Problem with Dark (matte black) paint

[sk8board]

I recently bought a used but spotless Dark Monster. Last week I propped-up the tank for the first time and I noticed gasoline was leaking from the fuel cap because the tank was full. I immediately unpropped the tank and dried it with a paper towel.

Today, I took the bike for a ride and I noticed streaks in the paint from the gasoline that I wiped-up a week earlier. Once I returned from my ride, I washed the tank twice with soap and water, but the streaks still remain.

This is the first vehicle that I have owned with a matte finish. I had no idea that a matte finish was such a pain to maintain.  This seems stupid to paint a motorcycle gas tank with a finish that can’t hold up to an occasional splash of gasoline!

Could anyone tell me how to remove these streaks from the matte black paint on my Monster?

[804monster]

I recently bought a used but spotless Dark Monster. Last week I propped-up the tank for the first time and I noticed gasoline was leaking from the fuel cap because the tank was full. I immediately unpropped the tank and dried it with a paper towel.

Today, I took the bike for a ride and I noticed streaks in the paint from the gasoline that I wiped-up a week earlier. Once I returned from my ride, I washed the tank twice with soap and water, but the streaks still remain.

This is the first vehicle that I have owned with a matte finish. I had no idea that a matte finish was such a pain to maintain.  This seems stupid to paint a motorcycle gas tank with a finish that can’t hold up to an occasional splash of gasoline!

Could anyone tell me how to remove these streaks from the matte black paint on my Monster?

You should probablly check the welds on your tank hinge. After you empty the gas ofcourse.

[ducpainter]

I recently bought a used but spotless Dark Monster. Last week I propped-up the tank for the first time and I noticed gasoline was leaking from the fuel cap because the tank was full. I immediately unpropped the tank and dried it with a paper towel.

Today, I took the bike for a ride and I noticed streaks in the paint from the gasoline that I wiped-up a week earlier. Once I returned from my ride, I washed the tank twice with soap and water, but the streaks still remain.

This is the first vehicle that I have owned with a matte finish. I had no idea that a matte finish was such a pain to maintain.  This seems stupid to paint a motorcycle gas tank with a finish that can’t hold up to an occasional splash of gasoline!

Could anyone tell me how to remove these streaks from the matte black paint on my Monster?

No one can tell you because it can't be done.

Sorry.

[brix821]

but there in lies the charm of the dark...the dirtier it gets, the better it looks

[Holden]

Clean the rest of it with petrol so it matches.

[krolik]

Clean the rest of it with petrol so it matches.

+11ty Billion.


You can't beat guy-logic.

[Big Troubled Bear]

That`s why darkies are cheaper

[Norm]

If you don't mind a lot of work, you could buff or scuff it out & then use fine steelwool to get back the matte finish you want. Or, buff & let it go glossy. Ducpainter would know more, but I "think" it would work. Anything is better than streaks.

[superjohn]

This is the first vehicle that I have owned with a matte finish. I had no idea that a matte finish was such a pain to maintain.  This seems stupid to paint a motorcycle gas tank with a finish that can’t hold up to an occasional splash of gasoline!

Could be worse, you should see what gas does to those translucent panels on a Buell. 

[herm]

curious? how long was the tank propped up? and how long did the gas sit on the finiish?
i ask because i got gas on my old dark tank a number of times, always wiped it off quickly, and never had the problem that you are experiencing.

more important, and i think someone else already mentioned it, is to check the welds around the hinge.

propping up the tank with anything more than 1/4 tank or less is a sure way to cause busted welds. and they dont alway show up right away.

[RBX QB]

I've splashed during fuel ups without wiping it off. I don't recall any discoloration. I'll have to check it out next time I have the bike out.

but there in lies the charm of the dark...the dirtier it gets, the better it looks

I only wash my dark when I have to. Plus, I always ride with a net and a strap mounted tank bag, so the straps scuff the tank up.

In my case, I don't care. I don't care about resale because I plan on riding this thing into the ground. And, I like the dirty look. It's MUCH easier to maintain.

[Speedomax]

I also have a dark. I've spilled gas on it several times without a problem. I've also lifted the tank full of gas with no leaking either. 

[ute]

same here never had a problem ...spill gas all the time on the tank


do you have the plastic tank ?

[mmakay]

Is it possible this was a repainted tank that didn't get the right catalyst or top-coat?  That could explain why gas effected it, when it seams others have had no problems.

[sk8board]

curious? how long was the tank propped up? and how long did the gas sit on the finiish?
i ask because i got gas on my old dark tank a number of times, always wiped it off quickly, and never had the problem that you are experiencing.

more important, and i think someone else already mentioned it, is to check the welds around the hinge.

propping up the tank with anything more than 1/4 tank or less is a sure way to cause busted welds. and they dont alway show up right away.

Thanks for the tip about only using the prop rod with less than a 1/4 tank.

I only had the tank on the prop rod for about 30 seconds then I noticed the fuel leaking from the filler. I immediately unpropped the tank and wiped-up the gas.

Seems odd that no one else has had this problem. I wonder if it is because the local fuel supply recently changed to 10% ethanol?

Has anyone else had this problem?