Alternative to Chrome radiator grills
I was feeling a tad patriotic last week, and came up with an idea. How about painting a design--like a flag--on the grills? It was really quite simple to do, although time-consuming. Paint used is your basic Wally-world gloss spray can stuff. First, I painted the entire "grated" part white. Then taped off the stars and around the edge of the blue area. Sprayed the blue. Taped off the white stripes and the star area to "save" them, and sprayed the red. About the taping off--Look at the first picture. I wrapped a 3/8" X 1" piece of blue painter's tape around each "leg" of mesh and put it as close to the junction of the color transitions as I could. Just make sure and cover the color you want to keep as completely as you can. After taping the individuals, I put a strip on top to smooth the edge between each color of paint. Right before painting, I went around and pressed the strips down firmly to get a good tight seal. To tape off the stars, I cut 3/8" squares and placed them at the crossroads of the mesh. I didn't worry about wrapping the tape there, as I didn't care if the blue paint feathered a bit. I did give the squares a little extra press down to make sure the top surface was covered. About the tape--I used 3M brand Scotch-blue tape. The kind that looks like masking tape only blue in color. I tried the cheaper look-a-like tape, but it won't let go when you're done and peels the good paint off.
I am pleased with the results. I realize my design isn't accurate to scale, but the general idea is there.
Here are some shots of them in the bike.
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#19
Very Good Idea!
Originally Posted by DEP47
