How do I paint two colors on a motorcycle tank?

I am going to rattlecan my motorcycle gas tank (no, I do not own a spray gun and can't afford one...ditto on taking it to a pro. local quotes for tank have been over $300!) and I have a question.





Originally I was just going to do solid gloss black, but now I want to put a 2 inch white stripe down the center. I know about priming, spraying, sanding, etc., but I'm wondering if I should paint the whole tank black first and then paint the stripe over the top of it? Should I tape off the stripe area and then go back after the black is done and paint the stripe? What's the best way to do this?How do I paint two colors on a motorcycle tank?
I kinda agree with Sleepy.


I'd shoot the white, tape the line and then shoot the black, followed with clear.


Also wet sand between coats and colors.


Automotive spray bombs work well. Stay away from cheapo ';just color it'; paint.


It's worth the extra 2 or 3 bucks a can.


Don't mix enamels and lacquer unless you're looking for some weird effects.How do I paint two colors on a motorcycle tank?
Paint the tank, first, then add the stripe. Remove the tape while the paint is wet. You still may want to finish the edges of the stripe with pin striping tape.
The easiest way is also going to give you the best results.


Shoot your black, wait till it's dry, mask and shoot your white. I know money is an issue, but use 3M tape.
Do the white all over first. It's easier than trying to cover the black with white later! Then, do the black, after masking off the white you want to keep.


If you're not happy with the line between the black and white, then cover it with pin-striping tape of one colour or the other.


If you want to protect the pin-striping, you can clear-coat the whole tank when you're done. Just make sure that the clear-coat is compatible with the paint you used, as well as the pin-striping.


I'm assuming that your gas tank is a mess now. If it isn't, then doing an amateur paint job will dramatically lower the value of your bike!