Last summer we bought a 2005 Honda Jazz scooter we found on Craigslist and it's been the best thing ever. I honestly believe Victoria is best seen astride a scooter and you're always guaranteed a parking spot! The scooter came to us with one red side and one blue side and used to be a fleet scooter at a rental shop. I decided I would paint the plastics to make him a little more unique. I've always been partial to pastels and so decided to paint the sides a seafoam green colour. I couldn't actually find spray paint in "sea foam" but Krylon's Jade colour is pretty darn close.
The spray paint I used:
Important: Make sure the primer you choose bonds to plastic
Important: Make sure the primer you choose bonds to plastic
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Step 1.
Begin by taking the plastics off your scooter. Some screws are really tricky to access and don't forget to make note of where the screws etc. belong (I thought I was thorough but still have three screws left over and NO clue where they go...so far, nothing's fallen off mid scoot).
Begin by taking the plastics off your scooter. Some screws are really tricky to access and don't forget to make note of where the screws etc. belong (I thought I was thorough but still have three screws left over and NO clue where they go...so far, nothing's fallen off mid scoot).
Step 2.
Wash and dry the plastics
Wash and dry the plastics
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Step 3.
Sand the plastics and make any repairs (dents, scratches etc.) you can. It's best to use wet sandpaper and multiple grits. If you can't find sandpaper that is labeled as being appropriate for wetsanding, you can used standard sandpaper- it just may break apart more easily when wet. Start with a grit around 600 progressing to 800 and finishing with 1000-2000 grit.
Sand the plastics and make any repairs (dents, scratches etc.) you can. It's best to use wet sandpaper and multiple grits. If you can't find sandpaper that is labeled as being appropriate for wetsanding, you can used standard sandpaper- it just may break apart more easily when wet. Start with a grit around 600 progressing to 800 and finishing with 1000-2000 grit.
Step 4.
Re-wash plastics
Re-wash plastics
Step 5.
Spray with primer and let dry, repeat if necessary. Ensure you read the label on your primer as it will tell you the optimal window for paint adhesion- in my case, it was 5-7 days.
Spray with primer and let dry, repeat if necessary. Ensure you read the label on your primer as it will tell you the optimal window for paint adhesion- in my case, it was 5-7 days.
Step 6.
Suspend your plastic piece with paint-safe backdrop so you can get at the sides without it resting on anything. This part is particularly important as you want to ensure a smooth, even finish. Click here for spray painting tips and tricks. I applied 3 coats.
Suspend your plastic piece with paint-safe backdrop so you can get at the sides without it resting on anything. This part is particularly important as you want to ensure a smooth, even finish. Click here for spray painting tips and tricks. I applied 3 coats.
 Primed piece |  1st Coat |  2nd Coat |  3rd Coat |
Step 7.
Finish with a clear coat for protection/ gloss finish if desired.
Finish with a clear coat for protection/ gloss finish if desired.
Step 8.
Re-attach the plastics.
Re-attach the plastics.
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