i've done this enough to know how to make rattlecanning look it's best:


buy:
duplicolor prep cloth
tack cloth
duplicolor sandable primer
duplicolor automotive laquer (engine enamel looks worse)
duplicolor clear coat
800 grit sandpaper
1000 grit sandpaper
tack cloth
clearcoat specific polish
car wax, or silicone polish

why duplicolor? it's more durable, and the cans have a wider spray than krylon, far easier to get an even finish

have a rag handy.

1) wash bike, thoroughly rinse and let dry
2) wipe every surface with prep cloth
3) before prep cloth solvent dries, wipe with a clean rag
4) sand lightly with 800 grit sandpaper
5) wipe with clean rag
6) wipe *lightly* with tack cloth
7) 2 light coats of primer, let it sit for a couple of minutes between each coat
8) 2 light coats of laquer, let it sit for a couple of minutes between each coat
9) 3 coats of clearcoat, let it sit for a couple of minutes between each coat
10) allow paint to cure
11) *lightly* apply clearcoat polish - this is a superfine abrasive,
12) wax using your choice of automotive wax, or silicone polish (i like pedro's bike lust)

make sure to paint slowly and evenly, using an overlapping back and forth motion. the quick primer/paint/clearcoat makes for an undoubtedly glossier and more durable finish, compared to applying wet paint to dry paint every couple of hours with krylon.

good luck!