Paint Job?

[TPXX]

Does anyone know of a good paint shop who can do a fairly plain paint job for a descent price? Or have any idea what it cost to have a bike painted? Thanks!

[Vladimir]

Prices generally range from "cheap" to "hideously expensive" depending on the condition of the surface to be painted, what kind of paint you want, and the overall quality of the paint job.

As to location, did you want to narrow it down geographically or is any place within the global ST.N community ok?

[TPXX]

Well like I said I'm not looking for anything to fancy, and as for area I'm in Louisiana. However once the tank and fenders are off the bike and I have to ship them somewhere then distance becomes less of an issue. But if anyone knows of a place within a 4 or 5 hours driving distance I could drop off and pick up. But if nothing else I'd like some information from anyone who has had their bike painted as to cost, kind of paint to use etc. Thanks!

[Biglar]

I've had 2 of my bikes custom painted. The Suzuki cost $1500 to paint all the steel and 2 helmets which was very cheap considering the quality of the job. The Buell cost a bit more cost a bit more.

[bomber]

cost and type of materials have a great deal to do with the amount of work the painter has to do, and what the parts are made of --

if all metal, is the existing paint in good shape? IS there any paint? is work required to bring the surface up to par to allow for a good paint job?

the Buell above (gorgeous, btw) was tough, and Tuber Tanks are known to allow fumes to migrate thorugh the material -- lots of juju required to get the paint to adhere and not bubble from the gaseous attack

Cheapest would be metal, in perfect physical condition, with either flawless factory paint over which the painter could lay the new color (and clear, if you wish), or metal, perfect condition, completely stripped --

Don't bother with laquer -- much too fragile -- enamel or two-pack epoxy, which are listed in order of cost

like hot rodding your engine, it comes down to what are you trying to do, and what can you afford -- I've had very nice black and clear laid on a stripped metal tank for $300 -- no grafix or other majik, which, of course, would make the price rise

I'd go local if I were you -- ask around -- the local gearheads will likely have some good local talent

[Biglar]

cost and type of materials have a great deal to do with the amount of work the painter has to do, and what the parts are made of --

if all metal, is the existing paint in good shape? IS there any paint? is work required to bring the surface up to par to allow for a good paint job?

the Buell above (gorgeous, btw) was tough, and Tuber Tanks are known to allow fumes to migrate thorugh the material -- lots of juju required to get the paint to adhere and not bubble from the gaseous attack

Cheapest would be metal, in perfect physical condition, with either flawless factory paint over which the painter could lay the new color (and clear, if you wish), or metal, perfect condition, completely stripped --

Don't bother with laquer -- much too fragile -- enamel or two-pack epoxy, which are listed in order of cost

like hot rodding your engine, it comes down to what are you trying to do, and what can you afford -- I've had very nice black and clear laid on a stripped metal tank for $300 -- no grafix or other majik, which, of course, would make the price rise

I'd go local if I were you -- ask around -- the local gearheads will likely have some good local talent

Dealing with the bubble thing now. Drag, but I am having a tank fabricated now out of steel. It will be a bit heavy because of the welds, but I don't care...

[Penforhire]

Paint prices vary tremedously.  I'm restoring a 1973 R75/5 and a few months ago I sent my fenders and tank to someone.  One fender needed crack repair, I wanted an OEM metallic blue paint match, OEM-look pinstriping, and a clear coat.  Some filling and block sanding was required on the tank.  All that cost me $800.  I got a bunch of quotes and costs ran to 3x that price!

His work was excellent and I chose him partly because a buddy's job for him came out so well.  He's been a pro painter for many years.  I think he mostly does Harleys -- James Hansen, down in Santee CA.  You can contact him at jcp02-at-cox.net  (replace -at- with @).

[nanbil]

Does anyone know of a good paint shop who can do a fairly plain paint job for a descent price?

Did you mean decent price?  Because a descent price would be one that was moving lower…  

[Ant]

Did you mean decent price?  Because a descent price would be one that was moving lower…  

Which would also be fairly decent if you ask me!  

[nanbil]

Which would also be fairly decent if you ask me!  

ABSOLUTELY!

[TPXX]

Let he who is without spelling mistakes cast the first vowel!

[nanbil]

Let he who is without spelling mistakes cast the first vowel!

I’m ashamed to admit that I too have misspelled a few words in my time…alas no vowels will be cast by me!  But you didn’t misspell a word; you just used the wrong word.  Is that to, too or two please…  

[Penforhire]

It is more like a Freudian slip.

[TPXX]

It is more like a Freudian slip.

My slip is showing?  Ain't I sexy!!!

[TipsyMcStagger]

I’m ashamed to admit that I too have misspelled a few words in my time…alas no vowels will be cast by me!  But you didn’t misspell a word; you just used the wrong word.  Is that to, too or two please…  

Okay...since it's been set in motion, I'd like to take this to state that "alot" is not a word.  It's two words, "a lot."  And there is a difference between "then" and "than."  And the plural of "you" is "you," not "you all."  And you "used to" do something...not "use to."  And when things get as bad as they can, it's a "worst case" scenario, not "worse case."

Ahhhh...I feel better.  Flame on! (though it'll be moot, not "mute" to do so)  

Tipsy

[sprintrock]

As a general rule I would say it is usually worth the price to spend a little more on your paint job from a reputable shop.  good luck.