Accidentally chipped my tank - UGH! - fix?

[thehobe]

I was taking that orange warning sticker off the tank on my '05 C50Blk last night, using as much finesse as possible with a razor blade, and some Goo Gone to loosen it up and remove the adhesive underneath. Unfortunately, I put a few nicks in the tank, and actually (not realizing it), in one spot, cut into the paint with the razor and caused a 1/4"-1/2" gouge in the paint where it's down to the lower coat of the black and even a tiny bit of steel showing in this spot. I could've kicked my own *** for doing this. The bike is in mint shape, except for this small nick now. I wanted to die when I saw what I did. I should've just left it.

Any suggestions/recommendations on what I should do here? Boy, that sticker was on there GOOD! It was coming off in tiny pieces during the whole operation. Should I get some black touch up and try and make the best of it? You can't really see it from a far, but up close you can, like..while RIDING it. Should I get the whole tank repainted? What would you guys do?

[stp1971]

At least buy some clear paint.

[92Notch]

Kick yourself in the nuts ... twice.

cover it up with a tank bib.

if it were me, i'd wax over it so it's don't rust and call it a day ... I'd chaulk it up to a "What the **** were you thinking, dumb-***" moment ... I'd be sad for a day or two ... and have to look at it ever time i ride ... it would remind me to be more carefull.

I've yet to remove my sticker, I'll probably scrape it off with a flat-blade screwdriver after I've soaked it with brake fluid... sometime before summer

(disclaimer: don't use a screwdriver or break fluid on painted surfaces, kids)


sorry to hear you scratched your bike

[thehobe]

well, I already kicked myself in the nuts twice last night after I did it. That helped a little. I waxed the hell out of the tank after the mishap. I guess I'll try some black, and then some clear touch up enamel. then kick myself in the nuts again for good measure. I never realized that paint is that delicate. Now I know.

[Clintoysterwood]

Well now you need to get your girlfriend to kick you twice. There are plenty of threads on this site that told you to use a plastic card or wooden wedge. I followed the advice found here and had no problems. At least your post will serve to warn others to look at the other posts. I am sorry to hear about the scratches. Razor blade..what were you thinking, or worse what were you drinking. Clint

[92Notch]

Originally Posted by thehobe

well, I already kicked myself in the nuts twice last night after I did it. That helped a little. I waxed the hell out of the tank after the mishap. I guess I'll try some black, and then some clear touch up enamel. then kick myself in the nuts again for good measure. I never realized that paint is that delicate. Now I know.

did you try the color match wax? .... i'd try that before any touch-up paint... I'm not sure how to go about it ... but I'd make damn sure the paint was a match before using it.... otherwise you'd be better off just leaving the scratch there IMO (it'll be less of an eyesore then a line of non-matching paint).

[Dave Nadeau]

Just a reminder for the next person....USE a HAIR DRIER... it softens it upa and pield off in about 5 minutes. I parked mine in the hot sun for about and Hour and removed the SUZUKI name from the rear fender with my finger nail.

[Clint]

Originally Posted by thehobe

well, I already kicked myself in the nuts twice last night after I did it.

With your shoes on or those big, fluffy slippers you wear?

[v0lusia]

Originally Posted by Dave Nadeau

Just a reminder for the next person....USE a HAIR DRIER... it softens it upa and pield off in about 5 minutes. I parked mine in the hot sun for about and Hour and removed the SUZUKI name from the rear fender with my finger nail.

Also, gently use a plastic scraper or a credit card but never anything sharp.

On a side note Dave I sent you a PM

[Rockhead]

Never, never , never use a blade to do this.

Sorry to here about you baby. If you take your badges off, like Clintoysterwood said use a plastic card. Now put some ice on the boys.

[tequilasamurai]

I did the same thing to my bike. You have to call a colorshop out in California to get the right color. Your dealership should have the number. It will be around $35 for the paint, clear coat, and shipping.

[Clint]

I just remembered: When I got my first car the hood had some shallow dents in it. Dad said he thought I could just pound them out. It never occurred to me to just try my fist (they were 6-8 inches across and very shallow). I found myself tapping from underneath, and when I closed the hood I had a collection of lovely half-moon impressions in the paint. Double d'oh!

[robertc729]

I have yet to remove the sticker on my tank, it doesn't bother me a bit cause I never ever see it, I bought a tank divider when I picked up the bike and slapped that bad boy on as soon as I got home. about your tank though, good luck with the touch up.

[thehobe]

Yeah, just dumb. I should've looked around on here for advice first, but being new here, I just didn't think of it.

[Bad Boy]

doesn't the dealer have touchup paint, i bought some from a honda dealer when i had my honda a couple of years ago. maybe they have it in a shaker can also.

[Clint]

I wouldn't try spraying it or you'll end up doing the whole tank, and then you'll have to clearcoat it. Auto parts stores have good selections of touchup paint. I got some when trailer straps wore through my fairing paint. It's not even noticeable.

[kyro2000]

I got a better idea. Post up a few pics of your bike. We'll all try to give you some cool ideas for a custom paint job! I know it will cost a bit, but was a great excuse to change up the bike.

[Bad Boy]

how about decal to cover it

[kyro2000]

Originally Posted by Bad Boy

how about decal to cover it

that's way more economical than my idea. Good thinking

[BlueM109R]

wow, I've removed the tank stickers on both my bikes by soaking them with wd40 then gently sliding a razor blade(compeltely flat) under the sticker. No scratches/nicks/etc, but perhaps I was overly careful??

Anyway, best of luck fixing it, and have you thought of a tank guard to hide it? You know, the tank guards that are supposed to keep your belt buckle from scratching the tank