Dark Blue Motorcycle Paint? Top 23 Best Answers

Motorcycles come in all shapes, sizes and colors. With many options for paint colors alone, there are endless possibilities when it comes to personalizing your motorcycle. But the color of your motorcycle also plays a role in your safety due to visibility.

White is the safest color for a motorcycle. Other colors can also be safe, but it’s important to have a bright and contrasting color that will draw attention, day or night, and be visible to other drivers on the road. Retroreflective colors on your motorcycle and/or clothing are also ideal.

That being said, there are many different ways, as well as many other habits you can form and choices you can make to ensure you are as visible and as safe as possible when driving. We’ll discuss some more of these things in detail below.

Why is motorcycle color important?

It is well known that people see different colors with varying degrees of ease and difficulty. We are most likely to notice things when their colors contrast with their surroundings. Because of this, soldiers and hunters use camouflage colors to blend in with their surroundings. We’re more likely to see colors that contrast sharply with their background and fewer colors that blend in.

This principle applies in all situations where visibility is an issue. On motorcycles, colors that contrast with the surroundings are seen much more easily, while mixed colors, especially at night, can significantly reduce visibility.

Visibility can save your life

When riding a motorcycle, one of the most common causes of accidents is the negligence of other drivers when a car fails to see a motorcycle. Around 40% of all motorcycle accidents are due to a driver not seeing a motorcycle.

So visibility could save your life. Not all accidents involving an unseen driver are fatal, but many of them are. Other riders cannot always be trusted to be vigilant, so doing everything in your power to be seen is paramount to your personal safety as a motorcyclist.

Research from 2007 suggests that black cars were more than 10% more likely to be involved in accidents than white cars. Other high-risk colors are silver and gray, while red and blue cars were much safer overall, although not as safe as white ones. Although this study was conducted with cars, the logic still applies to motorcycles.

Contrasting colors

However, what really matters when it comes to visibility is the color of your surroundings. The key to visibility is how different your bike looks from its surroundings. If you live in a city or in the country, a white motorcycle should stand out pretty well during the spring and summer months. However, if you’re driving in a snowy area, it clearly won’t be as noticeable.

The ambient contrast changes depending on the location. If you live in the desert where there is no green at all, a green motorcycle would easily stand out from the surroundings. However, if you live in the country or somewhere else with lots of greenery, suddenly that color won’t contrast as much.

If you want the best color for motorcycle visibility, you need to be aware of where you ride most often and what colors are most commonly seen in those environments. If you can get a motorcycle that stands out from these as much as possible, you will be as safe as possible. You clearly won’t be able to stand out from everything around you, but it’s all about increasing your overall visibility.

What is the most popular color for a motorcycle?

The most popular color for a motorcycle is black, which is actually the least safe. Black motorcycles are among the most common on the market and are popular with many riders. Even though black isn’t the main color of the bike, many on the market have black parts somewhere.

Black

Since I’m not particularly fond of black bikes, I can’t quite understand the reasons that make them so popular. For some, a black bike symbolizes class, luxury and power, and as much as I don’t always prefer them, sometimes black bikes look very sleek and cool. Also, black bikes don’t get dirty as easily as light-colored bikes.

Red

Red is another popular color, especially on sportier bikes. Red is one of my favorite vehicle colors overall. A lot of people think that red is the color of speed and I’m not inclined to disagree! Red bikes feel like sporty, high-performance machines, and the color makes them appear faster to some owners – even though they clearly aren’t!

White

White motorcycles are also fairly common and are notable for being often the safest motorcycle color. They are favored by those who like to be visible and sometimes by those who like the looks. White motorcycles can often symbolize luxury and elegance. However, they tend to get dirty quickly, much more so than darker colored bikes. So keep that in mind if you are considering buying one.

It’s more common to see other colors like silver and gray these days, although you might not see them as often on older bikes. You’ll also see various shades of blue and sometimes green (especially Kawasakis). Of course there are many other colors for different bikes, but they are not that common. Most bikes also include multiple colors in their paint jobs.

Are colorful motorcycles safer?

Light colored motorcycles are generally safer. The safest color for a motorcycle is the color that contrasts most with the environment in which the motorcycle will be used. In many cases, white is the best color because it contrasts easily with a dark road surface.

night riding

The other obvious advantage of light colors, especially white, is driving at night. When driving at night, visibility for all road users is significantly restricted. Having a brightly colored motorcycle can greatly increase your visibility to others. And again, the more visible you are, the safer you are.

contrast with darkness

In most cases, your surroundings will be at least somewhat dark. Most roads are made of darker materials such as asphalt. With these road surfaces, a light motorcycle is easier to see than a darker one as it contrasts well with the dark road surface.

What is the safest color for a motorcycle?

White is usually the safest color for a motorcycle. This will not always be true, but it is mostly the case. A contrasting color to the motorcycle’s surroundings is safest and often white contrasts best, especially when riding at night.

There may be some exceptions to this rule. If you are driving in a snowy environment or in a place with a lot of white scenery or buildings, white may not be the safest choice. In these situations, a yellow seems like the next safer choice, or maybe a bright orange.

Bright colors

Other lighter colors like red or blue would probably be ranked after that. They’re not as easy to see or as certain as some of the lighter colors, but they still outperform darker colors like black, silver, and gray.

Silver, gray and especially black are the least safe colors for a motorcycle. Black motorcycles tend to blend in with their surroundings, such as B. dark road surfaces and dark buildings in urban environments. Black motorcycles are even harder to spot at night, even when lit, as they can blend in with the night sky or dark road surface.

Of course, riding a white motorcycle isn’t always practical or desirable. You will choose a motorcycle that suits your riding style, experience and personal preference, and you probably won’t choose one just because it’s a supposedly safer color. That’s why you can still do a lot when riding a motorcycle to be as visible as possible to other road users.

5 tips to stay visible while riding a motorcycle

1. Wear bright colors

Aside from the color of the bike itself, the next thing to think about is what you wear when you ride it. From many angles you may be just as visible, if not more so, than the bike itself. So what you’re wearing can mean the difference between someone seeing you and not.

