How to Paint a Motorcycle Fuel Tank

Painting a motorcycle fuel tank is one of the best ways to transform a cafe racer, bobber or custom motorcycle, but getting a professional finish starts long before the paint goes on. Proper preparation, the right materials and patience between coats can make the difference between a finish that looks great and one that doesn't last.

In this guide, we look at the process of preparing a motorcycle fuel tank for paint, including cleaning, sanding, body filler, primer and choosing the right grade of abrasive at each stage. We also look at different types of motorcycle paint, including urethane, acrylic enamel, candy, metallic and pearl finishes, and where each can be useful.

Once the preparation is complete, we'll look at painting the tank, applying 2K clearcoat and creating custom paint effects such as old gold, pearl white, metallic finishes and colour fades. Whether you're aiming for a simple professional finish or something more creative, understanding the preparation and materials is the key to getting a durable result.