I just got done fitting together a PVC snorkel and I would like to paint it flat black to match the rest of my bike before I glue it all together. My questions are: Other than making sure the PVC is clean and dry, what other steps should I take to insure the paint adheres properly? Do I need to lightly sand it? Does it need a primer? Would you spray it or brush it on? Is there anything else I may be missing?

I know all these painting questions may seem elementary to most of you. However, even though I may possess a few mechanics skills, I know NOTHING about painting or prep.

Thanks for your help,

maxandblade@hotmail.com

 

I would sand it to be sure the paint has something to adhere to. Be sure its clean and dry and use a primer. Put your first coat of flat black on while the primer is still just "tacky". Use a nice light coat of flat black. Don't try to cover it in one coat. If you see primer through the first coat that's fine. Two nice thin coats of paint should cover it nicely. I'd spray not brush, and use a good exterior paint. Oh-and can you glue it all together first? Without actually putting it on the machine? You don't want paint where the PVC primer and glue are going to go.
Good luck.
Gerry.

 

vtCat...

Thanks for the input. I hadn't thought of putting it all together to paint, but now that you mention it, it makes sense about the glue and paint. I'll be painting in the next couple of days, so I'll let you know how it turns out.

By the way, the snorkel is on a 99 300 4x4. I'll also take some pics and measurements in case anyone else needs some help. It was real easy.

Thanks again,

maxandblade@hotmail.com