repainting q's

[epoch]

i originally posted this in the classics section, but it doesnt seem to be getting much love there.

i currently own a 1981 yamaha xj550 seca. i was planning on upgrading to a newer bike sometime soon, but that has been put on hold for now. in the meantime, i thought i might try my hand at an inexpensive repainting of my bike using spray paints.

i've searching on this site for a painting guide, but coming up with not much. this would be my first attempt at something like this. i know itll be a lot of thin coats necessary, and lots of sanding and prep. one thing i'm not sure of is how to remove the old paint. the rear fender is plastic and the tank is metal. Do i just sand it all off?

my biggest concern, though, is that i live in the pacific northwest, and though i have a garage to work in, it is far from dry anywhere here. am i going to be able to paint effectively in such a humid area?

in case anyone was wondering, my bike is a dark wine red right now. i was thinking of painting the tank, fenders, and the exhaust matte or semi gloss black and perhaps somehow making some new badges to fit the empty brackets on the tank.

thanks in advance everyone.