sanding and painting question

[starsnbars]

Hey guys I'm lookin to repaint my 85 spree and I have looked at a hundred posts about advice people have for painting, but there's so many options I didn't know where to start. First off, I want the finished paint job to have nice glossy colored look to it, not that matte spray paint look. Since the side panels are not plastic like the others, should I sand just those or all the body parts? How much sanding is necessary? I have access to a spray gun and paint booth when it comes time to paint, so I want to make sure everything is ready to go. after looking at other posts, it seems like the best way to go would be to put a few coats of primer on them first, then the coats of actual paint, and finally the clear coat. Is there anything that needs to be done in between these steps, or is it just let them dry and then on to the next layer?

[mopedman]

well the side panels on a spree are plastic and i would lightly scuff it then put like 2 coats of primer befor paining

[kolohe]

Just scuff the plastics with a scotch-brite pad.

[Motorcity]

If there are no gouges in the plastic then I would sand it all down with 300 grit paper, instead of priming, I would shoot a coat of sealer first (it's like a primer, it fills scratches better then a primer though. After the sealer is set wet sand the sealer in gradual steps starting at 400 to 1500 to a smooth finish. Prime, base coat then clear coat. Wet sand the clear coat with 1500-1600 grit then rub the wet sanded clear coat with polishing compunt with an orbital polishing wheel. If there are gouges in the paint, then before you apply the sealer fill in the gouges with body filler, either bondo or duraglass. This is how the pros do it. Sanding the clear is not necessary but it takes out every imperfection, use a block to hold the sand paper, don't use your hand.

[kaaos82]

I just sanded with 300 grit, then washed in my bathtub with Dish washing liquid, air dried the panels, and then sprayed it 2 coats with Krylon Plastic Fusion spray paint (available at wal mart). My scooter looks great, ill take some pics soon