Hey everyone,

thanks for all your help. I've re-sanded the bike down to the metal and bought compatible kinds of primer, paint and gloss coat which I have reapplied. I just got hardware store stuff, not auto paint or anything... this is a cheap amateur job but to be honest the bike is looking pretty sweet! And for everyone who is referring to me as a 'he', I am a girl, I think the name sylvierose implies that ... so in future don't just assume someone who has a girlfriend is automatically a dude!

Thanks again for all the advice, I think my girlfriend's going to like it.