearNut** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:15 pm

OneBulletDan wrote:According to the good folks at Krylon, their paint is a acrylic enamel paint, not lacquer. Lacquer has no re-coat window.

You are right, I am wrong. I went back and researched it. My original mistake, first time ever using it, was clear coating it with lacquer which is a big no no unless you like a wrinkled finish. I got enamel and lacquer crossed up in my memory.
Sorry.

Madman · Post by **Madman** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 11:56 pm

Decanting and air brushing is the method I used on my scooter and got good results!!

And sanding and polishing clear coating etc!!

Just watch for runs!! That really sets you back.

Honda Spree and Elite 50 Forums