Colorful clothing is much more visible than dark clothing. Although many motorcyclists prefer to wear black, it’s not the best choice when safety is your concern, especially at night. There is no rider less visible at night than the rider with a black motorcycle, black helmet and black clothes!

With any piece of gear, from your helmet to your boots, the lighter and more visible the clothing you wear, the more chance you have of being seen. Especially helmets, which are a rider’s highest point on the road, really benefit from a visible color. On a dark street at night, a black helmet without reflectors can be just as invisible.

2. Use retroreflection whenever possible

There are different types of reflection. When a mirror reflects light, it sends it in a different direction. A well angled mirror allows us to see backwards without having to look in that direction (like our motorcycle’s mirrors). However, retroreflective materials reflect light back directly at the source, regardless of angle.

Retroreflective materials aren’t very good at giving us accurate images of other areas, but they’re very good at illuminating what they’re attached to. If you drive at night, you may find that traffic signs are much easier to see than many other things on the side of the road. Because they’re made from retro-reflective materials, they reflect your headlights right back at you.

This technology is very useful for motorcyclists as visibility is one of our top safety concerns, especially at night. By wearing retroreflective gear we make ourselves much more visible. The light sources such as street lamps and car headlights illuminate our retroreflective gear, making us much more conspicuous to other drivers.

Incorporating as much retroreflective riding gear as possible into what you wear while riding could save your life. The amount of illumination and visibility you gain is priceless. I cannot recommend retro-reflective paints enough as the difference in visibility alone in low light and at night is easily worth it.

3. Use bright lights

Another way to increase your visibility is to make sure your lights are bright enough. While many newer bikes come with lights that are already very bright, older bikes may not. You can gain a lot of visibility by replacing your old lightbulbs with newer and brighter lightbulbs. Not only do these help other drivers see you, but they can also help you see things better at night.

Even if your motorcycle is already equipped with bright lights, it’s often not a bad idea to add a light or two. Check to see if this is legal where you live, but as long as the lights are standard colors and brightnesses it should be legal in most places.

4. Have spaced running lights

Another thing to consider for driving safety and visibility is the spacing of your lights. First of all, your motorcycle should have running lights, without headlights and taillights. These should always be on and are often in the same bulb as your turn signals, only your turn signals will flash and be much brighter.

Assuming you have running lights, you can improve your vision immensely by making sure they are spaced sufficiently apart. Many motorcycles have their running lights right next to the headlight or taillight, and so the bike can appear smaller than it is, although it will still register as different lights to other motorists.

The distance of your running lights from the center of your bike can have a big impact on how big and obvious the bike looks, especially at night. Having them well off center will make your bike look much wider than it actually is, or at least as wide as it really is. This makes your bike much easier to see for other riders.

5. Position yourself sensibly

The last thing I want to mention about promoting visibility when driving is to think about where you place yourself on the road. Lane position can be a determining factor in whether or not you are seen. The safest track position depends on your situation. As a general rule, you should always try to place yourself where you think you will be most visible to other drivers.

If you are following a car on the road, make sure that not only they but also other drivers can see you. If you follow a car too closely or hide behind it, another driver behind that car may turn around, thinking no one is there, and could hit you.

You also need to consider blind spots. Cars have many blind spots, and while drivers should always check them, they don’t always do so. Even so, a small motorcycle could be difficult to spot when lingering in a car’s blind spot, even with a driver checking it regularly. You should never rely on the competence or awareness of other drivers for your own safety!

It is best to avoid a car’s blind spot as much as possible. If you must pass it, announce your passing and do so quickly. Under no circumstances should you stay within this zone, because the longer you are there, the greater the risk of an accident.

Final Thoughts

White is usually the safest color for a motorcycle as it contrasts well with most backgrounds. White is also easiest to see at night. But no matter what color you choose for your motorcycle, wearing retroreflective gear and using lights to your advantage will ensure you’re always visible.

Yamaha motorcycle colors

All colors are supplied as “Standard” shade unless otherwise stated. Other colors available on request.

Tricolor. The price includes the base color and the intermediate layer.

Vivid Purplish Blue Cocktail 5 – color code 1177

Ocean depth – color code 996

Red – color code 4XV

White – Color code GWC1 – Tricolor. The price includes the base color and the intermediate layer.

Tricolor. The price includes the base color and the intermediate layer. Bright Red – color code 63-8880-1

Genesis Black – color code BL2

Orange – Color code LGM3 – Tri-level colour. The price includes the base color and the intermediate layer.

Lava red – paint code DRMK – three-stage colour. The price includes the base color and the intermediate layer.

Dark purple blue – color code 996

Colors dry to a matte finish and require a 2K clear coat.

Thousands of other colors available. Please contact us with the name and color code of the color you want if you don’t see your color listed.

color application

Application for 2 stage colors:

Always check color and spray test panels before spraying your product or project.

Start preparing your project as you would any other paint job. (Sand, Prime, etc.)

Mix Base Coat 1-1 with Reducer and stir well.

Apply 2-3 coats of base coat, leaving 10-15 minutes between coats. Leave on for 60 minutes before applying 2K clear coat.

Apply our 2K Show Clear for a true deep gloss finish.

Application for 3-step colors:

Just like with any color, find a matching pattern or chip a piece off the bike, then take it to a paint shop and ask them to match it for you. If it’s a modern bike from a decent manufacturer you can always email them and they might be able to tell you the make and model of the actual paint used.

Also keep in mind that you will have to varnish it afterwards, which will affect the final look.

Whether you want to completely restore your motorcycle or just want to refresh it a bit, many questions can arise during the process. If you ask the right questions, you will get a beautiful project.

A question that gets asked fairly frequently among DIY motorcyclists is what is the best color for their frame. Many have already made the choice to spray paint, but knowing which spray paint is best can be difficult.

So what is the best spray paint for a motorcycle frame? The best spray paint for a motorcycle frame is motor acrylic aerosol paint. This has been shown to work well with motorcycle frames and has proven to be robust. Using this type of spray paint makes painting the frame easy and gives it a professional look when used correctly.

