eldouma

I'm converting my 2004 Trek 1200 into a SS/fixie. I want to get rid of the paint and decals and will either clear coat or repaint. Not surprising though, I want to keep costs down so what do you think?
Can I remove the paint by hand, with paint remover?
How does clear coated aluminum look?
Should I buy time at the local sand blaster?
Anyone a fan of sanding, primer and spray paint?
Is power coating worthwhile for my beer bike beater?
Please help me!

dieselrover

Since no one has responded yet, I can offer a little info... Bare aluminum is really hard to paint correctly, so if there is a layer of paint, treat it as a base layer - paint will stick to that. If you strip it to the aluminum, a special primer called etch primer has to be used.

Doesn't answer all of your questions, I know...

Scott

colnagorider

Dieselrover is right about the paint, but 3M sells a Decal Remover that I've used before with success, You can find it at an automotive store. So if you remove the decals that way, you can sand the finish and primer it, or if you strip it down completely, polishing it out is an option, but is a lot of work. Last solution is to strip it down and have it clear anodized or any color you want for that matter. Bead blast works but on aluminum you will have a harder time polishing it out. A chemical stripper would be better in this application, I think.

eldouma

Thanks for your help. So unpolished aluminum doesn't look good unless its polished which is a lot of work. I think you guys may have saved me a real head ache. Much appreciated.