Can Motorcycles Be Sprayed Without Removing the Wheels?
3 Answers
Motorcycles can be sprayed without removing the wheels. Paint color selection: When painting a vehicle, it is important to mix the paint correctly. Over time, vehicle colors fade, so the paint must be matched to the body color. Touch-up based on specific damage: For small paint damage, such as a tiny spot, a dedicated touch-up pen can be used to apply a small amount of paint. This prevents rust and is less noticeable, avoiding the need for extensive touch-ups. For minor scratches, such as those from tree branches or car washing, applying car wax multiple times can often reduce the visibility of the scratches. If the vehicle has noticeable scrapes or the paint is chipped down to the primer, immediate repair is necessary. Otherwise, the metal can easily rust, leading to extensive corrosion over time, which significantly impacts the vehicle's appearance.
It's completely feasible to paint without removing the wheels. I've personally seen repair shops do this. The key is to properly protect the areas around the wheels: wrap the brake discs, shock absorbers, and axles tightly with thick plastic film, stuff old newspapers tightly along the tire tread for the tire part, and the most ingenious trick is to insert playing cards into the gap between the tire and the rim to block the spokes. However, spray paint can easily splash onto the brake discs, so it's best to tape the disc surface first. Remember to choose a sunny and well-ventilated environment, hold the spray can 15 cm away from the wheel and spray evenly in sweeping motions, applying three thin coats is better than one thick coat. If you're doing it yourself, it's recommended to wear a respirator, and avoid water contact for 48 hours after painting.
Don't listen to those who say you must remove the wheel. Last week, I repainted my motorcycle wheel hub without taking off the wheel at all. Prepare masking tape, painter's tape, and large trash bags. The key protection areas are the tire and brake system: cut open a plastic bag to cover the entire brake caliper and secure it with clips; spraying some soapy water on the tire before applying newspaper will make it stick better. Technique-wise, spray in sections, with a ten-minute interval between each layer—spraying too close can cause runs. A reminder: if paint gets on the disc brake, be sure to wipe it off with brake cleaner, or the brakes will slip. Learned this the hard way!
