Hi Guys, I have a cruiser that I need painted, so it would be tank, fenders, and side panels.

I was wondering how much you think I could save by doing the sanding myself. I hate sanding, but if it's going to have a dramatic effect on the price I might do it.

The old paint is in good shape, I just don't like the color, so do I even need to sand it all off, or just rough it up a bit?

 

Prep work can get very pricey. I would just do it myself. At least on a motorcycle, you have minimal work to do compared to a car or truck.

If you have, or have access to pneumatic tools, use a 1/4 inch grinder and some roloc discs. You'll have your work done almost instantly.

 

imo i would not, painters get alot for their work because they prep and paint and know the process to make it right. say you go through all the motions and its not right, your painter is going to have to go over your work again and you will have to pay. kinf of a no win unless your a painter. most of that cost involves the stripping, filling, smoothing and all that.

if you know what your doing, do it, if not, leave it to the professionals.

 

if you want perfect, stick with perfessionals.

 

You've gotta start somewhere.

 

its not worth doing it your self the amount of time and materals that are required make it easer to work some o/t and pay a pro.

 

If the paint is good, all you need to do is wetsand the paint until there is no shiny spots left. Be careful around the edges so you don't burn through to the metal. Once it is prepped all your painter will have to do is seal it and lay on the new paint. This makes it much easier on the painter and reduces the amount of labor he will charge you... If you are feeling really adventurous you can paint it yourself!

 

with the amunt of time that you will spend will not save you money think about how much you make per hour than think about how much time it will take you to do the work rite. at the shop that i work a we use the red schot bright. if you dont prep it right that the painter cant garentee the work he dose.