How to paint ATV

Today I will teach you the method to paint ATV bikes with your own self with satisfactory results without creating any mistakes on the surface.

Newbies are requested to follow each step explained in this guide to get the best results out of this post.

Got an ATV that looks all beat up and salty, but you don’t have the money to buy a new one, or start saving up for one?

Well, that’s no problem at all! You can paint your ATV with Rustoleum and make it look brand new again! First, clean the dirt off your ATV.

Then, lay out a drop cloth to protect your floor against drips. Following this, spray the ATV with the rust paint remover.

Something like Ospho will work great. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of your supplies.


How to paint ATV?

Tools you need to do the job

Buy some old clothes, you’ll probably get paint all over them. Get some black spray paint and a rattle can for it.

A light gray for the main body, a dark grayish brown for the tires and rims, and a lighter gray for the spokes.

Also get some rust paint remover, a large sponge, and some sandpaper. Next, use your sandpaper to take the rust off of the ATV.

Use the rust remover for the large chunks. Use the sponge and the rust paint remover for the smaller pieces. Wash your ATV with the rust remover. Dry it off. Now it’s time to paint.

spray painting atv bike

Sand the surface of atv bike

Before painting ATV, the surface should be cleaned and degreased. Sanding is the final preparation for painting.

Sandblasting can be used for large areas, but for smaller areas, an electric sander is more appropriate.

If you plan to sand the surfaces by hand, use 100-grit sandpaper and sanding blocks as well as a vacuum cleaner.

If there are edges in your ATV, like the edges of the frame and the plastics, use 220-grit sandpaper and a small block to do the edges.

Sanding with 400-grit paper should be done before the final coat of polyurethane comes out since this will give the paint a nice smooth finish.

You can use some spray paint to see if your surface is smooth or not.

Method to paint ATV

First, you need to prime your ATV. Just spray some primer on there and spray it all over the ATV. Make sure you spray all the spots.

Now, let it dry for 4-6 hours. Then, you need to sand the primer with fine-grain sandpaper. After that, you can put on a layer of yellow paint.

Let it dry for a little while, and then you can sand that layer with medium-grain sandpaper. After sanding, you can spray on a layer of clear coat.

When that dries, you can spray on white or blue paint. When you are done with the paint, you can seal it with a couple of coats of sealant. Be sure to spray it on evenly.

Short steps to paint atv bike

The steps are as follows:

  1. Wash the ATV using a garden hose.
  2. Scrub the ATV using a cleaning agent such as Purple Power or Kaboom.
  3. Apply a layer of rust-preventative primer to the ATV.
  4. Apply a coat of high-performance auto paint to the ATV.
  5. Apply a second coat of high-performance auto paint to the ATV.
  6. Apply a layer of rust-preventative primer to the ATV.
  7. Apply a layer of clear coat to the ATV.
  8. Apply a second layer of clear coat to the ATV. These steps apply to conventional, water-based paints. However, water-based paints have a number of drawbacks, including an inability to protect against extreme weather conditions. Edges created by the paint will wear away within a few months, exposing the metal beneath it. Additionally, traditional, water-based paints can cause rusting, and applying multiple coats of the paint can be both tedious and labor-intensive.

What kind of paint do you use on a quad?

There are several types of paint that can be used on a quad, or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Here are a few options:

  1. Acrylic enamel paint: This type of paint is suitable for use on plastic and metal surfaces. It is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
  2. Urethane paint: This is a high-quality paint that is more durable and resistant to fading than acrylic enamel. It can be used on both plastic and metal surfaces.
  3. Powder coat paint: This type of paint is applied as a dry powder and then cured under heat. It is extremely durable and resistant to chips, scratches, and fading.

It’s important to choose a paint that is specifically designed for use on an ATV, as it needs to be able to withstand the rigors of off-road use.

You should also make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the paint to ensure the best possible results.

How do you prepare an ATV frame for painting?

