Using rattle-cans for a basecoat?

I was thinking about using flat spraypaint as the basecoat under regular automotive urathane clear. Its for a motorcycle tank and fender that will be three colors, and I don't really want to buy three tiny cans of basecoat.
Have any of you done this? Are there any compatability issues? Should I use flat paint or scuffed gloss?
Thanks - Jeff

 

If it is the same as the clear you might get away with it. But you may be causing youself more work and expense. It will be interesting to see what the others have to say on this.

 

Know anybody that works at a body shop?You might get a little real basecoat that way. Us shop types most always have leftovers(I throw NOTHING away unless it's dried out in the can--however I DO give stuff to friends)
Might try paint & body supply store that mixes color...sometimes they screw up mixes--you might get some colors there.

Unless you can get a rattlecan base that's compatible with your clear, you run the risk of wrinkling/lifting/etc. You can probably get away with it, but how much labor ya gonna lose if ya don't?
Remember, you're basically mixing chemicals, and chemicals react....sometimes positively, sometimes not so positively

 

i painted my whole r/pu with body shop leftovers alot of shops have mixing setups too if you got a buddy have him mix you a couple of pints

 

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i painted my whole r/pu with body shop leftovers alot of shops have mixing setups too if you got a buddy have him mix you a couple of pints

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I ****in LOVE that color combo!!!!

 

Leftovers is a good tip, I'm just looking for simple red, white and green. And I'm planning on using a muddy yellow/brown tint in the clear. I want a funky old dirty look.

 

The problem with rattle cans is that they don't have hardeners in them. If you are rattle canning the whole thing, it'll be fine. If you rattle can a base and spray a clear on it, the first chip will lift off a huge section of the clear.

Mototcycle tanks tend to see a lot of traffic at the base where your jacket zipper will rub and it will most certainly start flaking off there.

That's not to say it still can't be done but it just won't be as durable as regular automotive finishes.

 

Steevil is right. I don't recommend using rattle cans for any painting, even primer. I helped my son paint his BMX bike. We used spray-can primer and a good urethane topcoat. It chipped like hell.