Spray paint, when properly applied to a motorcycle frame, gives a desirable look without breaking the bank. I have restored over twelve bikes over the last few years and through trial and error have found the best paints and brands for bike frames.

Why using motor acrylic spray paint on frames works well

When it comes to painting the frame of your motorcycle, you should always make sure you get it right the first time. Painting the frame can be a bit of a chore with all the things you need to disassemble and take apart. So getting it right the first time can really save you a lot of time and frustration in the future.

In the last six years I have restored a total of fourteen motorcycles. I repainted the frame on each and every one of them. I have also helped several friends paint the frame of their motorcycles. Of course I’m no stranger to painting a motorcycle frame.

I’ve found an auto acrylic aerosol can to work great on frames. I especially prefer Dupli-Color Aerosol Car Paint (you can find it here on Amazon.com).

One reason I particularly like motor paint is that it has a high heat tolerance. A motorcycle frame is exposed to extreme temperatures in the vicinity of the engine, so it is appropriate to use a paint that can withstand these conditions.

Because acrylic aerosol dries quickly, it’s an easy DIY project to do in your garage on a Saturday afternoon. But because it dries quickly, you must be quick and thorough; Any barrels you get will likely dry out quickly, meaning you’ll have to sand them down and repaint them later.

Using an automotive acrylic aerosol can for a motorcycle frame has also proven to be incredibly durable. I have often used this color to paint the rims of a motorcycle and later mounted tires on these rims with no scratches from the mounting machine. Rocks and other debris the road has to offer also have a hard time scratching the paint if applied properly.

As a warning, because it’s so durable it can be a bit tricky if you’re spraying anything other than the frame. Unwanted paint stains from this engine paint are quite difficult to remove. The sooner you remove it, the better your chances of a successful removal.

What about the primer?

While it is not uncommon to simply spray paint the frame without a primer, the primer can still be an extremely helpful element when painting a motorcycle frame. Especially when it comes to bare metal.

I’ve seen the best results using primer before actually spraying the frame. You need to make sure you prepare the frame properly (which will be explained later) so that it gives the best results.

There are several benefits to priming your frame before painting it, and if you want to get this project right I encourage you to do so. First, the primer will help the paint adhere better to the frame. This ultimately makes the color more durable and lasts longer.

The prep work required to get a motorcycle frame ready for painting can leave it looking blotchy. What I mean is that you will have some spots that are bare metal while other spots may still have some faded paint on them. Priming before painting a frame will ensure these stains don’t show through the paint and will add extra shine to your paint. Not to mention that priming also helps with corrosion and rust.

What you should do before painting your frame to get the best results

There is a lot more to painting a motorcycle frame than just painting it, waiting for it to dry and saying it’s good. There is prep work that should be involved (as mentioned earlier) that will give you the best results.

A lot of this depends on how much of your frame needs to be painted. If just a small spot needs repainting, the prep work is still necessary, but not nearly as intense as spraying the entire frame.

Whether it’s a small stain or the whole frame you need to repaint, the first thing to do is remove any bits that may be in the way. As previously mentioned, any overspray on parts can be extremely difficult to remove. If some of the parts on your motorcycle seem impossible to remove, make sure you mask them off well.

Motorcycle frames are particularly prone to dirt, grime and grime accumulating on them, particularly the lower part of them. Dirt can get into crevices that a car wash can’t reach and will eventually settle. One of the biggest mistakes motorcyclists make is not cleaning the frame thoroughly before painting. Painting over dirt will cause chipping in the near future.

Use a wire brush or scraper to remove the large chunks. You can also use some sandpaper for the harder pieces that won’t move. Once you’ve removed the big stuff, use a grease remover to make sure all the grease and dirt is completely removed.

Next, make sure you scrape off the rest of the paint you want to paint over. It doesn’t need to be sanded down to bare metal, but the paint will adhere to the frame much better if the undercoat of paint has rubbed off a bit. When you’re done with that, use a damp rag to wipe away any dust.

Once you are satisfied that all grease has been removed, the frame has been rubbed enough to be painted, and is clean and dry, you can begin priming. Make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area and use a good quality respirator. Apply several coats of primer and make sure it is completely dry before applying your actual coat of paint. Also, make sure you apply several thin coats of your spray paint to avoid drips.

If you are still unsure whether or not to paint your bike and are considering powder coating instead, click here to read my article on the pros and cons of priming and powder coating a frame.

I made a whole video series about motorcycle restoration from start to finish. This series contains detailed videos on how to clean, prep and paint a motorcycle frame WITHOUT removing the engine. Also included are tips and tricks you won’t find anywhere else online, as well as tricky components like electrical, body work on motorcycle tanks and carburetor rebuilds. Click here for more information if you are interested in restoring or building your dream bike!

Do you have to remove everything to paint the frame?

Most people have the misconception that if you want to repaint the entire motorcycle frame, you have to remove everything including the engine. I did this several times on my first motorcycle restorations.

Removing the engine is a daunting task and can damage your motorcycle if you don’t know what you are doing. In fact, after a few motorcycle restorations, I’ve found that you don’t have to remove the engine at all to still get a high quality, brand new look to the frame when you paint it.

You need to make sure you tape the motor very well to ensure no spray gets on it. Using newspaper and tape works wonders and can save you a lot of time and frustration. Click here to see my article on how to paint a motorcycle frame without removing the engine.

related questions

Do you need experience to paint a motorcycle tank? While experience isn’t required to paint a motorcycle tank, it helps to have some practice beforehand. If you’ve never done it before, before you start a project like this, paint an unimportant object and get a feel for how the color works.

What are motorcycle frames made of? When the first motorcycles came out, their frames were made of tubular steel. While some bikes are still made out of steel these days, you’ll also see a range of frames made out of aluminum or carbon fiber.

Motorbikes are fun vehicles not only because they are fun to drive but also easy to edit and customize. I have restored more than 12 bikes and gained quite a bit of customizing experience.

If you are planning to restore, customize or simply upgrade your motorcycle you may be wondering about your frame and how you can make it look better. A question I often hear is whether powder coating the frame is better or painting it is better.