To prepare an ATV frame for the painting, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  • Clean the frame: Use a degreaser and a scouring pad or sandpaper to remove dirt, grime, and any leftover grease or oil from the surface of the frame. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
  • Sand the frame: Use medium-grit sandpaper (around 220 grit) to rough up the surface of the frame. This will help the paint to adhere better.
  • Wipe down the frame: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the frame and remove any dust or debris left over from the sanding.
  • Mask off any areas that you don’t want to paint: Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to protect any areas of the frame that you don’t want to paint, such as the bearings or other mechanical components.
  • Prime the frame: Use a metal primer to coat the frame. This will help the paint to adhere better and provide an extra layer of protection for the metal.
  • Let the primer dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times, as this can vary depending on the product you are using.

Once the frame is prepped and primed, it is ready to be painted.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint you are using, including drying times and any necessary topcoats.

How do you prepare plastic for painting?

To prepare plastic for painting, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  • Clean the plastic: Use a mild detergent and warm water to wash the plastic and remove any dirt, grime, or debris.
  • Sand the plastic: Use fine-grit sandpaper (around 400 grit) to lightly sand the surface of the plastic. This will help the paint to adhere better.
  • Wipe down the plastic: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the plastic and remove any dust or debris left over from the sanding.
  • Mask off any areas that you don’t want to paint: Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to protect any areas of the plastic that you don’t want to paint.
  • Prime the plastic: Use a plastic primer to coat the plastic. This will help the paint to adhere better and provide an extra layer of protection for the plastic.
  • Let the primer dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times, as this can vary depending on the product you are using.

Once the plastic is prepped and primed, it is ready to be painted.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint you are using, including drying times and any necessary topcoats.

What is a good paint for plastic?

There are several types of paint that are suitable for use on plastic. Here are a few options:

  1. Acrylic enamel paint: This type of paint is suitable for use on plastic and is available in a wide range of colors. It is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
  2. Acrylic lacquer paint: This type of paint is also suitable for use on plastic and dries quickly. It is resistant to chips and scratches, but may not be as durable as acrylic enamel.
  3. Plastic-specific paints: There are also paints that are specifically designed for use on plastic. These paints may be more expensive, but they are formulated to adhere well to plastic and provide a long-lasting finish.

It’s important to choose a paint that is specifically designed for use on plastic, as regular paints may not adhere well to the surface and could peel or flake off over time.

You should also make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the paint to ensure the best possible results.


FAQ’s of How to paint ATV

Yes! You can paint an ATV motor. In fact, painting the motor will help improve the performance and increase the life of the motor. The flow of air through the motor will be smoother and more even, which will help improve power and performance. The cooling system will also be improved because of the smoother flow, helping to keep the motor in operating temperature. You can start by sanding the motor with a palm sander or a power sander. Then, use a mild solvent to clean and degrease the motor. Next, use a 2″ high-density foam roller with a latex-acrylic paint to apply 2 coats.

Before starting to paint your ATV frame, you should always make a note of the paint’s manufacturer. The manufacturers should always be followed. You can also consult with an expert or a paint distributor as they have the right information and tools to do the job. Make sure that your paint is well mixed so that you will get a smoother finish. It is better to use a sprayer instead of brush while painting an ATV frame. It is recommended that you start your painting job by painting the edges or the joints. After that, make sure that the whole surface is covered properly. Do not forget to sand and clean it after applying the paint.

Yes, you can paint ATV exhaust. It’s best to use paint that is made for exhaust systems. You should first wash the exhaust pipe with a detergent, then sand it to remove any dirt or rust. Paint the pipe with a primer, and then paint it with the paint of your choice. You can even add a layer of clear-coat to the paint to make it last longer. Make sure to use a respirator and other safety equipment when painting to avoid health problems.

There are two ways to get rust off your ATV exhaust. The first one is to use a wire brush to remove the rust. The second one is to use a chemical solution like muriatic acid. Using the wire brush is a messier job, but the chemicals can be dangerous if not handled correctly. If you want to use chemicals, try wearing protective clothing like a face mask, gloves and goggles.


Verdict of How to paint ATV

Here it is folks! The complete guide to painting on your ATV bike is here in my post and it will give you the best results if you follow it wholly and completely.

Newbies are requested to follow each and everything in this guide in order to save themselves from disappointment after messing up the surface without knowing the process.

Still, if you have any queries related to this post then let me know in the comment section and I will answer them.

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.

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