How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Paint

Part of your responsibility as a motorcycle rider is to take good care of your motorcycle to ensure it operates correctly and lasts for a long time. A motorcycle should be coated with high-quality paint to protect the frame from the environment. Paint can also improve your motorcycle’s look and prevent corrosion.

This article discusses how to choose the best motorcycle paint.

Whether a specific color is suited for your motorcycle depends on the quality of the paint. You can determine the quality of paint based on its texture. Good-quality paint will always have a smooth texture. Motorcycle manufacturers typically provide a code listing the ingredients used to make the paint.

If you need advice on what motorcycle paint to purchase, you can get recommendations from motorcycle manufacturers or other riders. It is helpful for you in choosing the right paint for your motorcycle. You can ask the manufacturer what paint color would best suit your motorcycle.

You can also ask friends or other riders who own the same motorcycle as you. Another option is checking online journals, forums, and articles for tips on the best motorcycle paints.

Conducting research on the best modern paints for your model will give you a better idea of the available options and let you compare and contrast their characteristics. There are different modern paints that are being manufactured for modern motorcycles, so make sure to do research and choose the best modern paint.

The prices of paints vary between brands. To ensure you buy high-quality and affordable paint, you should visit several paint shops and compare their price lists. Make sure the paint you choose is compatible with your model, has a reasonable price, and will last for a long time after being applied.

Create a budget plan for the motorcycle paints before looking for a paint store. The budget plan will help you manage your finances and determine which paints from which stores you can afford.

When picking possible motorcycle paints, conduct online research to check the ratings and reviews of paint stores and their paints to evaluate their reliability based on customer input.

Only purchase from paint stores with licensed individuals qualified to evaluate the quality of paints, answer any questions you may have, and sell them to you. Be sure to ask for proof of a license before you start browsing at a paint store.

Keep the following factors in mind when buying motorcycle paint:

• Determine how much depth the color of the paint should have. Compare different paint formulas that offer deep, rich, and authentic colors.
• Determine how many coats of paint you want to apply on your motorbike. It’s recommended you prioritize paint that provides full coverage with a few coats. For this task, self-priming paints are the best option but they will cost you a little more.
• Make sure the paint is durable enough to withstand cleaning with peeling. Your motorbike will be easier to clean if you use a shiny coat of paint.

Listed below are the types of motorcycle paint you can choose from:

Brush paints can be applied with sprayers and brushes to give your motorcycle a fresh look. Many experienced riders use these paints to add unique patterns and designs to the fuel tanks.

When applying brush paints, you must keep a steady hand and apply the coats of paint evenly in the same direction.

Listed below are some of the best brush paints for motorcycles:

• Does not come off at moderate speed
• Dries evenly with the addition of a catalyst

• Guide doesn’t include the cure time
• Creates a high glossy finish only when sprayed heavily

• Ready-to-apply formula
• Takes less time to dry
• Includes lacquer

• Slightly transparent against candy paint colors

• More reliable
• Shiny gloss for a single-stage paint

• Thinner than other paints
• Requires applying several coats

• Offers protection from wear and tear
• Rustproof

• Stays wet if applied on vertical surfaces

• Can handle high heat
• Creates a flat solid black finish

• Requires heat curing and a high heat primer

Spray paint can be applied to your motorcycle’s frame with a more even coating. This type of paint also does not require sanding once applied.

Spray paint cans have a nozzle that you can point and press on the parts you want to color.

Spray paint has its color fully blended and ready for use.

When using spray paint, stand at a safe distance from your motorcycle to make it easier to evaluate the thickness of the paint when being applied to your bike. Hold the spray paint vertically and spray the mixture gradually.

Listed below are some of the best spray paints for motorcycles:

• Heat-resistant

• Long curing time (Must wait two hours after applying the first layer; full cure requires five days)

• Dries quickly
• Easy-to-use
• High-quality
• Ideal for touch-ups

• Older cans are often clogged
• Low quantity

• Rust-resistant
• Can be applied on any metal surface

• Can still stain even when dry
• Emits odor

• Includes instructions
• Easy-to-apply

• Requires heating and cooling to dry
• Longer curing time

• Fills in cracks and hardens
• Offers UV protection
• Doesn’t need a top coat

• May peel off

To apply airbrush paint, you need an airbrush gun, a compressor, and diluted paint. This type of paint helps you keep the paint layer as thin as possible.

Airbrush paint is applied more uniformly and does not need paint thinner to improve the consistency. Airbrush paint creates a more equal and thin layer.

Airbrush paints can be applied on almost any surface and material, making them highly versatile.

Listed below are some of the best airbrush paints for motorcycles:

• Excellent durability
• Doesn’t clog
• Has bleed inhibitor

• Doesn't create a glossy surface
• Requires a top coat

• Contains no contaminants
• Doesn’t cause health issues

• Requires paint thinner

• Comes premixed
• Comes with clear coat and dry reducer
• Large quantity

• Emits odor

• Comes with reducer
• Can be used with certain primers and clear coats

• Limited color options
• Less quantity

• Comes premixed and ready-to-use
• Easy to clean up
• Dries quickly

• Thin look
• General & vague instructions

• Can be applied with multiple tools
• Easy-to-use

• Comes in small bottles
• Low quantity

• Can be mixed with water to thin the paint
• Easy to mix

• Certain colors may clog the spray tool

Painting a motorcycle can transform its look and provide protection from debris and rust. To find out which type of paint is best for your motorcycle, you must check the quality of the paint, conduct research, get recommendations from manufacturers, and go to the right motorcycle paint store. Good-quality paint with a color that complements your motorcycle’s appearance can help make it look brand new. There are a variety of aftermarket parts available at Viking Bags, including sissy bars, crash bars, fairings, seats, luggage racks, saddlebags, and backrests.