Painting a plastic tank.

[gray3403]

I have a 1200 Scrambler 2011. The petrol tank has had some previous surface damage. Not sure what caused it but it's annoying. I want to get the tank painted but of course it's plastic.
Various people I have spoken to say that the the ethanol in modern fuel can distort the plastic so I thought before I get it painted I would seal inside the tank to protect it and stop it becoming porous.
Has anyone had experience of painting a plastic tank and how successful.
The original tanks I don't think are painted they appear to be coloured plastic.
I don't want to do all of this and find the paint is not bonding.

[floydsveloce]

Alright Gray

With regards to fuel , I would use super unleaded , as there's no ethanol in it. And don't use supermarket fuel as it's not good enough quality for our bikes. I only go to BP or Esso.
As for painting the tank , there are specialized companies out there who will do it , but do plenty of research first before committing. Once it's done , you can get a clear wrap put on . There is a company in Waterlooville that does it, and there's probably one near you , but I don't know where you live obviously !!

Good luck scrambler rider

Floyd

[gray3403]

Hi Floyd. That's something I didn't know. I thought there was ethanol in all fuel.
I've been reading all about Caswell fuel tank sealer. It sounds the biz. Suitable for plastic tanks.
I think the whole thing about ethanol in fuel is just nonsense. It's no more green than fly in the air.
You use more fuel and get less power. Wonderful.
Thanks for that bit of wisdom.
Dave.
I'm up in Scotland by the way, near Bathgate.

[mikebbikes]

Personally, I use two fuels. The first is called Aspen fuels, its very expensive @£20.00 for 5lts, but it contains no additives whatsoever, and does not go off. I put it in my bikes that are layed up for long periods of time. It will 100% not cause any fouling issues, and the bike will start up after months of storage first time.
The fuel I buy for everyday use is Tescos Momentum. I was put on to this a few years back by a guy who worked in a refinery. Previously, I only used Shell, but after speaking to him, I wouldn't use Shell to start a garden fire with.
As for painting the tank, why not go for a vinyl wrap?

[nicko]

Hi Mike

Interested in why you don't rate Shell fuels. I was under the impression that branded were better than supermarket however I do appreciate that there can't be too many differences, potentially the additives that 'clean' so to speak.

[Ming]

Not wanting to start another ethanol / petrol debate (It's already on the site) - but I have used supermarket 95 in all my bikes since the 1980s. I have had no problems with fuel 'going off' at any time.

[mikebbikes]

Hi Mike

Interested in why you don't rate Shell fuels. I was under the impression that branded were better than supermarket however I do appreciate that there can't be too many differences, potentially the additives that 'clean' so to speak.

As I said the guy I spoke to worked in a fuel refinery that makes petrol and diesel. Each company will have there own requirements for the composition of there fuel. He said that the additives that go into Shell would not make him use it.