Spray Bombing your gas tank. - UPDATED W/Pics

[atctim]

Let me start by saying I have spent lots of time in an "Auto Body" as I used to work in one. Now - Shelly and I have a good many of ATC tanks that need redone (painted / kreemed) and last night we finished two of them up. Neither needed any body filler - as they both have a few very tiny dents - so small that they are noticable only if you look real hard. They were both in great shape - just the paint was staring to get veiny and a bit rusty. Anyway - I sanded them down really good. Then primed them - then wet sanded the primer- then painted with spray paint - then wet sanded the first coat. Then a second coat of spray paint - then clear coated with spray paint.

Anyway - they turned out way better than I had ever expected. Now we just need to let them cure for a few weeks. I know that spray paint is really vulnerable to gasoline when fresh - but after a while it is OK. We used a high grade of spray paint as well.

Anybody else ever spray paint their gas tanks with great success? I am just really surprised. I never thought such a nice professional looking job could come out of a spray paint can. The key is to take your time and have a little know-how.

[Macs]

i was going to use it on the atc 70 tank, but with a high quality aresol it was going to cost more than with house of Kolor paint. So i am going to go that way. Since they offer ther paints in 2 and 4 once increments it makes small jobs really affordable.

[Derrick Adams]

I used spray cans for lots of projects with good success. Especially small stuff on trikes that don't really get seen much. The problem with spray paint on major wear items such as a gas tank is that it doesn't contain any hardeners to cure the paint. Thats why it lifts with gasoline and stains easily. It's just not durable. Now what I do now adays is cheat a little. Rather than pay thru the nose for small amounts of color to shoot thru the gun, I just shop around for a color I like in a can and apply that first. Then shoot an automotive clear (out of my spray gun) w/ hardener over top. Works real well and holds up as good as any paint will.

[Yamaha Tri-Moto]

I sprayed mine black and it turned out really nice. I used lots of primer good paint and lots of clear coat. Also gas does not seem to hurt it any.

[jason 32]

if its good paint the hardner won't be affected after a good dry- clear as well has to be dry though

[PitboyJohn]

ive always used spraypaint for tanks,it turns out good if you take your time,i just dont use aerosol clearcoat cause it makes the paint run,(after dried)or at least it did for me

[Macs]

Well house of kolor as 4 onces for as low as $6 and 2 ounces for $3.5. 4 ounces is plenty to spray through a gun. i ended up spending $60 for the paint, primer and clear coat and thinner. that included one paint being there high dollar color, i got enough to spray my tank, bars, forks and hubs x 2 just incase i mess up. i am just hoping i got the right color pink. i sent house of kolor a sample and they matched it so lets see how close they are.

[Dirtcrasher]

Let me start by saying I have spent lots of time in an "Auto Body" as I used to work in one. Now - Shelly and I have a good many of ATC tanks that need redone (painted / kreemed) and last night we finished two of them up. Neither needed any body filler - as they both have a few very tiny dents - so small that they are noticable only if you look real hard. They were both in great shape - just the paint was staring to get veiny and a bit rusty. Anyway - I sanded them down really good. Then primed them - then wet sanded the primer- then painted with spray paint - then wet sanded the first coat. Then a second coat of spray paint - then clear coated with spray paint.

Anyway - they turned out way better than I had ever expected. Now we just need to let them cure for a few weeks. I know that spray paint is really vulnerable to gasoline when fresh - but after a while it is OK. We used a high grade of spray paint as well.

Anybody else ever spray paint their gas tanks with great success? I am just really surprised. I never thought such a nice professional looking job could come out of a spray paint can. The key is to take your time and have a little know-how.


If you've worked in auto body then you know that the only durable finish must have a hardner. Baked on factory is best but auto paint with a hardner is second on the list. Spray bombs are junk period, I have seen countless people spend so much time sandblasting, filling and sanding only to put on a useless 5$ a can finish, or 2$ for some brands. So many nice projects painted with a can that just can't stand up.

Yes, it's more money and more work and requires better shop equipment. In this case it may be just a quick improvement which may work for you. But, I'll never waste all my time and effort only to finish it off without the right paint.

The only spary bomb success I've had is exhausts that I use the high heat black grill paint on. For some reason it seems to hold up pretty well.

For things like an SX swingarm or a skid plate, I've had decent results with rustoleum thinned out and shot through a sprayer. It can be put on fairly thick for a few coats and holds up pretty well for a quick fix.

[atctim]

Here are some pics of the spray bombed finished products

[Macs]

is the finish smooth is there some orange peel. Also has anyone tried to bake rattle can finish's. i wander if the would hold up. When i spray items i want to have a nice finish on i stick it in the oven for 4 hours. it smooths out any orange peel or roughness. it makes the tank feel like glass

[atctim]

Nope - no orange peel at all - very smooth and glossy. The pictures are deceiving as I have to set my camera to a lower quality to get the pics down to the right size.

[crackshot]

Spray Rhino lining on your tank and will never have to worry again.

[atctim]

Spray Rhino lining on your tank and will never have to worry again.

Never have to worry about it looking nice again that is - LOL

Just ribbing you - but seriously - that would look pretty bad

[Rennat_2006]

Ive got my dirtbike tank sprayed with line-x.

Even had them color match it to the rest of the white fenders!