Originally Posted by
cmdr
Okay painters, I have a question.
I recently stripped the paint on my Trek 500 and realized that I really like the raw steel look. I've been polishing the lugs to a mirror finish and they look awesome. What I'm wondering is if it is practical to just clear-coat the frame and if so, is there anything that I need to do i.e. find some kind of clear primer (if one exists). I've heard that you need to etch the metal if you want a really lasting paint job. I don't want to go through the hassle if I'm just going to have to strip it and repaint it in a year.
Thanks
I clearcoated a steel frame once. It lasted for at least 2 years (before I sold it). I Have heard that you will get spiderweb rust on the surface, but that never happen to me. I live in Humid Florida and just used a spray paint clear coat. It as an old columbus steel frame (a spanish Razesa). I gave the steel a "brushed" look before the paint to hold the paint though. It looked like a nice sink faucet when it was done!