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DIY frame painting

Old 08-21-05, 10:07 AM
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DIY frame painting

I have a older steel frame I want to repaint. I am currently building it up as a fixed gear. I thought that as a winter project I could repaint it. I was looking for a few tips.
I know i need to sand/ remove all the paint from the frame. Than I was thinking that I could use a coat or two of spray paint primer, and than a coat of two paint and a coat or two of clear coat.

I know I will have to take care around the BB and head set. Is there any thing I am missing??

Thanks for the help
Chris
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Old 08-21-05, 09:53 PM
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Check the link below to see how the pro's do it.

https://www.campyonly.com/joebell/painting_steps.html
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Old 08-21-05, 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by bigchris603
I know i need to sand/ remove all the paint from the frame. Than I was thinking that I could use a coat or two of spray paint primer, and than a coat of two paint and a coat or two of clear coat.
That's what I did to my girlfriend's bike... except I didn't COMPLETELY remove the old paint and I didn't use primer. The clear-coated blue paint looked fabulous at first, but is easy to scratch. Next time I'll use primer

Oh, and I used masking tape to cover the head tube badge, headset cups, and BB shell. Hope that helps!
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Old 08-22-05, 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by bigchris603
I know i need to sand/ remove all the paint from the frame. Than I was thinking that I could use a coat or two of spray paint primer, and than a coat of two paint and a coat or two of clear coat.
Some good DIY painting advice for using spray-can paints can be found here. Duplicolor and Plastikote are generally regarded as the best brands to use. Typically, you'll want to use enamels instead of lacquers, because enamels are harder and more durable. If you use auto-body touch-up paints, you'll have a pretty wide range of color choices. However, most auto-body touch-up spray paints are lacquers, meaning that if you decide to go with enamels, you'll have fewer color choices. You can spray an enamel clearcoat on top of a lacquer color coat, which will give probably the best combination of color choice and durability, but make absolutely sure the lacquer is dry first. Don't spray lacquer on top of an enamel.

I'm planning on painting my frame over the winter as well, but I'm going to use auto paint for a vastly more durable finish. Specifically, I'm planning on using PPG Omni AU paints, which is a cheap, two-part auto body urethane (that is, you have to mix the paint with the hardening agent before you spray it). I don't have a spray gun/compressor, so I'm going to use a Preval paint sprayer, which is basically an aerosol paint sprayer that you can put your own paint in. I'm still looking into how dangerous the fumes are and deciding what type of respiration system I'll need - this info should be available on the MSDS or from the paint store. 3M makes a NIOSH-approved carbon-filter respirator for $15 that may be suitable. You may also want to consider this route if you want a tougher finish.


Originally Posted by bigchris603
I know I will have to take care around the BB and head set. Is there any thing I am missing??
Bike frames have lots of nooks and crannies. The suggested method is to paint these areas first, and do the tubes afterwards. Do your painting in bright light so as not to miss any areas.

Good luck!
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Old 08-22-05, 09:03 AM
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for stuff like this ive found that engine enamels (in a spray can) work great. still sand everything down really good, remember a good paint job 90% prep work and 10% actually painting it. also if this is a winter project watch the temperatures of where you are painting, cold weather isnt the best for painting something. i hope any of this helped

oh yeah, the engine enamel paint you can get at any walmart or any auto store place
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Old 08-22-05, 01:28 PM
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Good advice. Also: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/
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Old 08-22-05, 01:49 PM
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Here is another good link that you should look at https://www.nonlintec.com/carlton/
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Old 01-03-08, 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by cacattack
also if this is a winter project watch the temperatures of where you are painting, cold weather isnt the best for painting something.
I have to paint my bike fork, but the weather here just got pretty cold (in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit). The primer and paint I'm using suggests having the temperature between 50 and 90 degrees. Is the only downside to painting in the cold that it will take longer to dry? Thanks for any help.
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Old 01-03-08, 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Cyclepath
Good advice. Also: Is Wal-Mart Good For America?

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/

I must have missed something. Who said anything about wally world? Who cares anything about Wally World?
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Old 01-03-08, 11:56 AM
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Search for posts by Dr. Deltron.
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Old 01-03-08, 12:04 PM
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there is a lot of info here also https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/301459-frame-painters.html

C&V, sticky
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Old 01-03-08, 12:31 PM
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https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...light=painting
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Old 01-03-08, 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by itty01
....Is the only downside to painting in the cold that it will take longer to dry?
WOW! A new post to a 2 year old thread! How didhedothat?

...

No, the downside is that it WON'T dry!

At 20-30 degrees, it'll just become mush...and stay that way. At least until the ambient temp is above 60or so. And then you will have closed the paint and that means scuffing or sanding before continueing.
And catalysed paints that stay mushy for too long tend to lose their adhesiveness once dry.

Too many things can go wrong when it's colder than 55 degrees. Not worth the risk IMHO.

An auto body shop can spray in winter, because they use heated booths that can warm the substrate and then dry it after spraying. They often use dryers for the air that goes to the spray gun as well.
 
Old 01-03-08, 02:03 PM
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is there a trick for removing old decals?? I'd like to avoid s-blasting if possiblle.........
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Old 01-04-08, 08:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Dr.Deltron
No, the downside is that it WON'T dry!
Thanks Dr. D! Looks like I'll be waiting till spring...
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