Bicycle Mechanics - how much does a can of automotive spray paint cost?

if i wanted to paint a bike, what do i need? i want to paint it a basic black color. how do i strip off the old paint? do i need to use primer? i have never done such a thing before, can someone help or lead me to a good website with some info

If it's a steel frame in decent shape with no rust, it's simple enough to just rough up the surface with 400-grit wet&dry sandpaper (wet). Then spray some Rustoleum over it and let dry. About $3 at Home Depot.

To get a really good paint-job, you have to completely strip the frame of parts. You'll need about $50 in tools.

I have done this.

you should remove everything from the frame first.

you will need:

allen / hex keys
crank pullers
socket set
chain breaker

remove the chain
remove the cranks
remove seat
remove brake calipers
remove stem
remove wheels
remove derailleurs.

tape up bb and headset

rough up the existing paint with sandpaper
spray on primer - 2 coats
spray on black paint - 2 coats
spray on clear coat - 2 coats

It took me a while to do - probably a week in total to get all the coats on.

The difficulty is that rattlecan paint marks easily - so the paint rubbed off really quickly

This is the complete bike,

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~matt_tunstall/mypic3.jpg

If you use the search function you will find many threads on this subject. Many of them contain some quite detailed advice on repainting a bicycle.

If you want a good-looking result, my advice is to clean the frame down to bare metal and concentrate on getting a really excellent base preparation job. Don't be afraid to let spray can primer cure for a week or so before moving on to the next step.

Paint costs nothing when you steal it.

Paint costs nothing when you steal it.

While he is at it, maybe he should just steal an entire new bike :p

It will take at least two rattle cans to do the multiple coats required for a good looking job plus primer if you take the old finish off.

While he is at it, maybe he should just steal an entire new bike :p
Helz yeah, if he can get away with it. ;)

If it's a steel frame in decent shape with no rust, it's simple enough to just rough up the surface with 400-grit wet&dry sandpaper (wet). Then spray some Rustoleum over it and let dry. About $3 at Home Depot.

To get a really good paint-job, you have to completely strip the frame of parts. You'll need about $50 in tools.

do i need primer for Rustoleum? does Rustoleum chip easily? will i need a clear coat over it?

does painter thinner work better than sanding for removing old paint? or vice versa?

does painter thinner work better than sanding for removing old paint? or vice versa?
I doubt it works at all for removing old paint.
I cleaned my bike (form dust and grime) with Mineral Spirits - it is a gasoline-like substance that is used as a paint thinner. Nothing happened to the paint :)

It's like asking if rubbing alcohol will dissolve your hands? :eek:

Use Dupi-Color. Its made for quick fixes on cars and holds up better than that rustoleum crap.

Use Dupi-Color. Its made for quick fixes on cars and holds up better than that rustoleum crap.
i disagree. Ive had terrible luck with Dupli-color.

do i need primer for Rustoleum? does Rustoleum chip easily? will i need a clear coat over it?Rustoleum has some sort of formulation that works on bare metal. However, my suggestion is to leave the original paint. Just rough it up with the 400-grit W&D paper (wet) so that the surface is smooth and devoid of bumps & scratches. If the paint has deep scratches, then yes, you should spray some sanding primer to build up thickness, then sand again to smooth out the bumps. Then spray 2-4 coats Rustoleum and you'll be fine. If you use more than 4-5 rattle-cans, it'd be cheaper to just buy a pint of automotive paint. The OmniAU line is a particularly good value and is of higher quality than any rattle-can paint.

To answer the original question, real automotive spray paints can't be put in spray cans because they're two part paints. You have to add a hardener just before you use them. It's possible to do a beautiful paintjob with spray cans, but it won't be very durable. I just finished painting a frame with auto paint. the materials cost me $100. The spray equipment cost me about $500 and I bought my Sharpe detail spray gun used.

Get it powdercoated!

you dont NEED to, but it wouldnt be a bad idea.
Rustoleum makes a paint called "high performance enamel" I painted my commuter bike with it, and it think it looks great.
Before:
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/FlatFender_2006/100_0308.jpg
After:
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i41/FlatFender_2006/100_0312.jpg
its not nearly as durable as auto paint, but its much more durable than some other spray can paint I have used in the past.