Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - how do i get brushed metal look

i want this brushed metal look, do i remove the paint, sand, etch, then spray a clearcoat?

http://www.chainedrevolution.com/images/bikes/merlin/IMG_4640.JPG

http://www.krylon.com/images/products/large/brushedmetallic.png

cant get the damn pic to come up

Here you go...


http://www.chainedrevolution.com/images/bikes/merlin/IMG_4640.JPG

i want this brushed metal look, do i remove the paint, sand, etch, then spray a clearcoat?

http://www.chainedrevolution.com/images/bikes/merlin/IMG_4640.JPG

Essentially, yes. Remember that if it is lugged it will have brazing, which may or may not look nice naked.

There are a quite a few threads regarding this. I've been thinking about doing the same thing with a Bridgestone MB-1 (has to be repainted). I've come to the conclusion that a clear powdercoat would be the best way to go. Even then you'll most likely run into rust down the road.

Here's one.

http://thedailyrandonneur.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/travelo.jpg

And a close up of the lugs on another.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/439024821_b2b6863c3f.jpg?v=0

This guy went through with it and was unhappy. Scroll down.

http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com/search?q=powder+coat

But do a search. There are a few threads.

Sandblast it if its aluminum,but if its steel,it will rust. Powder coat a matte clear onto bare sand blasted steel to get that result.

posted too soon, ok i know what lugged is


You can edit and delete post.

i see, whats with the saddle in that pic, is that custom. or is it a regular saddle with the cushioning ripped off

Also,the bike in the OP is all bare titanium and thats why it is matte grey. If it matters to anyone.

Ti saddle

sounds pricey, thanks

I did something similar with my old aluminum road bike. I stripped the paint with a chemical stripper, then used a red ScotchBrite pad to scuff the whole thing. You can change the look of the metal by either scuffing at random, or going with the grain (if that makes any sense). It was an awesome finish because if the frame DID get a scratch, it was easily buffed out by using the ScotchBrite. Also, aluminum will oxidize, but not at the rate of steel. A good wax and additional buff from time to time will keep it looking nice.

http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s290/croscoe/07ibexclassic3300/DSCF4070.jpg

As stated earlier, the Merlin frame in the picture is Titanium. Very nice bike & very pricey. The trade tried many times trying to get the look of Ti from alum & steel during the height of the Mountain bike era and failed. It's not an easy feat but it can be done if your know the right process.

Personally, I like a steel bike sandblasted and then clear coated. It won't look as uniform and but it also shows it's true colors. Sometimes you may not want to expose the frame with a lot of these cheaper frames being built now. I do like Alien's attempt of it though.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2082/2096212010_109fe62556.jpg?v=0

More pics of that bike please

Picture of Alien frame with clear coat. You can put some time into prepping the frame to make it more uniform prior to clear coating.

http://www.alienbikes.com/products/raw_frame_large.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VY9lef3Ripw/RjG5FYyJBtI/AAAAAAAAA9I/X4EOclkVasw/s1600/MerlinBlackbird05.jpg
Morati Titan titanium crank arms, Boone titanium chainring. Titanium chain ring bolts. Regina Titanio titanium chain, Boone titanium rear cog. Custom Italian titanium saddle with titanium seat rails. Titanium seatpost, and titanium seatpost bolt.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VY9lef3Ripw/RjG4AYyJBqI/AAAAAAAAA8w/FxkBfubn5YE/s1600/MerlinBlackbird03.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VY9lef3Ripw/RjG4AIyJBoI/AAAAAAAAA8g/AgNIuVD_aFI/s1600/MerlinBlackbird01.jpg

Picture of Alien frame with clear coat. You can put some time into prepping the frame to make it more uniform prior to clear coating.

http://www.alienbikes.com/products/raw_frame_large.jpg

I think that's too raw for the TS. That pic of the bike the TS posted is uber refined.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VY9lef3Ripw/RjG5FYyJBtI/AAAAAAAAA9I/X4EOclkVasw/s1600/MerlinBlackbird05.jpg
Morati Titan titanium crank arms, Boone titanium chainring. Titanium chain ring bolts. Regina Titanio titanium chain, Boone titanium rear cog. Custom Italian titanium saddle with titanium seat rails. Titanium seatpost, and titanium seatpost bolt.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VY9lef3Ripw/RjG4AYyJBqI/AAAAAAAAA8w/FxkBfubn5YE/s1600/MerlinBlackbird03.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VY9lef3Ripw/RjG4AIyJBoI/AAAAAAAAA8g/AgNIuVD_aFI/s1600/MerlinBlackbird01.jpg

now that i know what that bike is... so sexy... some day