sealing finish?

[COLLYNFACE4603]

So far i got the polishing down but after i am finished what do i do to seal the metal ( 2002 gsxr 1000 sportbike aluminum frame) how do i keep it from surface scratches and road scum without killing my wallet?

[jrow]

Re: sealing finish?

COLLYNFACE4603,

Clear spray for bare metal, ZoopSeal, or clear powder coating. Clear powder being the best IMHO.

John

[COLLYNFACE4603]

Re: sealing finish?

so a clear coat on metal like a spray paint? it is an aluminum frame not sure what zoopseal is or where to get it thanks for the help?

[pickleboy]

Re: sealing finish?

zoop seal is a hybrid sealer that is said to last up to 2 years in continuous exposure to the elements. it is on the caswell site.

[COLLYNFACE4603]

Re: sealing finish?

tring to find an inexpensive way besides wax to seal polished aluminum frame? not zoopseal not in budget

[pickleboy]

Re: sealing finish?

if this is going to be a daily driver then i would look into clear powder coat or at least a high quality clear aerosol. caswell sell vht which is top quality. i dont know if the sell a gloss clear for bare metal but worth looking into.

[fxstcguy98]

Re: sealing finish?

If you are going to use a spray can, I suggest you get some scap aluminum, polish it up and paint it to see if that is the result you are looking for. I agree that super clear 500 powder coat will give the best color and result. There are a lot of guys on here that might be able to do it for you that's within your budget. Ask yourself how valuable is your time to strip the bike down and polish it again every time it looks crappy again.

[mcaswell]

Re: sealing finish?

I'd prefer VHT Clear Lacquer, (not the Hi-temp.)
This is a nitrocellulose lacquer.

When it gets dinged up faded and scratched, you can actually buff it. Also, when you spray over a subsequest coat, the new coating will melt the old and they fuse together.

This product was specifically designed to coat brass, nickel etc.

[COLLYNFACE4603]

Re: sealing finish?

how many cans to do a sportbike frame?, if i get overspray on anything is it ok? how will i cure it on a sportbike your leags go right on frame not able to ride to cure (heat up)?

[sswee]

Re: sealing finish?

If your asking about the VHT, it's hard to say without seeing the frame. A rough estimate would be 3 to 5 cans depending on the coating thickness.
What are you asking about the overspray getting on? Can you give an example?
It should airdry in 12 to 24 hours but you'll need to check the label for sure.
SS

[COLLYNFACE4603]

Re: sealing finish?

i was talking about plastic pieces on bike, just a reagular frame for a gsxr 1000 and a few little pieces, pesgs, brakets, so on, just wondering effects VHT on plastic and how much would be used? i think 5 cans is ALOT of finish but i am only an expert at paint new to the polishing game...thanx

[jrow]

Re: sealing finish?

COLLYNFACE4603,

It sounds to me like your polishing your frame with the engine and all accessories on it?
If that is the case you will need to protect all the surfaces that you don't want the clear spray on! I don't know what the clear spray would do to the existing finish of the surounding parts! It's a nitrocellulose lacquer and may damage the other finished surfaces!

Try this link and it will give you a description of nitrocellulose lacquer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacquer

John

[COLLYNFACE4603]

Re: sealing finish?

yes u are correct , i really just need to know now how many cans VHT i need , someone said 5 and coming from a paint background that is alot of paint! any suggestions?

[pickleboy]

Re: sealing finish?

only a guess now but i would say 3 cans should get the job done with some to spare for touch up

[Caswellplating_Jason]

Re: sealing finish?

i would have to say if you are going to clear coat it you will need around 5 cans. that's if you are polishing your sub-frame also. i would not recommend that you let over sray get on any of your body work or sorounding areas. the best way would be to strip your bike down to the frame, polish it and before clear coating it, tape anything off that you are not trying to clear coat.....