jsdavis

I had a run in with a parking meter and although the frame is otherwise fine, the paint has worn down bare metal in one spot a bit smaller than 5mm x 5mm. My frame is 4130 chromoly and I understand this metal is not corrosion resistant.

What is the appropriate way to touch up this spot? I have some Rust Bullet rust inhibitor paint and some flat Rustoleum paint left over from another, non-bicycle related, repair. I was thinking I can apply 3 coats Rust Bullet followed by a couple coats Rustoleum. Rust Bullet requires minimum two coats to be effective.

Is this overkill or should I just put a couple coats of the Rustoleum paint. Both products are in cans for application with brush or roller.

Rust Bullet: https://www.rustbullet.com/
Rustoleum paint: https://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=150

SlimRider

Hey there JSDavis!

The main thing is to get the bare steel surface covered immediately. For a temporary fix, you can apply fingernail polish. Otherwise, your current plan sounds good...

I'd tape the affected area off (for neatness sake), use the rustbullet as primer, after cleaning the oil and dirt off the metal. Next, I'd apply the 1st rustoleum coat and wet sand afterwards. Then, I'd apply the 2nd coat and wet sand that coat, as well. Wait 24 hrs. between each coat.

Finally, I'd clearcoat the area three times, afterwards. Wait another 24 hrs. Wipe the interface of tape and paint with denatured alcohol and remove the tape.

- Slim

PS.

Nothing takes the place of powder coating when larger sections of the tubing require painting

jsdavis

I know it won't look original, but I don't want the frame corroding either.

What is the purpose of the clear coat? I thought the Rustoleum paint is ok as the top coat, even though it is flat.

I have three coats Rust Bullet under two coats Rustoleum flat paint on my car for about 18 months so far and it still looks ok.

SlimRider

The clearcoat serves as extra protective coating and adds greater luster to the color.

You don't really need it. Heck, if you're only concerned about rust, you only need the Rustbullet paint. Once you've sanded your rust spot and removed the initial coating of rust, just paint it and forget about it.

- Slim