How to Paint Pin Stripes on Motorcycle Gas Tanks
by Carmen Laboy
Painting pinstripes on a gas tank might seem difficult, but with the right tools it is very easy. Using just tape, your gas tank's present paint job and a new color, you could have your new stripes by tonight.
Step 1
Cut painter's tape into narrow strips, or buy it pre-cut. Aim for 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide strips, for best results.
Step 2
Begin laying the tape strips over your gas tank, making sure they form evenly spaced, parallel lines. If your tape is thinner you can leave less space between stripes, but leave more if it is thicker. Try for a ratio of 3 to 1 (¾ inch in between every ¼ inch of stripe). Be particularly careful when curving around the tank.
Step 3
Paint over the entire gas tank with the color of your choice.
Step 4
Allow the tank to dry.
Step 5
Peel off the painter's tape.
Step 6
Cover the tank with a finishing coat of a sealing product such as carnauba wax, sealant or cleaner wax.
Step 7
Allow to dry and enjoy your new stripes.
References
Tips
- Have fun with your stripes. They don't need to be straight; you can try making them curve in wavy patterns.
Things You'll Need
- Painter's tape
- Measuring tape
- Sealing product (sealant, carnauba wax, etc)
Writer Bio
Carmen Laboy has been publishing short stories and poetry since 1998. Her work appears online and in "Tonguas Experimental Literature Magazine." She was a script reader for the Duke City Shootout 2010, arts education intern at 516arts gallery and has worked as an assistant for many artists. She studied at the Universidad de Puerto Rico and Escuela de Artes Plasticas, a prestigious art college.