Having restored so many bikes has given me a good idea of ​​how powder coating compares to painting a frame. I’m not going to tell you what to do with your motorcycle frame, but I will give you the pros and cons of each frame and you can decide from there what is the best choice for you.

Powder Coating Professionals

First I will start by talking about the pros and cons of powder coating a motorcycle frame. When a frame is powder coated, a powder-like substance is sprayed over the entire frame (hence the name). The process almost looks like a hair dryer blowing out powder.

When a motorcycle frame is powder coated, it must be completely dismantled down to the frame. That means removing the engine, seat, tank, wiring harness and even every nut and bolt from the frame. This has to be done as the frame is going into a large kiln which would otherwise ruin other parts.

The beauty of it is that the work is usually done very thoroughly. You never have to worry about stumbling upon a spot that was overlooked because a part got in the way. You will know that 100% of the frame is covered and well covered with powder coating.

Another great thing about powder coating a motorcycle frame is the fact that it lasts far longer than any other painting method. The sun, as well as all other elements, can have a major impact on the finish, even the finish on a motorcycle frame. The sun and its UV rays can lighten the color, essentially sun bleaching it, which can result in light spots and a discolored frame.

Powder coating prevents this. Powder coating generally stays a solid color for life, no matter how long you leave it in the sun, rain, or snow. With good care, the powder coating looks after 10 years as if it had just been taken out of the workshop.

The powder coating is also much more durable than any other paint job you would have done. The chemical reaction of the powder when curing in the oven after application ensures a thick and durable coating on the frame. Powder coating is often used for machines that move a lot but still maintain themselves.

This also means that when done properly, powder coating is far less prone to swarf. A normal paint finish can easily take a stone chip from the road or a motorcycle tip. Powder coating protects against such things much better.

Powder coating cons

Despite the great results you can get from powder coating your motorcycle, there are also some downsides. The first downside I want to mention is that powder coating is not a “do-it-yourself” project that you can just do in your garage on a Saturday afternoon.

While it’s possible to get a powder coating kit and equipment to do the job yourself, the results are often far less thorough and sharp than if you took it to a professional and had it done. You’ll also need an oven big enough to put the frame in to cure the powder, which most people don’t have lying around. You need to take it to a professional and have it done.

Powder coating the frame is also more expensive than painting it. Prices vary depending on where you live and what needs to be done on the frame, but powder coating a motorcycle frame typically starts at around $150. This usually does not involve any prep work or disassembly of your motorcycle.

If you want to do prep work, your price is around $200-$250. If you want the shop to disassemble the bike and reassemble it for you (if they even do that), that’s at least another $200-$300. Painting the motorcycle frame itself costs no more than about $50 or $60 for everything.

It also takes a lot longer to powder coat a motorcycle frame than to paint it yourself. When you powder coat a motorcycle frame it most likely means taking it to a shop to have it done. They must stick to their schedule and make an appointment. They also take several hours to get the job done and let them cure in the oven.

painting professionals

When I talk about painting a motorcycle frame, I mean painting it yourself and not having it professionally done. There are many benefits to painting a motorcycle frame yourself, one of which is how easy a project can be.

Some people prefer to still take everything off their bike and strip it down to the frame to paint it. While that’s perfectly fine, it’s still possible to paint a frame without removing some of the big parts like the engine (click here to see our article on how to paint a motorcycle frame without removing the engine ). This can still give great results and is a lot less work for you. You can also do this in the comfort of your own garage on a Saturday afternoon.

Whether you decide to powder coat your motorcycle frame or paint it yourself, both options require some prep work. Preparatory work is important because it determines the lifespan of the paint or powder coating on the frame. If the prep work is done properly, your frame painting can look just as good as a powder coat, minus the time and expense involved.

Speaking of costs: Painting a motorcycle frame yourself costs less money than powder coating. I’ve painted many motorcycle frames over the years and the cost has never been more than $50-$60.

This includes sandpaper, degreaser and the paint. Some may find it worth saving the money knowing they can do a good job that has the same results as powder coating.

painting cons

As I mentioned earlier, any method of coating a motorcycle frame requires prep work. When a frame is going to be powder coated, people often pay the shop to prepare the metal since they have the right equipment to do it. If you paint a frame yourself, you must do the preparatory work yourself, and you must be thorough in doing it. You should not skimp on this, otherwise your paintwork will look sloppy.

I made the mistake of doing the prep work too quickly only to find that the paint started chipping soon after painting the bike frame. Poor preparation leaves dirt and grease on the frame where the paint will not adhere.

Paint tends to scratch off much easier compared to powder coating. If a tool slips or you accidentally tip your bike over, you will most likely get some scratches or chips that will need to be repainted.

Paint is not as durable as powder coating, so the harsh external elements can affect the finish, which can also result in paint chipping and flaking.

Painting a motorcycle frame itself also carries the risk of splashing onto other parts that should not be painted. Doing things yourself is a good option, but because you may not have that much experience with something like this, you may not always know every spot to mask off to prevent overspray.

I’ve accidentally gotten water spray on the motor before. Most motorcycle engines are made of cast iron and aluminum; When paint gets on such materials, it is almost impossible to remove the paint from it.

Whether you plan on restoring or remodeling other parts of your motorcycle, you may be interested in an entire series of videos I’ve made about restoring a motorcycle from start to finish. This video series features restoration tips and tricks you won’t find anywhere else, as well as tutorials on tricky components like carburetor rebuilds, body work, and electrical. Click here if you are interested in restoring or building your dream bike!

related questions

What are some motorcycle restoration tips? Some tips I always follow when restoring a motorcycle are taking lots of photos, labeling wires and parts, putting small parts in labeled plastic bags, budgeting time and money, having the right tools on hand, and joining forums. Click here to see my article for more information.

Can you powder coat motorcycle rims? You can powder coat motorcycle wheels unless they are aluminum. Powder coated aluminum wheels change the chemistry of aluminum when placed in the oven. This chemical change can cause catastrophic problems at higher speeds. For more information click here to see my article which discusses this further.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TRACK A VEHICLE?

