How to Paint a Snowmobile Hood

Snowmobiling is an exciting winter sport that allows riders to explore new territory, satisfy their need for speed and spend time in the outdoors. If your snowmobile is old and in need or a new look, or perhaps newer but painted in a style that doesn't suit you, it's possible to give your machine's hood a custom paint job that will turn heads. All it takes is some basic painting-related items and a bit of creativity.

Things You'll Need

  • Oil/grease remover
  • 400-grit sandpaper
  • Screwdriver
  • Ratchet handle
  • Sockets
  • Masking tape
  • Primer
  • Spray paint
  • Clear coat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Scrub the snowmobile hood with a rag and some oil/grease remover. It is important that the hood is completely clean before you begin the painting process. If you don't have an oil/grease remover, rubbing alcohol on a rag will work adequately.

    • 2

      Rub the snowmobile hood with 400-grit sandpaper. The goal shouldn't be to try to remove the old paint, but to scuff it enough to provide a rough surface to which the new paint can adhere.

    • 3

      Remove the snowmobile hood from the snowmobile using whatever tools are necessary. You'll likely need a screwdriver, ratchet handle and sockets, depending on the age, style and brand of your snowmobile. If you choose not to remove the hood, or cannot, you will have to be careful while painting it in place.

    • 4

      Tape any areas around the hood that you do not wish to paint, and drape painting sheets around the rest of the snowmobile so that only the hood is exposed. If you have successfully removed the hood, you won't have to use the painting sheets. However, if there are elements on your hood, such as an emblem or hardware, that you wish to avoid painting, cover them securely with masking tape.

    • 5

      Spray one or two coats of primer onto the snowmobile hood.

    • 6

      Spray a base coat of paint onto the hood using a sprayer held at least one foot from the hood. Give the entire hood an even coat, then allow it to fully dry. Apply a second coat of paint, if necessary.

    • 7

      Paint any designs onto the snowmobile hood that you wish. These designs may be stripes, which can be applied by taping areas and spraying between the rows of tape, or stencils. Allow the design, if applicable, to fully dry.

    • 8

      Spray the hood with either a glossy or matte clear coat, depending on the look you wish to achieve. If necessary, apply a second coat once the first is dry.

    • 9

      Fasten the hood back into place if you've removed it for the painting process.