Which paint?

Previously wrote:

I have taken the fuel tank off my '48 ES2. Had enough problems from dissolving Petseal - its now been cleaned out with caustic soda and along with the other tins is ready for a respray. I have used cellulose paint on other bikes but am now wondering about the merits of using acrylic paint etc? any advice please thanks

Steve Day

Hello - Try getting hold of Cellulose paint now as it was banned by the EU and can be only used on classic and vintage car and bikes. The dealers needs a licence to sell the stuff but you can still get cellulose paint if you look on the interweb. As for acrylic paint its not as forgiving as cellulose and can be a nightmare if you have not used it before. You need somewhere very clean to spray in and the temperature needs to be kept at a constant 65f to 70f. After priming 'flat off' and use athinbase coat and let dry. Then build up from there with thin coats. Three coats should do. Allow to dry for 24 hours but do any lining and transfers before doing the lacquering. Use thin coats and allow to dry between coats for one hour. You need bags of patience for this job. The art in all this is to take your time and don't try to rush things.

NB: on lacquer - you can now get an ethanol-proof lacquer

Yours AJD

I experimented with spray on lacquer over the oil based signwriter's paint I used to line my 16H tank. The oil based paint wrinkled and died. That was on an old biscuit tin lid, but I'd hate to see that happen on my tank.

I shall take the risk and leave the liningunlacquered. If it comes off I'll have to do it again.

"What man has done, man can do again" (or woman, if you prefer...)

I kept one step ahead with a biscuit tin to check compatibility. Not surprisingly the oil based paint went on happily over acryclic - but not the other way round.

Are there any 'modern' paints suitable for lining brushes or Beuglarlining pen?

David Cooper