How to Paint Your Motorcycle

by JoAnn Bortles

This book is a must for anyone who wants to paint their motorcycle. Using an easy to follow step by step photo process, Bortles covers everything from basic prep work to advanced finishing techniques. There are chapters on the tools needed and the various kinds of paint that are used, with detailed explanations. There are chapters on preparing your parts for paint, from old parts to new. There is a very detailed chapter on how to mold your bike's frame that shows just how simple it can be by using the right tools. There are chapters on creating custom finishes from candy to pearl to granite. The techniques and processes can be used on any type of motorcycle from a production road bike to a custom chopper with extravagant bodywork. Among the chapters are many tips and tricks to make any motorcycle paint job go smoothly and how to avoid making costly mistakes. Among the topics covered are bodywork preparation, paint selection and preparation, a variety of painting techniques, and post-application follow-up techniques to put the best finish on a great paint job.

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2005

About the author

JoAnn Bortles is an award winning custom painter, airbrush artist, car builder, journalist, and book author with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry.
JoAnn has won numerous awards for her work including some of the top custom painting awards in the country. In 1998, 2005, and 2012 her work won Best Motorcycle Paint of the Year. A '39 she flamed won PPG’s Top Five Most Outstanding Paint Award in 206. Her work has taken home many Best of Shows and First Place awards around the World, including several “Best Paint” and “Best of Show”, at the Goodguys Car Shows. And many Best of Shows and First Place awards at the Easyriders and Harley Davidson Bike Shows.