How do you paint a headlight bucket?

[ontario]

Hello Gentlemen,

In the meantime before i look at the engine of my bike, I would like to paint an old headlight bucket I got (the original neptune blue one was chipped)

I am mechanically illeterate: I have never painted before (no not even a wall)

• I dont want expensive candy coats etc, just some regular paint from the hardware store.
• The bucket is an old green one that I want to paint "Neptune Blue" with a gloss loook to match the blue bike, it has a few chips etc. (look at pics I attached)

1. How do I prepare the bucket to be painted? (sand down the old paint?)
2. EXACTLY what tools do I need?
3. How much paint is required to paint the bucket? (which coats?)
4. How do I do it? lol

Thanks

 

[kmcrab]

Paint

What type of sprayer are you using? Does the paint require reducer and hardener? Or are you using a rattle can? If that is the case it would need less than one can of primer one can of primer sealer if you want a really smooth finish and one can of paint and one can of clear coat. Either way you would sand the bucket down with 320 grit first, then go 800-2000 grit depending on how fine a finish you want, wipe off with thinner and let dry. Spray primer, sand down any flaws after primer drys, spray another coat of primer repeat sanding if needed,wait as long as the directions on the can says and put a coat of primer sealant on. Follow directions on can from there on paint and clear coat. Color sanding is also an option if you end up with orange peel in the paint...It always is a good idea for a great finish. Use 2000 grit paper. Really, using a paint with hardner is the best most durable finish for paint, but for just a bucket, you would probably be okay with a can paint. Does your bucket have any cracks or missing pieces? I have a new blue one that I would trade you if yours is intact. I need a green one for a bike I am getting next week. Let me know.

 

[ontario]

What type of sprayer are you using? Does the paint require reducer and hardener? Or are you using a rattle can? If that is the case it would need less than one can of primer one can of primer sealer if you want a really smooth finish and one can of paint and one can of clear coat. Either way you would sand the bucket down with 320 grit first, then go 800-2000 grit depending on how fine a finish you want, wipe off with thinner and let dry. Spray primer, sand down any flaws after primer drys, spray another coat of primer repeat sanding if needed,wait as long as the directions on the can says and put a coat of primer sealant on. Follow directions on can from there on paint and clear coat. Color sanding is also an option if you end up with orange peel in the paint...It always is a good idea for a great finish. Use 2000 grit paper. Really, using a paint with hardner is the best most durable finish for paint, but for just a bucket, you would probably be okay with a can paint. Does your bucket have any cracks or missing pieces? I have a new blue one that I would trade you if yours is intact. I need a green one for a bike I am getting next week. Let me know.

thanks for advice

I live in an apartment and will probably do this in the parking lot next door lol

I dont have a spray can.....I would have to buy a spray can?

look at the pics I attachd...all the pieces are there....but it isnt the best conditions.......like I said some chips etc:12:

 

[kmcrab]

Paint

Are you using a can of paint from the hardware store?

 

[ontario]

I havent bough tanything yet, Im just sitting here in my apartmet with the bucket.

I am still planning how to paint it. But yeah I will go to the hardware store (canadian tire or home depot) and get some not too expensive spray paint

or a can of no more than 150ml? (dunno what quantity of paint to buy)

yeah I have never done this before.....so I am clueless.

:39:

 

[XSIVE]

I am not sure what Neptune Blue is but if it is close to Saphire Blue, you can buy a new bucket in Saphire for $15 from the DR. Otherwise you can primer your current bucket with a spray can ($4.00) sand it to fill in the chips and then spray the color. Keep the can at least 6" from the object and spray in light even coats till covered properly. Too close and too thick and you will get runs. Practice on something till you get the hang of it.

I have used a coat hanger and cut the wire and bend to support the bucket for painting. Hold it and paint it and then have a place to hook it for drying.