Plastic fuel tank reconditioning?

[jetblast10]

When reconditioning a plastic fuel tank can it be painted? Any special steps I should know about? Stickers wont work because the plastic breathes & vapors outgas so they just bubble up.

Until I can find a truly challenging project I think I'll redo my daughter's dirtbike.

[RC51_CBRXX]

If you are desperate for a project. I'll find something and you can work on it!

The tank didn't come painted correct? There are many different type of lacquers that may be used. I believe your tank is a polypro blend. If that's the case, it will need special treatment.

[jetblast10]

the tank isn't painted at all. The color was infused into the plastic when manufactured. Now it's showing age I can't think of another way to make it look new except painting.

[RC51_CBRXX]

Due to the nature of polypro, paint does not like to stick to it. The surface must be "etched" prior to paint application. The "etching" is achieved chemically, usually an acetone based solvent. If you are seriously considering this, let me get the exacts for you.

If this is for your princess, I may have something special for you. It is the world's smallest glass spheres. They are only 4 microns and perfect. When added to paint/lacquer the depth that is produced from light, especially sunlight, is incredible. This about a 3D refraction compared to a 2D refraction from the basic micas and pearls put into paint. I had this added to a midnight charcoal (almost black) paint to one of my last auto toys. It was just a show stopper!

Put this stuff in a pink or lavendar for the princess and you will be a hero!

[Ridge]

Krylon Fusion spray paint for plastics has yielded good results for me. I can't speak for its effectiveness on a fuel tank though.

Edit: Dupont has a refinishing system for plastics. I don't know how labor intensive it is, but others have spoken highly of its results.

http://pc.dupont.com/Phantom/content/plas-stick.html

Plas-Stick® Plastic Refinishing Products

The complete DuPont plastic refinishing system of cleaners, adhesion promoters, undercoats, clearcoats, topcoats, and additives delivers:

Superior performance when repairing flexible vehicle parts
Best adhesion on wide range of plastics
Outstanding impact resistance
Long history of dependable quality and reliability
Most flexibility and reliability of paints and coatings

[jetblast10]

appreciate any info I can get.

This will be a relatively easy frame up restoration (let's hope) and the endgame result goal is perfectly stock appearance, only better.

Right now, Princess is far to enthusiastic about ballet shoes and leotards to concern herself with things as trivial as motorcycles. We share the same bad attitude but different diversions. All in due time.

[dadogs]

Jet,

Years back I had a 1991 DR350 that I ran into the same problems with, decals would not stay on a fuel cured tank. I had a buddy airbrush the DR decals on and they held up pretty well with a couple coats of clear. Then main thing that would take that off over time was just hard riding and the occasional get-off into the woods (branches love to eat paint).

I'm trying to get in touch with him to see what process he used.