Bicycle Mechanics - Frame painting / gluing pictures question

I've got an old steel frame, not too rusted, that I plan on building into a fixed-gear. I'm debating whether to have it painted by a local guy with automotive paint, which would cost a bit of money, or whether to do it myself? If I did it myself I think I'd do something like cover it with postage stamps or pictures, to set it apart and hide the otherwise inevitably-crappy spray can job.
Anyone ever do something like that (links?) And, how would one go about doing something like this -- spray a basic layer of paint, adhere whatever pictures, then spray over with clear-coat?

I like the idea of plastering the bike with postage stamps, then if you ever get the hankering to tour in Europe your bike is ready to go, just drop off at the Postal Office and tell them where you want it sent.

How many 1c stamps would it take to cover a bike?

I've got an old steel frame,

Do it!

What's the worst that could happen? You'll stamp or sticker or whatever your frame and decide that you don't like it. If that happens, $10.00 worth of paint stripper will fix it.

Just let someone else do the dirty work for you. It honestly isn't worth the time and effort. Dealing with not so healthy chemicals etc.

There's a thread over in the ss/fg forum about powdercoating. A bunch of people were finding prices as low as $75.00 to powdercoat a frame. If you really want to avoid the rattlecan look, powdercoating sounds like a fairly inexpensive way to go to get a really nice looking finish.

I would use Modge Podge (http://www.save-on-crafts.com/modpodglos.html) and then use a polyurethane spray to seal the artwork.

I think it is a very creative idea. My brother and his girlfriend paint furniture this way and the pieces are unique and durable. I don't know how well it would work on a bike frame, but *I* would go for it :)

I like the idea of plastering the bike with postage stamps, then if you ever get the hankering to tour in Europe your bike is ready to go, just drop off at the Postal Office and tell them where you want it sent.

When they get done canceling the stamps you won't want it back. :eek:

If you really want to avoid the rattlecan look, powdercoating sounds like a fairly inexpensive way to go to get a really nice looking finish.
Haven't investigated it, but might powder coat have trouble covering rust?

Check out the Frame painters sticky in C & V. there are a couple of post with a lot of do it your self info.

I did a rattle can job on an old steel frame........It was very satisfying to come out with a good job and nice look, but the cost was not a lot less than what I have seen for powder coating and the finish is not as durable.....if I were to do it over, I would powdercoat.

Do it!

+1....A paint job I'm particularly proud of is one on a mtb frame I have. I used an industrial grade floor paint, applied it with a sponge roller, and put a beer bottle sticker on the headtube as a headbadge (Fat Tire beer of course :D). I used waterproof glue on the sticker, and then applied several coats of automotive "touch up" clear coat over the sticker to seal it. That particular paint job is as bulletproof as any you'll find on a bicycle:p..............These projects can be fun. I was a professional painter for ten years (houses, buildings mostly), don't paint much anymore, but I really enjoy bringing an old bike frame back to life with a paint job-

Funny you should mention it. I just got in from painting part of my house. Had to replace about half the chimney soffit... was masonite siding over OSB on an exposed wall. http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/mad0214.gif

Haven't investigated it, but might powder coat have trouble covering rust?

I think the quotes these guys were giving included sandblast prep. That ought to take care of any rust.

was masonite siding over OSB on an exposed wall. http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/mad0214.gif

I can identify with you, masonite is one of my least favorite materials on earth- :)