LS instrument cover refinishing

[lfdelrio]

Hi all,
I've been thinking of refinishing/painting the instrument cover/dashboard on my ls as it has a couple of deep scratches. Has anyone attempted to do this? If so what did you use to fill the scratches? ABS cement?, glazing putty? . Any suggestions on the color> I was thinking satin black or semi-gloss black.
Thanks in advance

Luis

[bruce_launceston]

I have repainted my LS cover with a good quality matt black spray can. I filled some small stone chips on the smooth section with body filler first.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I'm not sure how you could duplicate the texture.  Hopefully someone has done it with success, before.

Rat bikes rule!

[Bob_Roller]

I'm not sure how you could duplicate the texture.  Hopefully someone has done it with success, before.

Rat bikes rule!

Rob I think they are talking about the smooth cover that goes on top of the small fairing, not the textured rubber that goes around the indicators .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Ah - it must have been "instrument cover/dashboard" that threw me.  I missed that he has an "ls" (LS).

I don't need to identify my bike in my sig line, it is in my name.  Well, parts of it, anyway! (I'm on my 3rd engine and second transmission...   )

[lfdelrio]

Thanks for the replies, yes I did mean the smooth part on my LS (my bad).

Bruce, did you use a primer or adhesion promoter at all? (on the filler or the rest of the instrument cover) Or would pastic-specific paint be enough?. Also did you paint the textured part or just masked it. Although I have some experience painting metal, and fiberglass parts I've never painted plastic so I thought I'd ask before I make a mess.

Luis

[Julio A.]

I've painted on an actual LS before, but I have painted numerous damaged plastic parts.

I never used primer before, but the filler I use was a mixture of epoxy and "microballons", a light and dust like additive to make it softer and easier to sand down.

Sometimes I just scuff the plastic with some fine grit sandpaper if there are only light scratches before painting.

[bruce_launceston]

I just gave a light sand to the smooth section and yes I did paint the textured area as well this time.
Previously I masked this part off and only painted the smooth front part.
I didn't use a primer or plasticiser. I use K&H Matt Black in a spray can. It's also great for the lever mounts, choke lever etc. It has just the right semi-gloss level.