i dont know how to describe the paint - it fades in between a purple and a teal-ish color throughout the frame - i didnt do the build - fella i bought from built up the frame after an ebay purchase - it rides nice - i have one other alum bike - my raleigh - and they feel much different than my steel rides - this one in particular is super light - it reminds of my 2010 giant defy in terms of weight and road feel - bike is quite responsive and has a nice stiff feel to it - i dig it big time - thanks for the nice comments folks