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Airbrush Kawasaki Drifter

#09: Zebra Airbrush

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Project Kawasaki Drifter / Episode 09

#09: Zebra Airbrush

A work of art on two wheels—the unique zebra look is created


EPISODE
9 of 12

DIFFICULTY
Expert

TIME REQUIRED
2-3 days

Video Tutorial

Recommended SET

Airbrush Color SET

Go to Shop →

Work Steps:

1

Design

Create the zebra pattern design. Mark the lines on the tank with masking tape.

2

Masking

Cover all areas that should not be painted. Precise masking is essential!

3

Airbrushing

The zebra pattern is applied using an airbrush and stencils. Each line is sprayed by hand—precision work!

4

Details

Fine details and transitions are hand-painted. Allow each layer to dry before the next.

The Artwork

Now it gets artistic! The tank receives its unique zebra pattern. This requires a steady hand, patience, and experience with airbrush technique.

Pro Tip

Practice the pattern on cardboard first. Each zebra stripe should be slightly different—that’s what makes it look natural.

Zebra design airbrush

Draft of the zebra design
Draft of the zebra design
Masking is applied
Masking is applied
First stripes are created
First stripes are created
Airbrush work
Airbrush work
Details are being worked out
Details are being worked out
The pattern grows
The pattern grows
Fine lines
Fine lines
Almost finished
Almost finished
The finished zebra design
The finished zebra design
Seal airbrush with 2K clearcoat

#10: Seal the airbrush

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Project Kawasaki Drifter / Episode 10

#10: Seal the airbrush

Protecting the artwork—multiple layers of clear coat for lasting shine


EPISODE
10 of 12

DIFFICULTY
Medium

TIME REQUIRED
2 days

Video Tutorial

Recommended SET

2K Clear Coat SET

Go to Shop →

Work Steps:

1

Preparation

Clean the airbrush artwork from dust. Do not touch with bare hands!

2

First coat

Apply a thin mist coat of 2K clear coat. This prevents the artwork from bleeding.

3

Build-up coats

Spray 2K clear coat in 3-4 thin layers. Allow to flash off for 15-20 minutes between layers.

4

Curing & finishing

After 48 hours of drying time, the surface can be polished and waxed.

Protection

The beautiful airbrush work needs protection! Multiple layers of 2K clear coat seal the artwork and provide fuel resistance and UV protection.

Pro Tip

The first coat must be very thin! If you spray too much at once, the solvents can dissolve the airbrush colors.

Clear coat sealing

2K clear coat scheme
2K clear coat scheme
Preparation for the clear coat
Preparation for the clear coat
First clear coat application
First clear coat application
Intermediate sanding
Intermediate sanding
High-gloss finish
High-gloss finish
Paint frame with paint spray

#07: Paint the frame

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Project Kawasaki Drifter / Episode 07

#07: Paint the frame

The centerpiece—the frame gets a fresh coat of paint


EPISODE
7 of 12

DIFFICULTY
Medium to Hard

TIME REQUIRED
2-3 days

Video Tutorial

Recommended SET

Frame Painting SET

Go to Shop →

Work Steps:

1

Rust removal

Remove loose rust from the entire frame using a wire brush and sandpaper.

2

Rust treatment

Apply rust converter to all affected areas. Allow to work for at least 24 hours.

3

Priming

After drying (min. 24h), spray with 2K primer in 2 coats.

4

Top coat

Apply frame paint in 2-3 thin coats. Use 2K paint for durability.

The Goal

The frame is the backbone of every motorcycle. A perfect paint job not only looks great but also provides lasting rust protection.

Pro Tip

Hang the frame so you can reach all areas easily. Use a rotating hook for even coverage.

Frame painting

The frame is primed
The frame is primed
2K paint structure scheme
2K paint structure scheme
Painting with dasAuto spray paint

#06: Restore attachments

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Project Kawasaki Drifter / Episode 06

#06: Restore attachments

Small parts, brackets, and attachments are refurbished


EPISODE
6 of 12

DIFFICULTY
Medium

TIME REQUIRED
1-2 days

Video Tutorial

Recommended SET

Paint & Primer SET

Go to Shop →

Work Steps:

1

Cleaning

Thoroughly clean all small parts. Oil, grease, and old dirt must be completely removed.

2

Rust removal

Remove rust with wire brush, sandpaper, or rust converter.

3

Priming

Treat metal parts with rust-proof primer. Use 2K filler for visible parts.

4

Painting

Paint with matching color or heat-resistant paint for engine parts.

The Goal

While the main parts are drying, we restore all the small parts. Brackets, covers, and accessories are cleaned, primed, and painted.

Pro Tip

Use wire hooks to hang small parts for painting. This way you can spray all sides at once.

Painting add-on parts

Add-on parts are painted
Add-on parts are painted
Small parts in the paintwork
Small parts in the paintwork