Are you considering wrapping your vehicle and wondering how much it costs to wrap a vehicle? Motorbike, truck, camper or even a food truck? You are in the right place on blog.r

There are many reasons to get a wrap. Some want it for personal reasons. Companies want to take advantage of their vehicle fleet and strengthen their brand.

Whatever your reasons, create a budget so you can stay within your limits. Maybe do some research on how much it costs to wrap a car to help set your budget, great!

WHICH FACTORS GO INTO THE COSTS?

Is there a simple answer to the question of packaging costs? Unfortunately, not.

Each vehicle wrap is unique with many variables that determine cost. This contains:

size of the vehicle

Partial or full sheathing

wrapping material

These variables are used to calculate total area, labor, and material cost. There are other smaller variables that affect the cost: the quantity of small parts and the design.

COSTS OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS

The beauty of wrapping a vehicle is the many options to choose from. Different colors. Different finishes. Different materials.

The aesthetic appearance offers unlimited possibilities. While the work can vary slightly between different materials, the material itself is often the biggest factor in price differences. If you are on a budget, the vehicle wrap company will show you which materials will fit your budget.

Let’s look at the cost of popular materials.

Vinyl matte

According to CreditDonkey, vinyl matte surfaces cost about $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot.

chrome

Chrome Wrapping starts at $8 per square foot. Depending on which chrome quality you prefer, the price will increase.

vinyl shine

Vinyl Gloss is the cheapest material for wrapping your vehicle. The cost per square foot ranges from $1.50 to $3.50.

carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is a popular choice among vehicle wrap enthusiasts and costs $3 to $7 per square foot.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PACK A MOTORCYCLE?

Although a motorcycle is small, it is more labor intensive compared to cars. More parts. More curves. more difficulty.

It costs approximately $1,500 to $4,000 to box a motorcycle. Depending on the material quality and how many parts you want to pack.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FOIL A CAR?

Two-door coupes and smaller four-door sedans typically start at around $2,000 for a full wrap. These include popular larger pairs like the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PACK A MEDIUM SIZED VEHICLE

Mid-size vehicles are a wide range of dimensions. Different heights. Different lengths.

This category includes larger four-door sedans, smaller SUVs and vans.

Vehicles in this category start at around $3,500 for a full wrap.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FOIL A TRUCK?

The cost of wrapping your truck in wraps is typically $5,000. A partial wrap starts at $1,500.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PACK A RV?

Our largest vehicle in this article, RVs come in a variety of sizes. RVs can be anywhere from 20 to 40 feet in length. It is also important to consider the number of slide-outs on the motorhome.

RVs range from $3,500 for a 20′ and up to $6,800 for a 40′. Slide outs cost an additional $250 to $300 per slide out.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO WRAP A FOOD TRUCK?

Putting foil on your food truck is a great branding opportunity. Because these vehicles are larger, they require more work. Typically, these food trucks use a glossy vinyl material, which is the cheapest. Due to the constant exposure to the sun, it is recommended that a higher quality vinyl sheeting material be used.

A food truck costs between $2,500 and $6,000.

Free vehicle wrap quotes in Tempe, Mesa & Chandler, Arizona

Learn more about our vehicle wrapping services or get a free estimate for vehicle wrapping in Tempe, Mesa or Chandler, Arizona by calling Davis Signs & Graphics today at (480) 945-0196.

​When I was a teenager, I painted my own motorcycle tank. Everything went perfect I thought, except I didn’t add the primer and my tank turned out to be dull red. Painting can cost a little for smaller parts or a lot for an entire bike, but keep in mind how exactly you want it to look as a nice finish will take more time and money. How much does it cost to paint a motorcycle? You can expect to pay around $300-$1500 for a motorcycle paint job. There are many variables to consider, so narrowing down the price will depend on what exactly you need to paint and how difficult the job will be. We discuss the cost of a regular, custom, and DIY paint job.

Regular Livery Custom Livery DIY Livery $300-1500 $600-$3000 $100-$500

If you’re hoping to customize your motorcycle, you’re in luck. You can do it yourself or ask someone to add a little flair for a relatively low price. But if you need to repaint an entire bike, you’ll have to pay quite a bit more. Get some ideas on how to customize your motorcycle and you’re well on your way to getting the job done.

Each paint job depends on how much of the bike you want to paint. Some just want to paint the tank, others the tank, fairings and fenders, and still others the whole frame. As such, the cost of painting your motorcycle can vary significantly. If you’re a do-it-yourself (DIY) type, you’ll have to choose between using a spray can or a paint machine to get the job done. This also affects your costs. You may need to sand and spray on a reformer paint if you have rust. With a little paintwork for scratches, you may want to do it yourself. And don’t forget the colors and designs you will be using. Getting a quality paint job and finish depends in part on the paint quality and whether mistakes are made. Custom colors and quality craftsmanship cost more.

Regular painting Custom painting DIY painting around $300 – $1500

Experienced professional

Average paint quality Around $600 – $3000

Experienced professional

Higher paint quality

Customization and Better Resale Value About $100-$500

The result depends on your skills

The quality depends on the equipment and the chosen paints. Wide range of prices and qualities. Usually good quality but can be much more expensive. The quality can be lower than in a paint shop

Costs for using a normal motorcycle paint shop

A regular paint job on your motorcycle will likely cost you between $300 and $1500. As with any painting, the price depends heavily on the amount of work that needs to be done before painting. Remember that the actual painting is only part of the process and possibly most of the work involves sanding the old paint off your motorcycle. Grinding your motorcycle requires manual work and will take more time. In addition, the costs increase if a lot of preparations have to be made before the actual painting process. Parts must be masked or removed to paint much of the frame effectively, as well as other parts that must be removed to be fully painted.

