How much paint job cost?

Meg0254 · Post by **Meg0254** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:45 pm

I would like to buy a used LXV150, but actually I don't like the original color of it (green) so much, so I would like to get a paint job to change the color.

How much will it cost?

Do you know a good paint shop around LA??

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:01 pm

Hi, Meg,

Sorry it took a while to reply to this; almost missed it. Are you looking for just doing it all in one color?

I know someone who does the work through a local paint shop. I'll ask him for a ballpark and then PM you with his info if that works. This shop did work on my LX and it came out great.

I do know that the paint shops around here have been very busy lately! It's taken weeks for me to get my Stella back from the shop.

The scooter has to be mostly disassembled before going to paint. Painting a modern Vespa is pretty pricey overall, because of the monocoque body and the quality of the paints they use.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 7:31 pm

Have you ever heard of someone powder coating a Vespa? I think it'd be nice not needing to worry about nicks and such.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 8:42 pm

It can be done!

http://www.aerocoat.net/scooterpowdercoating.htm

Pretty sure I've seen pics of a fully-powdercoated modern Vespa somewhere but I can't find them now of course.

From what I've read, all rubber needs to be removed first because of heat treating. Also, existing dinks and blemishes will not look good coated over and new ones that are deep enough will show through.

You can also use powder coating as a base for durability, then paint and clearcoat over it.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 10:12 pm

I'm still working on an idea to spray my (eventual) project scooter with some black bed liner! Yes, I got the idea from the latest version of Mythbusters, but for a bashed up Stella, it would hide the flaws and give it a durable and cool look. Can't be much more expensive than a good paint job

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 7:41 pm

My guy (:)) says a full paint would cost $1200-$1500 (ballpark) depending on which paint you'd choose. Let me know if you're interested and I'll send contact info.

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:46 am

bet they'd paint a Vespa for 'ya in Boyle Heights for $300

i used to know guys who painted entire cars in their garage for much less then $1500. i would think a decent paint job, even on a Vespa, could be a bit more reasonable. could be.

i mean if you want factory quality idk? but otherwise....

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:49 am

sounds like a possible DIY job. could it be with the right equipment?

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 12:58 am

Eh, no.

Other places might be cheaper; I know this one does good work. I wouldn't DIY a metal-bodied scooter like this unless you want it to look like a rat can job.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:37 am

ericalm wrote:Eh, no.

Other places might be cheaper; I know this one does good work. I wouldn't DIY a metal-bodied scooter like this unless you want it to look like a rat can job.

I've DIY'ed my Stella's paintjob and it came out WONDERFUL. BUT, I spent a ton on the right kinds of paint, went to the right shop with the right advice and have 12 years set and properties design experience. And I was single. And already had a portable paint booth setup made to fit in my shower (don't ask...). But, it *can* be done.

In fact, I wrote up a whole description of the process on here a while ago when your scooter got bashed up Ericalm... just have to find that post somewhere...

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 4:46 am

Ah HAH!!! Found the thread where I detailed how to do a DIY paint job WITHOUT an air compressor. But it involves using special automotive single stage enamel custom canned by an auto paint shop into particular aresol cans.

Now, you *can* do a rattle can job with off the shelf hardware store paint and clearcoat from the local auto zone that looks decent if you have a VERY good hand and talent, but even the best rattle job won't match a quality PPG two stage with clearcoat. What you save in labor you will spend doing it yourself taking FAR longer than any shop (took me about 3 times as long). But, I wanted the experience and knew what particular finish I wanted that would've cost me an arm and a leg at an auto paint shop (satin finishes are extremely expensive, and difficult to do on your own as I learned).

But, check it out. If anything, you will know what it takes to do it yourself and will have a better understanding of your options. The thread only covers the cowls, but applies to the rest of the body of the scooter. Just remember that you'd have to add taking the ENTIRE bike apart, prep for about 4x the surface area and the constant wet sanding/painting/wet sanding/curing/etc that goes with it. If you do decide to do it yourself, expect to make a TON of mistakes your first time out and for it to take a couple of weeks to do right.

viewtopic.php?t=19241&highlight=cowl+paint

If you have the space, the time, the desire to learn the skill and the patience, painting a bike can be done to excellent shop quality. But, if you want it done in under a week with zero risk of flaws and lost time and cash for correcting mistakes, take it to a shop. They need the cash and there are too many good body men out of work who need it

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:52 pm

thats awesome, neo!

although my hopes of a spray can from home depot and some masking tape from the 99 Cent Store have been dashed

awesome work, though