Bicycle Mechanics - Repainting a frame from scratch...

If i have a frame that is rather scratched up and I wish to respray it, what is the best method? Should I try & take it down to bare metal all around, or just sand and prime the scratched areas, as well as lightly sand the rest of it, and them paint.

Also, if I can get ahold of some Imron, I want to go with that. Will it adhere over existing paint well?

Thanks!

If i have a frame that is rather scratched up and I wish to respray it, what is the best method? Should I try & take it down to bare metal all around, or just sand and prime the scratched areas, as well as lightly sand the rest of it, and them paint.

Also, if I can get ahold of some Imron, I want to go with that. Will it adhere over existing paint well?

Thanks!
If you are going to use a quality paint like "Imron" take the frame down to bare metal. Imron is very toxic, be sure to use a mask and a ventilation system. Is the frame even worth all the trouble?

Tim

FatA,

I repainted a 1980 Schwinn Voyaguer recently and it turned out beautifully. I sanded the complete frame with wet/dry sand paper using plenty of water. All rust spots were taken down to white-metal and primed.

For primer I used Dupicolor rattle-can paint purchased from my local autoparts store. And for the color coat, I used acrylic enamel with a hardener agent. This paint was purchased from an autoparts store that specializes in automotive paint systems. I shot the enamel through a touch up gun powered by a Craftsman 3.5 horsepower compressor.

Your biggest enemy will be dust settling on the fresh, wet paint. So, make sure your painting area is as clean as possible.

And lastly, make sure you use a respirator to protect your lungs from the mist and fumes.

Have fun and good luck!

Jason

I would do all the prep work, and have my friend who has an autobody shop do the spraying for me. thanks for the suggestions.

BTW, the frame is an 85 Trek 620

Depending on your preferences and budget, A paasche double action airbrush is my choice for all small scale spray projets. With just a tiny bit of practice you can do a very professional looking job. Incorporate some stencil or frisket work and people will be begging for custom paint. (trust me) Be sure to do a clear coat over the paint to protect your work. I've been doing spray work for the last 10 years so if you need in-depth help with this, feel free to ask.

If you are planning on sanding to bare metal and you have a compressor, you may enjoy using a sandblaster. They sell cheap but perfectly adequate cheapie blast guns at walmart for $20. I was so shocked at the price that I bought one just to see if it was any good. I've used it numerous times with great success on all sorts of projects. You definitely want the respirator for this and the painting. Don't scrimp. Buy the ansa approved filter that suits the job you're doing.

You did not say if the frame is a good one or a cheapie, but you might consider powder-coating instead of paint. Lots of places around that can do it and they do all the stripping. Great finish, mucho durable, out the door for < $100.

Just a thought...

I used an aircraft grade paint remover (spray on, wipe off) to take the paint off of an early 80's Motobecane. Then I used auto spray paint (in the rattle can) to repaint. Then I clearcoated over that.

My biggest issue with the paint job is that it scratches very easily.

I'm thinking of stripping to bare metal again and just clearcoating. It would look pretty cool, I think.

I am currently stripping a late 70s Motobecane. I used Klean Strip but it did not take off all the paint, so I've spent a lot of time sanding. Almost done.
Any recommendations on primer and paint? I'll look into powder coating as well, may not be too expensive.

Thanks

I'm getting a frame painted as well, my car body/paint guy recommended a clear vinyl over the 'scratch points' once the paint is dry. they use it on cars, why not?