Bicycle Mechanics - Paint and Clearcoat

I got a ? and I know that it probably just depends on what you feel good with but I just recently stripped and repainted a bike and was wondering how many coats of clearcoat is needed??

Thx Kevin

P.S. - When I bought it, it was a late 80's Specialized Allez that the original paint was hot pink and I just could not deal with that sorry but I forgot to get before pictures but I will be sure to put a pic on of the new complete one.

One will usually do the trick, but I would do about 2 or 3 depending on the amount of gloss you want. let it dry then wet sand with superfine grit sandpaper and spray the next coat. apply any decals before spraying clear that way they wont ppel off later.

I find that it is more important to have several coats of paint than it is to have extra coats of clear coat. I go with about five thin coats of paint and two of clear coat.

Do you simply spray from cans? If so, what do you use to get a good finish?

I'm in the middle of my first paint job. I put the first clearcoat on last night using a spray can. Good finish?? to be continued....

Originally posted by jcivic00
One will usually do the trick, but I would do about 2 or 3 depending on the amount of gloss you want. let it dry then wet sand with superfine grit sandpaper and spray the next coat. apply any decals before spraying clear that way they wont ppel off later.

just as a side note, if you are going to wet sand (and I would) you should use between 1000-1600 grit sand paper.... Good Luck :)

I would also suggest using a good rubbing compound after the final coat this gives you a nice smooth finish.

Well I guess you can say there was an unfortunate acident in the process of painting, I had sanded it primed it and had three coats of paint on which I let dry for roughly 2 days. When I clearcoated it in many parts it somehow kinda cracked and lifted everything to the primer and after that anywhere you would touch would come off. So I have now re striiped it and have decided to pay the price to get it powder coated which would have been smart at first but I can get it done for about 35 dollars so not to bad. I guess my next ?? will be if I powder coat then apply decals may I spray clearcoat over the decals w/o hurting the powdercoat?


Thx for replys Kevin

Did you use the same type of clearcoat as paint? I know if you use a acrylic paint and enamel clear coat that will happen or visa versa, they don't react well to each other. I would ask the guys doing the powder coating they could tell you for sure.

Originally posted by kevin29
When I clearcoated it in many parts it somehow kinda cracked and lifted everything to the primer and after that anywhere you would touch would come off. Thx for replys Kevin

My guess is that you used automotive laquer paint and enamel clear coat. It is a sure bet for lifting off the lacquer based paint.

What a drag.