Here’s a tip: start by prepping your bike before going to a pro. You can start the work yourself and then ask a profession to finish it. This could bring the cost down significantly, so you might only have to pay half that for a regular paint job (around $150-$750). If you do the preparation yourself, you will also see if all the work is possible for you. If the cost of a paint job is prohibitive, ask a paint shop how much they charge if you do the parts yourself. If you only want to paint the tank and fairings of your motorcycle, removing and preparing the paint shop will save you time and money. Take the time to learn how to properly detach and reattach any parts you want to paint. After painting the parts, be careful not to scratch the paint and clean the surrounding areas to keep all newly painted parts looking good. Saving money is great, but make sure you avoid prep problems by being careful. Costs for an individual motorcycle painting

As mentioned in the previous section, a regular paint job is a lot cheaper than a custom one. However, it should be noted that a restoration of your motorcycle’s paintwork may cost a lot more. You may want to take some photos of your bike and use a drawing program to see how it will look with the design you have in mind before actually painting it. You can also hire an artist to create a design for you. At fiver.com, artists can help with all kinds of design concepts, including creating decals for your motorcycle.

Keep in mind that if the professional is doing custom paintwork and designs for your bike, it may be impossible for you to negotiate the price down. Expect to pay double what you would pay for a regular paint job (around $600-$3000). Why are custom paint jobs so popular? Here are some reasons to consider: More prep work is usually required.

Usually more color is needed.

Sometimes it takes a lot more time. (Sometimes a brush artist is needed)

Costume mixed colors may be required.

Established and well-reviewed stores cost more. A custom paint job can add value to your motorcycle. Although the market for very unique paint designs can reduce the number of people interested in buying the bike. Not that you have a costume livery, your motorcycle is also a work or art as well as a means of transportation. Its uniqueness will make you stand out from the rest and make you proud of your owner. Just make sure you really want the design you want. You stay tuned when it’s done. Cost of a DIY motorcycle paint job

Painting the bike yourself might only cost you less than $100. However, this amount depends on whether you buy equipment and the quality and type of paint used. DIY is definitely cheaper and can turn out well if you have patience and follow all directions and don’t take shortcuts. You will have a lot of work to get a good end product. You can expect to do some preparation before painting and possibly make a few mistakes. However, doing the dirty work yourself is part of the fun of learning to accomplish a potentially challenging task.

When painting a motorcycle it’s important to practice your skills, especially when you’re on a tight budget. Whether you use a spray can or a paint sprayer ($30 to $200), painting a motorcycle is something most people can do, even if you’ve never done it before. The key is to take your time and practice your technique. Make sure you have the right colors and do your homework beforehand for any items you will need ($100+ air compressor). Then you get the quality you can be proud of. In a DIY painting, you mainly have to spend the paint. Tools may or may not be needed.

Primer base coat clear coat

The best part is that you can paint your motorcycle at your leisure. With a little practice, you’ll be able to paint your motorcycle beautifully. When you master your painting technique, others may soon ask for your help.

Whether you’re trying to save a few bucks or you just like the challenge of doing it all yourself, at some point you’ll probably think about painting your own motorcycle. But not everyone has their own air compressor at home or a spray booth and a decent spray gun.

But who says you can’t spray paint a motorcycle in your home workshop? Okay, you might not get the same result as a professional painter with a spray booth. It will not be as durable as modern two-pack automotive paints. And you’ll probably spend time and money peeling it off and sending it to a professional after you change your mind.

But if you want to learn some new skills, get that perfect color match, and have the satisfaction of doing it yourself, stick with me and speed up your learning curve.

You can get an acceptable result painting in your home business if you learn, practice, and follow a process. So I’ve broken my process down into six steps: we’ll cover the first three this week and the rest next time.

Before you begin, be sure to speak with your local bodywork supplier for detailed product information and recommendations. After reading this article, you should be able to ask intelligent questions.

Step 1: Think about the final finish What color scheme will your project have? Will it have lettering, decals, patterns or lines? Flake or Flat Color? Glossy or matte?

Once you have a final finish in mind, it helps to determine the painting process and products needed. A rough outline of your paint scheme will help you plan the painting steps, so don’t be afraid to sketch out your design.

Step 2: Choose a Color System Assuming you don’t have an air compressor for this process, your color choices are somewhat limited. So let’s cover some of the terms you may hear related to painting technology.

One-step paint is a paint where the color and gloss are achieved with a single coat of paint. Two-step paint requires one coat of paint for the color and another for the protective clear coat (which can be gloss or matte). These two-step products are commonly called basecoat/clearcoat systems.

1K coatings are coatings that do not require a hardener, activator or other products to cure. House paint is a simple example of such a product; One-shot pinstripe livery is another. (Most aerosol paints also fall into this category.)

2K paints are products that are mixed with a hardener just before spraying to activate a chemical reaction when drying. This provides a durable finished surface that is much less susceptible to damage from weather, UV rays, fuel or chemicals. Your average body shop sprays a 2K finish on modern cars in their paint booth.

As with everything, there are exceptions. Some suppliers can supply an aerosol can that will provide a 2K clear coat. They do this with a separate chamber in the can that contains the hardener. Shortly before spraying, activate the hardener feed and this mixes with the clear coat. You then have a limited window of opportunity to spray the clear coat before the paint “pops” in the can.

And of course you could have a two step paint system with a 1K base coat (color) and a 2K clear coat. Online sources like Eastwood are a great place to start researching your options.

For a personal project, I painted my Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R bike black and gold using a 1K base coat and a 2K matte clear coat over an eBay sticker kit.

I painted the fuel tank you see above specifically for this article. I used a high-quality (read: relatively expensive) enamel aerosol paint from the hardware store for several reasons:

1. The recoating time was short – about 20 minutes. I had a lot of paint to apply and a deadline!

2. This tank was full of rust holes so would never get on a bike again and would only ever be garage art.

3. It was a lot cheaper than a real car paint.

If you are interested in tackling such a project, I would encourage you to do something similar. Find a surplus tank or fender and practice some of these techniques before pointing the spray can at your project bike. Worst case, if it doesn’t work or you don’t like it, you can pull it off and start over.

What better paint to finish off your bike than hardware store paint? Yes! The availability of paint products depends on where you are in the world. So ask your local suppliers for advice or check out the Eastwood website and resources.

Step 3: Preparation Preparation is critical to a quality finish. My general process is: strip paint, trowel, sand, prime, spray putty/filler, sand and prime again.

