Topic: Repainting side covers... do they need to be stripped?

[grumpy]

Does the old paint have to come off before repainting?
If so, how do you strip plastic w/out melting it?

Could they just be cleaned, scuff sanded, and repainted right over the current color?

[tygrant]

I meticulously sanded mine smooth and repainted them over the old paint.

[tlbranth]

Years ago I used paint stripper on my side covers and air box. It destroyed them. It was still the 70's and I got replacements cheap from a cycle salvage yard in Seattle. When my neighbor painted my bike for me recently, I first sandplasted the parts. Then he sprayed on a heavy primer which I very meticulously sanded. That was then sprayed with the finish coats. Looks great. My neighbor restores old cars for a living and is very good at painting.

[nobody]

If the old paint is sticking fine you don't need to strip it, just sand them smooth and get out any nicks or scratches. You'll want to prime it if you sand anything more than a dime sized spot down to the plastic.

[grumpy]

cool

thanks!

[bryanj]

If you can see bare plastic you need something called "Adhesion Promoter" (at least thats what they call it in UK) first or the flex will make the paint fall off

[ChrisR]

Also, if you do sand and repaint, check that the new paint doesn't react with the old. Perhaps put a blocking or sealing coat (barcoat) on first anyway to make sure.
Chris