Painting Plastic Gas Tanks

B

Brian Joyce

Active member
Anybody have any secrets as to the best way to paint a plastic gas tank and have it last a full season without chipping? I usually hit it with sand paper and oil paint, but I can't ever seem to get through a full season without having to repaint it. Maybe I am missing a critical step?

Thanks in advance
 
Anybody have any secrets as to the best way to paint a plastic gas tank and have it last a full season without chipping? I usually hit it with sand paper and oil paint, but I can't ever seem to get through a full season without having to repaint it. Maybe I am missing a critical step?

Thanks in advance
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I would give a go with some of the new paints formulated specifically for plastics. Fusion is one of them I believe. Check Northern Cashway Lumber or your nearest paint supply house.
Lou
 
It seems like my tank that has small bumps all over it holds paint better than my smooth ones. I throw a piece of burlap over it once I'm at my spot, works just as well.
 
Northern Cashway Lumber has a deal with Lou Tisch..he doesn't sell lumber and we don't sell paint ;) I've never found any kind of paint that works on plastic gas tanks...I just got a new 6 gallon that is in the back yard hooked to my rebuilt motor. I watched it expand and contract about 3"..painting the tanks always seemed like a propylactic..tight..then swell..then fall off. The best you can hope for is a splotchy looking tank after the first expansion...plus..I don't think it's legal to fill a painted tank at a gas station. Anymore I just toss a decoy bag over the tank.
 
Hey Brian,

I've painted my plastic gas tanks for the past few years and it's inevitable that your going to have to touch them up. Between gas spilling on them and rubbing around in the boat....it ain't going to stay. I pride myself in keeping all my gear dark colors but this has been a dilemma for me. I have used Krylon Fusion especially for plastics like someone else mentioned. It's the best i've used so far but it don't stay. Longer than others but it don't stay......bottom line. I have resolved to using a camo outboard motor cover and it works fantastic. You can keep it on all the time. It's like a camo glove for your tank. I think i paid $10 for mine. Good luck.

Cam
 
check with your local auto parts store or even wal-mart and get a spray can of Bulldog Adhesion Promotor. spray that on your tank first..it's what auto body shops spray on plastic bumpers (but they use the expensive stuff) before painting. .the oil paint should last much longer. this is the same stuff i spray on my plastic dekes before flocking.
 
The problem with paint and plastic tanks isn't so much adhesion as it is with the expansion and contraction of the tank proper. Unless they make a paint that can stretch and contract that I don't know about.
 
Lee,

Actually there is a product that might work. It's automotive uphostery paint. I used it on the vinyl covered sliding doors of the Starcraft. So far it's held up good. I never thought to use because the last tank I painted I was given a strong warning when I was inspected by the water patrol. It seems they take this RED only color for fuel containment seriously. Now I cover the tank with a camo bag.
 
Brian,
I found the bag my camo motor cover came in and it actually says on the bag "outboard motor & fuel tank cover". It's made by Avery. Comes in four sizes. $9.99

Cam
 
Brian,
Just put it in a burlap bag,tie the end shut with a wire tie, cut off the excess bag (or use it as a handle) then cut out a spot for the filler cap and a slot for the fuel line and viola! instant camo cover
 
Ed, that is why I mentioned in my first post about being legal...it actually is illegal to dispense gasoline into an unapproved tank and the only portable tanks approved for gasolene are red.
 
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