so my winter project is to repaint my mtb frame before spring hits... i've never done it before and was wondering what kind of tips you guys might have. the frame has already been painted once by the prior owner and isn't a very good job. my roomate recently tried painting his bike with spraypaint with similar sloppy/runny results.

i want to make sure that i get good even coats, what's the best (affordable) way to do this?

i also want to do my best to stop chipping, the prior paint job has chips all over it. i assume putting on some clear coat? where do i look for it? what have you guys used?

well you get the idea...