Topic: Painting LPM Side Covers Question

[Popwood]

About to paint my new replacement side covers from LPM (Low Pressure Moldings) and have a question. These plastic (polyurethane, I think) is more flexible than the original fiberglass covers, which I consider a good thing because they won't crack so easily. But does this mean a "flex additive" needs to be mixed in with the paint; primer, color and clear coats?

And if so, does this mean I'll have to repeat all the paint steps-- doing the tank without the "flex additive" and then doing the covers? Or, could the "flex additive" in the paint be used for the tank as well? Seems like doing the entire multi-coat process twice is a pain in the butt.

And I'm assuming an "adhesion promoter" should be the first coat on the plastic before priming, etc.

And by the way, I'm impressed with the LPM covers. Look nice, good reproduction of shape and rugged.

[AshimotoK0]

I had my LPM K0 airbox painted by a painter in the UK and it has developed large bubbles on the top section. I think someone on the sandcast site suggested UV irradiation and complete removal of the silicon mould release agent used in the moulding process. Also car bumper primer may be a good idea.

The Guys at LPM are very helpful (he was going to quote me on an industrial moulding job but couldn't fit it in in the end). The owner is Ex-Rover cars and he told me he used to be responsible for similar moulding to the car industry. I think he is called John and his son is Martyn

Just looked at my old email from Martyn and he said "No special prep is required for painting apart from a good wash with a solvent such as thinners/acetone & a plastic bumper or etch primer'

Hope this helps

[Popwood]

Thanks Ashimoto. Yeah, I plan to wash them down with acetone to remove the release agent and then scuff sand to provide a bit of "tooth" for the primer.

I've had a question or two answered by Martyn so I can go back to him, although it sometimes takes a couple days before I hear back (aren't we spoiled these days?). I'll thy him but want to start painting this weekend so hope to get this resolved soon.

Anybody else?

[Don R]

Throw em in the wifes tanning bed?

[bucky katt]

i washed the side covers in hot water with dawn dish liquid. then i wiped them down with denatured alcohol to make sure. sanded with some 800 grit to make sure it was all smooth and to give the primer something to bite and then i used regular primer and paint and clear. no problems so far.

[Popwood]

Thanks, bucky katt,

And these were LPM covers, not fiber glass? How long have you had them in use? Sure would be happy to know the flex stuff isn't needed.

[bucky katt]

i got the electrics side cover about 2 years ago. theyre better than the factory product by far.

[hcritz]

Hey Popwood...
I just used std. base/clear on mine several years ago...still look great.
Most of the modern Urethane paints are actually pretty flexible.