DIY: How to Paint a Scooter
Some scooter painting ideas
So, You Want to Paint Your Scooter
You're shopping for a new scooter, and they don't have the color you want?
You've got a scrape on the side of your scooter?
Your old scooter's paint job is fading?
Are you in the mood for a change of color scheme on your scooter?
If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then you're in luck! The answer may be easier than you think. Just take your time and be careful! In this article, I will show you how to paint a scooter.
You can paint your scooter any color you want.
Your Work Area
Make sure to have a clean and dust-free work area. Always spray paint in a well-ventilated area! Have some dust-free rags available, and a drop cloth too. Gather all the items you need in one area so you are not running around looking for things.
The Paint
Let's start off by selecting the paint. The spray paint that works excellent for fixing up your scooter is Krylon Fusion. This paint works on plastic, metal, wood, and other materials. There may be others to choose from, just read the label to be sure. The drying time is only 15 minutes, and it works great for this type of application. It can be found almost anywhere that sells spray paint. It's not very expensive, and one can of spray paint goes a long way.
Scooter Preparation
Remove the parts you will be spray painting from the scooter. Use the owner's manual to learn how to separate the parts. If not in the user's manual, try to look it up online. If this is not possible, use painter's tape and newspaper to cover parts not being painted.
But either option can work; just be careful. Use warm soap and water to clean the parts being painted. Dry completely.
Sanding
Using very fine sandpaper, sand each piece, being very careful to sand lightly and evenly. This gives a better surface for the paint to adhere to. Basically, you want the 'shine' gone. Extra fine, 300 grit or higher grit will do; the finer, the better. Wipe off all dust after sanding.
Painting
Take a couple of practice sprays without actually spraying anything. Now you are ready to paint. Place parts on the drop cloth, and have dust-free rags nearby. Shake spray paint can very well. Moving hand side to side in a quick-flowing motion about 10 inches from the surface, overlapping slightly. Now paint! You will get the feel of how it is done after the first coat, and it will become easier as you go. Try not to let drips form, and if they do, use a rag to wipe up and respray the area.
Multiple coats are a very good idea, and it is very important to let the pieces dry completely between coats. Set an hour aside in between coats. Humidity will affect dry times.
Drying
Make sure all parts are placed to dry in a dust-free area. Once dry, you can put your new and improved scooter back together. A full seven days to be fully chip-resistant but able to ride the next day, being extra careful. Again, read the directions on the spray can for details.
Go Out for a Ride
Now that your scooter is 100% dry, go out for a ride, and hopefully, you will feel better on your new and improved scooter. I know I did after painting mine. That original puke orange was excruciating to the eyes. Ride safely.
When I pulled up to a friend's house, they asked me if I had bought a new scooter. Of course, I explained I painted it, and this was the new paint job. I felt much better about my scooter after that. They looked it over and asked how I got it to look so good.
I told them it took days when, in fact, it took hours. I was very proud.
So, now, when I get looks from drivers passing me by, I know they are thinking that my scooter is good-looking as opposed to the ugliness it was prior to the paint job.
And, for future reference, this will work on any other plastic parts you may have that need updating. Just be sure to read the spray paint cans for details and make sure you are using the right product for the right project. Better safe than sorry, I always say!
If you have any advice or comments, please free to let me know. Good advice can go a long way to improving our painting projects.
More on Spray Painting
- How to Control Overspray When Spray Painting Outdoor...
Paint overspray is something you always want to take into consideration when spray painting outdoors. Follow my tips to ensure your exterior spray painting project goes smoothly without property damage. - Tips for Spray Painting Walls and Ceilings
Using a sprayer for interior painting is a time-saving alternative over brushing and rolling. Check out my tips for spray painting walls and ceilings. - Tips for Spray Painting Interior Doors
Spray painting doors is a lot faster than painting them by hand. Here are my tips on how to spray paint your interior doors using an airless sprayer.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
© 2013 Jim Laughlin
Comments
Tammy on April 21, 2018:
Someone told me that I needed to use a primer first..guess! Is this true in some cases?
Jim Laughlin (author) from Connecticut on September 13, 2017:
Ashok, I have to honest, I am not sure how much paint you will need. I have memory issues and cannot even recall how much I used. I am sorry I don't have a better answer for you.
Ashok on September 08, 2017:
Sir,
Greateful for the guidance and experience. How much paint is required to paint a bajaj scooter if I need to paint at least two coats. 9811771870.
Ricoh on June 12, 2017:
Hello
And thank you for this insightful article. I feel confident to paint my scooter now. I might even open a business knowing that there are very few if any places to get our scooters painted
Thanks Again
Ricoh
