Torque and Chrome

How would my bike look if I only used spray cans to paint it?

I don't want to take my motorcycle [a yamaha V Star] to a paint shop (they charge from 200-300$), and I was thinking of just sanding the paint off, and using spray cans to paint it black. I know it may sound INCREDIBLY moronic (given the fact I know nothing about paint) but how bad of an idea is it? I mean, it's just three parts (tank and fenders) just so you know, I like the ratbike style when it comes to looks...little chrome as possible. Thank you for your time and input!

Public Comments

1. It's going to look worse than ratty...ghetto's more like it. But, you'll be riding it, not me.
2. I've done it before. It will flake off and have to be redone. If you do, use the high temp. paint. If you have very high standards, it'll look shabby. I kinda like the look of a sanded + primered body myself though. Paint a few coats if you do it.
3. it won't be shiny at all, so as long as you don't mind that, I say go for it!
4. use a sagcoat and itll look just fine.its when you spray heavy enough that the paint is just shy of running.itll get rid of the peppery overspray that takes hours to buff out, and as long as you sand and let dry between coats,the finish will be adequate.
5. I believe it is not difficult if the parts to be painted is relatively small. You must prep the parts carefully, by sanding it down with water and sandpaper, or else the paint will not stick. Apply one thin coat at a time with sweeping strokes from top to bottom,from a distance about 8 in to 10 in away. The best bet is to practise on a plate a few times to perfect your spray painting skills. Three to four coats will suffice and finish off with a colourless lacquer unless you want a matte finish (in this case use a mat and not gloss paint) Unless you want to dismantle the parts to Spray paint, remember to use masking tape and plenty of old news paper.
6. Mind if I come over to your house to start that remodel you were thinking about!?! I 'know nothing about' construction or design but I'm sure that while I learn to remodel your house you'll have plenty of time to learn 'how to paint' your bike. Added: I only charge $30 ph.
7. It is all up to you - the preparations you make, the paint you buy, the color you choose, your skill in laying it on, the trash you allow to get in the finish, etc. These things have MUCH more to do with the result than what method is used to spray it on. I have seen some very impressive rattle can paint jobs. I also suggest going to your local auto paint store. They have a cheap paint system that works like a spray can but with the auto paint of your choice. This can greatly increase the choice of colors and the quality of the paint available to you. I have laid beautiful, near perfect motorcycle paint jobs using this with expensive, top quality auto paint, Whatever you use, follow the manufacturers directions and go with several light coats. Resist the urge to pile it on all at once. Good luck.
8. You have a V Star and you can't afford $300 to get it painted right? You really don't have the money to keep the bike up, you should sell it. What will you do when you need new tires? Paint it yourself and it will look like poop.
9. YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!