Handlebar fairing for the Piaggio Zip SP

Handlebar fairing for Piaggio ZIP SP1 models.

At last, you have the chance to purchase a handlebar fairing for your beloved SP1. It is manufactured in two parts to avoid unsightly overhangs during moulding; it is then bolted together from the inside and the seam is fused. The seam must be sanded and filled before painting, though this requires only minimal finishing work.

Material: ABS, suitable for painting

Here are some brief instructions and tips on painting:

1. Surface preparation (the most important step):

Smoothing out layers:

• Layer lines (particularly with FDM/FFF) are the biggest enemy of a beautiful paint finish
• Wet sanding with sandpaper, using progressively finer grits: e.g. 220 → 400 → 800 → 1000+
  If layer lines are pronounced, fill them in beforehand with a filler (filler primer or 2K filler)

Cleaning:

• Thoroughly remove sanding dust (compressed air, brush, wipe with isopropyl alcohol if necessary)
  Ensure the surface is grease-free (fingerprints!) before painting

2. Priming is essential:

• Filler primer evens out minor imperfections and ensures uniform absorption
• Apply several thin coats rather than one thick one
• Once dry, lightly wet-sand again (400–600 grit) for a super-smooth base

3. Consider the material:

• ABS: may be slightly dissolved or swollen by some solvent-based paints → test on an inconspicuous area first

4. Applying the varnish:

• Apply thin coats in several passes rather than a single thick coat (to avoid runs or drips)
• Allow sufficient drying time between coats
• When using spray cans: move the can in a steady, even motion, keeping it at a distance of approx. 20–30 cm
• A clear coat at the end protects the paintwork and ensures the desired level of gloss (matt/satin/gloss)