Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Painting Plastic Gas Tank on Honda three wheeler

Recently I have painted 2 plastic gas tanks from Honda three wheelers. I used acrylic enamel with all the std prep. All was well until they were filled with fuel. Apparently the gas fumes actually leech out of the plastic and attack the paint as it all blistered & peeled off in sheets. Does anyone know of anything that will prohibit the fumes from leaching. I have thought about some type of rubberized undercoating to use as a barrier. Any thoughts?

Gary D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Dallas, Texas
2003

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December 27, 2008

The problem may be hydrocarbons leaching through the plastic, or fumes from the outside. In either case the problem is that the paint is not designed to be used in the environment containing gasoline and is not chemically resistant.

This is why plastic gas tanks are usually colored by coloring the plastic.

Assuming that you need to paint them, you will need to identify the plastic used for tank, and then talk with a paint supplier about the proper material to adhere to that plastic and resist gasoline fumes/liquid.

Charles M. Barnard
- Menomonie, Wisconsin

Thanks, Charles.

There are a number of threads here about painting plastic gas tanks. letter 14173 is a good one, and it discusses bed liners / rubber undercoatings! Good luck, Gary.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 29, 2008