Originally Posted by
CrankyFranky
I hope that you both have had a nice Easter break when you get back to read this!
This post struck a chord with me, as my steel 1982 bike has seen many years and touring miles and is ratty looking - I'd really like to do a respray. Can't countenance the high cost of a pro job. I found your webpages, and will study further - thanks!
I've baked with small parts, and it really seemed to work despite my worry that the maximum temp to do the most effective job was a complete guess - and this may differ with different manufacturer's paint formulations. I kind of like the idea of the big-box-with-external-heater of some sort for baking a frame. Since there'd be no temp regulation, I'd include a small low watt (say computer) fan inside to keep the heat charge uniform, plus small adjustable opening(s) on the box and a thermometer - don't want to broil it after all. I lean towards lower temp over longer time - am I being too cautious?
Cheers!
Yes, I should have posted the link eaerlier after a request (but I haven't been to the website for years to update it and the email link is broken...):
http://www.cycling-adventurer.net/how-to/paint-01.html
The reason why I went with the baking experiment was to accelerate the drying-curing process to meet a deadline. The alternative which works just as well, is to leave the part or frame for as long you can before assembling -- that is, weeks or a month. As JohnD says, leaving it in an attic or even a car during the day in summer would do the trick.
Essentially, you are trying to get rid of the solvent in the paint... and that means you really do need some sort of vent in whatever "oven" you create. And you have noted that.
I have noticed that with the paint I used, the paint is still a little brittle despite the baking process. I did use a cheap paint because that was the colour available, but I might do the project over again (yes, I am that finickity) with the more expensive Rustoleum, which I have found to be very durable once it is dried.