Bicycle Mechanics - Painting a bike!

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bikebikebike!
03-20-09, 09:26 AM
Hello,
I am thinking about painting my road bike. I have researched it online and it doesn't seem that hard. I have heard some horror stories about homemade paint jobs, and I really don't want to mess up my bike! If you have any tips or ticks or any advice, please share!

-thanks

urodacus
03-20-09, 09:30 AM
lots of threads on this. search! but one tip is good prep, and good priming.
DaveSSS
03-20-09, 09:50 AM
No rattle can paint will be very durable. You can get some fancy metallics and candys at auto supply stores, but they are all lacquer that chips easily. I did a two-tone repaint of an old steel frame with clearcoated metallics and it looked great, but it did chip easily.

A urethane paint kit is the best choice, but a lot more expensive and requires an expensive mask to protect your lungs.

cs1
03-20-09, 10:29 AM
No rattle can paint will be very durable. You can get some fancy metallics and candys at auto supply stores, but they are all lacquer that chips easily. I did a two-tone repaint of an old steel frame with clearcoated metallics and it looked great, but it did chip easily.

A urethane paint kit is the best choice, but a lot more expensive and requires an expensive mask to protect your lungs.

By the time he buys all the equipment to do the job correctly it isn't cost effective. You'd have to paint a hundred frames to pay back the cost of the compressor and spray gun. Think about a powder coater. It'll set you back $100 - $150.