enwar3

Is it even possible to strip the paint off a frame and custom paint it yourself? I've seen it done to tennis racquets, and bicycles can't be that difficult....

ElJamoquio

Yes.

cuda2k

Yes. Prep is 70% of the work. A bad prep job will always yield a bad paint job. Downside is that DIY paint jobs are rarely anywhere as durable as the professional jobs. I painted a steel Centurion a couple of years ago. Still looks good as I take very good care of the finish and treat it gently when out on it. There's a few good threads over on C&V about painting, but you'll need to use google to search for them till we get the search working again.

ChunkyB

This could work, but you'll need a big oven.

koine2002

Yes, you can. I've done it and won't do it again. I took way too long and baked enamel is very hard to take off. You can probably get it done by a local powder coater (including prep work) for under $100.

Wiley J

We have a small bicycle manufacturer in my town who will do your frame in powdercoat for $70, including sand blasting. Doing it yourself doesn't seem like a good idea, when you can get powdercoat done so cheaply. Plus powdercoat will be much more durable than anything done yourself.

San Rensho 

Rattle can paint can come out very pretty, if you take your time, but the paint will always be very soft. Thats the nature of rattlecan paint.

Any good paint (two part automotive paint) like Imron will be very expensive, in the $50-100 range for just the paint, and then you need the spraying equipment.

Powdercoating has a very hard, very durable finish, but its not as pretty as a good paint job, but its pretty cheap, in the $75-100 range.

Ed Holland

I've painted bikes 3 times now. It takes lots and lots of preparation and patience to make it look respectable, including, but not limited to:

Dismantle bike completely.
Strip old paint from frame and give the surface a light sanding
clean frame thoroughly to remove grease, oils etc.
Apply primer (choose carefully according to the frame material)
Sand as necessary to obtain a smooth surface.
Apply top coats of colour. Multi coloured schemes will require careful masking and painting/drying time.
Clear coat if desired.
Allow lots of drying time before handling.
Clean up other components ready for reassembly
Rebuild bike.

It is a lot of work, but can be rewarding.

Ed

bailcash09

I did it. Turned out great at first but BE CAREFUL IF YOU USE A CLEARCOAT!!!
I used spray on enamel auto touch up paint in black and some Gold as well. Strip old paint, sand frame, prime (rustoleum sandable primer), sand lightly, and spray on. Use several light coats in one direction - don't just shake the can around painting everywhere - paint along the tubes, one at a time, evenly.

Mine was great, but I decided after a week to put a clearcoat on, and it acted like paint stripper and now reassembled the paint is easily chipped end all of it is cracked now, but like I said that was the clearcoat (and it wasn't supposed to be laquer). As I sprayed the clearcoat on I could actually wipe paint off with my finger . Sorry, no Pics

Anyway, it is possible to do well, but take it slow. It took me a month to do. I will probably redo soon and this time leave the clearcoat off.

mantis

Buy a nice naked carbon bike, and then you don't have to worry about paint, or Ti if you prefer.

bbattle

I've done a few spray can jobs and it's fun but you must be patient, very patient. And meticulous about the prep work. Powdercoating down at the auto body shop will give you a very durable paint job at a good price. If you want something fancy or special, see the C & V forum. Be prepared to fork over some serious cash and wait a while. But it'll be worth it. Right, Rad?

LIUser22

like others, i really don't think it will be worth your time. Unless it's a project you've thouroughly researched i would just give it to someone.

I painted my buddy's old steel mtn bike and it was a pain in the ass. Dismantle the damn thing, Sand, Primer, Sand, Black Autopaint, Clearcoat with gold flakes. We enclosed an area using damp towels to keep dust from getting on it and heat guns and fans (yes, it was out of a garage so we don't have a big oven to use).

Good luck if you attempt it, any questions you can PM me. I've restored many cars and have experience in painting.

CrimsonKarter21

100% possible, and I recommend it. It really makes the bike you.

I've been waiting to show some more pictures of it now that the paint work is almost done (I've really been dragging my feet...). The paint is a color shifting paint with blue, copper, red, purple and every shade in between. I'm going to airbrush in the gold lettering tomorrow. I'm still not sure if it'll be bold with pinstriping or just misted on so it's subtle.

Downtube logo

Headtube logo

redirekib

This was powder coated by Spectrum Powderworks in Co. It is also has clearcoat. The bike was a rusty yard sale find, $14. It's too small for me but my daughter has ridden it a couple of times. The Mountain Dew green to silver fade looks very nice and not like powdercoat at all.