Paint Removal You can paint over an existing coating, whether it’s a frame or a tank. If the paint is in good condition, you can simply sand it down with 400 grit wet and dry paper and paint over it. You may risk compatibility with the original color, so test the existing color first. Hold a rag soaked in all-purpose thinner over the paint – if the thinner dissolves the existing paint, consider wiping it off.

I prefer to strip to Bare Metal though. I would like to know what I am working with. You can see my favorite paint removal methods in this article, but paint strippers are available in aerosol cans, which might be suitable for a smaller motorcycle project.

I had sanded off the paint on our project gas tank beforehand. The disadvantage of grinding is that it leaves deep scratches in the metal – strip and clean wheels are a clear winner here.

You may have heard advice on how to prevent or neutralize rust on your bare metal. I don’t usually worry as I move straight to the next step within hours of peeling off the paint.

Filling If you have a new tank, replica tank or frame, you may be able to skip this step. Otherwise line up some body filler. This is usually a two part product – you need to mix a hardener with the filler to start a reaction that hardens the product.

Before mixing the spatula, put on disposable gloves to protect your skin. Use a wax and grease remover with a clean rag and wipe over the tank to ensure it’s spotless and ready for the next step.

You need a surface to mix the filler. Some sources suggest that cardboard absorbs resins from the filler, so I use a $2 plastic cutting board from this big Swedish furniture store. Pick up some plastic spatula spreaders; that’s a dollar or something. (You can use any stiff plastic card if you’re really on a budget.)

Follow the instructions on the product packaging. Mine said something like “Mix 1 part hardener to 50 parts filler by weight”. I have no idea how you would actually do this, so I scoop out some putty with the spatula and press a thin line of hardener across it. Use the plastic spreader to continuously fold the mixture in on itself until it’s a uniform color and texture.

You need to keep moving now as the filler will start to harden. Use the plastic spreader to spread putty over the surface. I hold the spreader with my thumb on one side and three fingers on the back – then I can curve it to better fit the surface. With a few tries you will soon determine the best angle and pressure to leave a smooth layer on the surface.

Apply one coat at a time, no more than 3mm or 1/8 inch thick. If you want to build up a deeper dent, apply 3mm and let it dry before applying more layers to build it up.

You will find that the filler becomes more and more difficult to work with and hardens as the minutes go by. Mix small amounts so you don’t waste anything. Try to smooth out the filler as much as possible; Getting rid of hills and bumps will add a lot of sanding work in the next step.

Sanding Once the putty has set (about 30 minutes if all goes well) you can start sanding. My goal is to remove the putty as quickly as possible without leaving massive scratches that I’ll have to fill in later. My hardware store carries 80 grit aluminum oxide paper in large rolls, so I’ll start with that. The 80 grit leaves no significant scratches and the aluminum oxide paper resists clogging.

While working on this project I found a 5 lb box of assorted sandpaper which would be a good option if you plan to order online. I also use a paint sanding block, which is a firm foam pad that you wrap your sandpaper around. Instead of a hard, straight block – which is good for straight, flat surfaces – the color sanding block conforms to a curved surface.

With reasonably coarse paper wrapped around a paint sanding block, start smoothing out the putty. This is dusty work, so wear a disposable dust mask. Keep working through your stash of sandpaper until the filler is only in the deep spots, such as the bottom. B. dents, remains.

Run your hand palm down over the surface. You will feel any low spots – the putty in these areas is not high enough to match the existing surface. Mix up some more and repeat the filling and grinding process.

This step will probably take the longest, but is the foundation of your paint job. I spent about four hours filling and sanding the tank I painted for this article. Mostly grinding. Be aware that the first coat of primer, while it may look good at the putty stage, really helps to highlight any flaws in this step. If you can see the error now, you can guarantee it’s visible under the paint. Now it’s time to touch up and smooth it out with filler.

Before proceeding to the next step, I would recommend sanding progressively finer with 120, 240, and 400 grit. I have found that I sometimes have trouble covering 80 grit sanding scratches in the primer and paint stages unless I further smooth the coat of filler.

Primer A primer is used to create a bond between the surface and the paint, or in this case between the filler and the paint. Your paint supplier will recommend the best primer for your final paint finish product. The packaging will tell you how thick to apply and how long to wait between coats.

Before you shoot a primer, you’ll need to tape off any parts that don’t need paint, like the fuel filler neck. I also mask behind the tank seam to prevent paint from blowing onto the bottom of the tank. I use decent quality painters tape, not cheap household tape.

At the very last second before applying the primer or any other coating, use a sticky cloth and wipe the surface you want to paint. The tack cloth will pick up any dust or dirt that has settled and minimizes the amount that ends up in your paint job.

The primer you use may contain some filler to smooth the finish. If so, you can sand the primer. You can use a 240 grit at this stage, then a 400 grit before the next step. Removing the high points will further level the surface. If you sand back down to the spatula, prime it again before moving on to the next step.

If the primer doesn’t have any filler (or enough to cover up marks) you can add the next step.

Spray Putty If you find minor scratches in the primer, a spray putty can help fill them. Follow the product directions – the spray putty I use recommends three to four coats and then sanding. Again, you could end up sanding away most of the putty, leaving only the putty on the low spots.

Check your spray putty coverage and sand out any marks. Spot stains with more body filler if the spray putty didn’t cover up your past sins. Give it one last sand and check again with your hand. Hopefully you won’t feel any more traces in the surface. If you have sanded back to bare metal or the product recommends more primer over the putty, spray on before proceeding with painting. And that’s what we’re going to cover in Part II in a couple of weeks.

Download a free Amazon shopping list of accessories and consumables needed to paint a motorcycle exactly as detailed in this article here.

Whether you want to completely restore your motorcycle or just want to refresh it a bit, many questions can arise during the process. If you ask the right questions, you will get a beautiful project.

A question that gets asked fairly frequently among DIY motorcyclists is what is the best color for their frame. Many have already made the choice to spray paint, but knowing which spray paint is best can be difficult.

So what is the best spray paint for a motorcycle frame? The best spray paint for a motorcycle frame is motor acrylic aerosol paint. This has been shown to work well with motorcycle frames and has proven to be robust. Using this type of spray paint makes painting the frame easy and gives it a professional look when used correctly.

