How to Paint?

[thorns]

I didn't see a thread on painting help, and I did look

Of course, that could mean I missed it too....

So, since I am considering buying an 06' white Ruckus, which I will have to paint because I don't want all white, I will need some tips. Like how to paint the front panel (sorry, I don't know the technical term) and how to paint the exposed frame areas.
Paints recommended to use and if anyone knows some detailing helps, that would be great as well.

thanks!

[varroa]

well, first of all, you will have to dismount (take apart) all of the parts you are going to paint.

second, you could a) take it to a professional paint shop, b) paint it yourself using your own professional equipment, and c) paint it yourself using spray paint.

the quality will degrade gradually from a to c.

[Kami no Chiizu]

Krylon

[vagrantone0]

I just painted my recently purchased 2003 red Ruckus.
It's now Satin Black.
I did a very quick an cheap job, but it still looks good.
I sanded everything with 320 grit sand paper before painting it, and between coats.

The front of the ruck is pretty easy to paint. The battery cover is removed by 4 screws, two on each side. The remaining front section is held onto the ruck with 3 bolts and 2 screws. The two screws are down by the back edge of the front fender. The 3 bolts are on the front of the ruck behind the headlights and horn. When you remove these 3 bolts the headlight/turnsignal/horn assembly will come off, but will still be connected to the ruck via the wires. The front of the battery cover can be completely removed and painted.
For the headlight/signal assembly I removed the headlights via two bolts on either side, and the horn by removing the single bolt behind it. Keep in mind all wiring was kept connected so it helps to have a box or something placed next to your Ruckus to set these components on so they are not simply dangling by the wires.
I masked off the turn signals and covered the front of my ruck and the lights/horn with a paper mask so I could paint the assembly/rack as it sat on the box next to the ruck without getting overspray all over everything.
In order to paint the frame completely you would have to completely strip the ruck but like myself I doubt you are willing to do that. I used plenty of tape and paper grocery bags to mask off the engine, exhaust, fender, rear light assembly, floor boards, and helmet lock. I removed the seat and masked the hinges and information stickers. Then I just went at it and sprayed.

This is definitely not the best way to paint your ruck and I'm sure plenty of hardcore Rucksters on these forums are cringing. However, if you want to paint your ruck without spending the elbow grease or money to strip the scooter and have it professionally painted, you can easily accomplish this yourself in one day with one can of spraypaint, and a roll of masking tape.

I'll post pictures of my Ruck soon if anyone wants.

[bowery4]

post some
I miss paper bags

[dubbs2u]

So this is the only thing I have done to my Ruck so far. And before I begin please no over my choice of paint scheme...

This will not be in depth but will be accurate...

Items needed:
Paint (I chose Krylon)
Masking tape (I went with the pricier blue)
tools to remove items being painted (this will vary)
Patience (this will also vary from person to person)

1. Remove items that will be painted
2. Mask off all areas that will not be painted
3. Make sure you do not do this outside on a windy day
4 I chose to apply 6-10 thin coats of paint to the items I painted... (For the battery box, I removed it completly from the ruckus and reassembled it to be painted)
5. LET THE PAINT DRY THUROUGHLY (I was impatient)
6. Let the paint dry some more
7. Carefully remove the masking tape (Carefully)
8. Reassemble parts to Ruckus
9. Post on the internet to be flamed...

[chanito]

Painting the kick start lever
Those wheel need color
Good paint job and congrats on posting the pics Thanks

[dubbs2u]

It's funny you mentioned the kick starter being painted... I actually came out of my house the other day and said to myself... wth were you thinking... eventually it will go back to black...

I never could decide on a color for the wheels so I just left them factory...

[chanito]

The same orange as the top of the batt box Or you can paint one the same orange and the other the red from the bottom of the batt box

[BrockGrimes]

Older thread but I gots stuff to add.
Use Fusion paint for plastic.
Use rustoleum appliance epoxy paint for the frame, it comes in several colors and is tough, I painted a jeep frame with it.

You can do this several ways:
sand and paint.
sand, paint, wet sand, paint, wet sand, clear, buff.
Strip to bare metal, prime, sand, paint, wet sand, clear, buff.

The easy way to strip it to bare metal is go to wal-mart or lowes or home depot
and get Kleen premium paint stripper in the spray can.
Spray it on, wait 5 min hose off the paint, repeat as needed, wear good thick gloves if you need to scrub on it as this stuff will burn the flesh.

My plan is to scuff and use some House of color paint.
You can search the net and find companies that will send it to you in any color in spray can form if your not a real painter.
That's my plan get a stock house of color in a rattle can and bomb it out.

If you live near a RC hobby shop or hit up tower hobbies.
Look for Pactra Polycarbonate Paint, it really bonds with lexan and takes a beating, might could use it on a frame or plastic, but test before use.

If you want color and want to cheap out, hit up walmarts model section, they are carrying house of color model paints:

[chanito]

;D Thanks for the tips ;D ;D