Bicycle Mechanics - Nail Polish as Touch-up Paint

Hi all,

I've heard that Nail Polish can be used as a touch-up paint on frames to prevent rust. I've got a Reynolds 531 frame that needs a bit of TLC, and thought this might be a cheap and effective way to protect it a bit (it's my daily rider, and really only has a few small places that need some work). So, I have a few questions:

1) Is there anywhere online I can "colour-match" colours to a digital photo of the bike? I think this would be easier than guessing in the store while surrounded by 3000 different colours that all look the same...
2) Do I need to put a clear-coat over top of the nail polish? If so, what should I use for that? Clear nail polish, or something else?
3) What do I have to do to "prepare" the frame? Sand? Acetone?
4) Anyone done this successfully and have any other thoughts or comments, etc. that may help me out?

Thanks!

Darren

I've used it on my frame. I just looked around at the store and found a pretty ggod match. One problem I had was it matched well when the white undercoat was intact, but when it was gone the nail polish top coat was too dark.
I would use a chemical to clean off any oil, dirt, or whatever. I'm not sure which one. This is a pretty inexact fix.

I wouldn't trust any online color-matching -- too many variables; the manner in which your pic and the samples were scanned and corrected, monitor settings, etc. About all you can do is make the best you can visually, then test to see how it looks once it's dry. And keep in mind that the color of the primer or undercoat will affect the result in many cases.

I generally just use clear and don't worry about color matching. Clear over the scratch is much less eye-catching than a poor color match.

Good points all.

Retrogrouch. That's a good idea. Clear would protect, and not show up any more than the chipped spots already do (which doesn't bother me) and you're right that it would probably look better than a poor colour match. I think I'll go with that!

I'm with Retro Grouch although I got really funny looks when I went to the cosmetics counter in the supermarket and asked for a bottle of their cheapest nail varnish...:).

Just take your whole bike in with you! It would be like a critical mass thing. Not sure if you should wear the bike clothes. :eek: Just explain to anyone asking that you have to match the paint on your bike! :p :p

I have been eyeing the testor brand model painting enamels in the section of the department store that has all those model cars, rockets, airplanes...

I might try that, unless someone has advice not to.

I have been eyeing the testor brand model painting enamels in the section of the department store that has all those model cars, rockets, airplanes...

I might try that, unless someone has advice not to.

Testor paint was designed to be an indoor, look-at-me paint. It isn't going to have the durability or the UV resistance of other paints... I think it would at least fade fairly quickly out in the sun.

Again, clean, prime, base coat, clear coat (if your bike has it).

What is recommended as a primer? I'm surprised no one else has mentioned this yet. Is it necessary?

Yeah, good point, Becca. Thanks :)

I used clear nail polish, and was pleased with the results. Unmatched color is uglier than a chipped spot, IMHO.

Make sure that you get all the rust off before you put on the nail polish. This may require chipping off paint in places where the rust has already spread under the paint.

Also, make sure you have a good light source, so that you can get it right.

Cheers,
Jamie

I also use auto touch up and nail polish on my bike.Does anyone use auto touch up on their nails.

another vote for clear. Also easier for me to explain why I have nail polish...

nail polish remover (acetone) is also good for cleaning the bike (though very NOT green).

Nail polish and auto touch-up are both lacquer.
Bingo. It is just paint.

The auto store primer pen is a good idea. It is actually a chemical that reacts with the surface rust which stops it from propagating and acts as a primer.

Or, theres titanium. Paint? I don't need no stinking paint.