Spray paint, when properly applied to a motorcycle frame, gives a desirable look without breaking the bank. I have restored over twelve bikes over the last few years and through trial and error have found the best paints and brands for bike frames.

Why using motor acrylic spray paint on frames works well

When it comes to painting the frame of your motorcycle, you should always make sure you get it right the first time. Painting the frame can be a bit of a chore with all the things you need to disassemble and take apart. So getting it right the first time can really save you a lot of time and frustration in the future.

In the last six years I have restored a total of fourteen motorcycles. I repainted the frame on each and every one of them. I have also helped several friends paint the frame of their motorcycles. Of course I’m no stranger to painting a motorcycle frame.

I’ve found an auto acrylic aerosol can to work great on frames. I especially prefer Dupli-Color Aerosol Car Paint (you can find it here on Amazon.com).

One reason I particularly like motor paint is that it has a high heat tolerance. A motorcycle frame is exposed to extreme temperatures in the vicinity of the engine, so it is appropriate to use a paint that can withstand these conditions.

Because acrylic aerosol dries quickly, it’s an easy DIY project to do in your garage on a Saturday afternoon. But because it dries quickly, you must be quick and thorough; Any barrels you get will likely dry out quickly, meaning you’ll have to sand them down and repaint them later.

Using an automotive acrylic aerosol can for a motorcycle frame has also proven to be incredibly durable. I have often used this color to paint the rims of a motorcycle and later mounted tires on these rims with no scratches from the mounting machine. Rocks and other debris the road has to offer also have a hard time scratching the paint if applied properly.

As a warning, because it’s so durable it can be a bit tricky if you’re spraying anything other than the frame. Unwanted paint stains from this engine paint are quite difficult to remove. The sooner you remove it, the better your chances of a successful removal.

What about the primer?

While it is not uncommon to simply spray paint the frame without a primer, the primer can still be an extremely helpful element when painting a motorcycle frame. Especially when it comes to bare metal.

I’ve seen the best results using primer before actually spraying the frame. You need to make sure you prepare the frame properly (which will be explained later) so that it gives the best results.

There are several benefits to priming your frame before painting it, and if you want to get this project right I encourage you to do so. First, the primer will help the paint adhere better to the frame. This ultimately makes the color more durable and lasts longer.

The prep work required to get a motorcycle frame ready for painting can leave it looking blotchy. What I mean is that you will have some spots that are bare metal while other spots may still have some faded paint on them. Priming before painting a frame will ensure these stains don’t show through the paint and will add extra shine to your paint. Not to mention that priming also helps with corrosion and rust.

What you should do before painting your frame to get the best results

There is a lot more to painting a motorcycle frame than just painting it, waiting for it to dry and saying it’s good. There is prep work that should be involved (as mentioned earlier) that will give you the best results.

A lot of this depends on how much of your frame needs to be painted. If just a small spot needs repainting, the prep work is still necessary, but not nearly as intense as spraying the entire frame.

Whether it’s a small stain or the whole frame you need to repaint, the first thing to do is remove any bits that may be in the way. As previously mentioned, any overspray on parts can be extremely difficult to remove. If some of the parts on your motorcycle seem impossible to remove, make sure you mask them off well.

Motorcycle frames are particularly prone to dirt, grime and grime accumulating on them, particularly the lower part of them. Dirt can get into crevices that a car wash can’t reach and will eventually settle. One of the biggest mistakes motorcyclists make is not cleaning the frame thoroughly before painting. Painting over dirt will cause chipping in the near future.

Use a wire brush or scraper to remove the large chunks. You can also use some sandpaper for the harder pieces that won’t move. Once you’ve removed the big stuff, use a grease remover to make sure all the grease and dirt is completely removed.

Next, make sure you scrape off the rest of the paint you want to paint over. It doesn’t need to be sanded down to bare metal, but the paint will adhere to the frame much better if the undercoat of paint has rubbed off a bit. When you’re done with that, use a damp rag to wipe away any dust.

Once you are satisfied that all grease has been removed, the frame has been rubbed enough to be painted, and is clean and dry, you can begin priming. Make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area and use a good quality respirator. Apply several coats of primer and make sure it is completely dry before applying your actual coat of paint. Also, make sure you apply several thin coats of your spray paint to avoid drips.

If you are still unsure whether or not to paint your bike and are considering powder coating instead, click here to read my article on the pros and cons of priming and powder coating a frame.

I made a whole video series about motorcycle restoration from start to finish. This series contains detailed videos on how to clean, prep and paint a motorcycle frame WITHOUT removing the engine. Also included are tips and tricks you won’t find anywhere else online, as well as tricky components like electrical, body work on motorcycle tanks and carburetor rebuilds. Click here for more information if you are interested in restoring or building your dream bike!

Do you have to remove everything to paint the frame?

Most people have the misconception that if you want to repaint the entire motorcycle frame, you have to remove everything including the engine. I did this several times on my first motorcycle restorations.

Removing the engine is a daunting task and can damage your motorcycle if you don’t know what you are doing. In fact, after a few motorcycle restorations, I’ve found that you don’t have to remove the engine at all to still get a high quality, brand new look to the frame when you paint it.

You need to make sure you tape the motor very well to ensure no spray gets on it. Using newspaper and tape works wonders and can save you a lot of time and frustration. Click here to see my article on how to paint a motorcycle frame without removing the engine.

related questions

Do you need experience to paint a motorcycle tank? While experience isn’t required to paint a motorcycle tank, it helps to have some practice beforehand. If you’ve never done it before, before you start a project like this, paint an unimportant object and get a feel for how the color works.

What are motorcycle frames made of? When the first motorcycles came out, their frames were made of tubular steel. While some bikes are still made out of steel these days, you’ll also see a range of frames made out of aluminum or carbon fiber.

To do it right, so that the result is beautiful and of good quality, it’s good to know how. This is how this article helped me. Many Thanks!”

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“This article was helpful with information on the correct order of painting. It’s not hard to do, but if you want to