My son and I are rebuilding an old steel 10-speed. We have the frame stripped and primed. I plan to use enamel spray paint and then clear coat it. I have seen several threads on that process and feel ok about it.

Here is the question. Are all spray enamels created equally? What is the best paint to use, if any? Do you guys have any preference on brands? This is our first attempt so I don't want to blow it with the wrong brand paint.

I would use a basecoat/clearcoat product, like the ones used on automobiles today. Modern paints have come a long way, and are a major improvement over enamals, IMO. Go to your local auto paint supply store and talk to the guys behind the counter, I think you'll find them very knowlegable. They can reccomend a product and even put it into spray cans for you.

enamel + clear coat... not a good idea... enamel is not really tough against elements and will peel after a while of exposure if not done properly..

use auto paint, acryllic or urethane paint.. These can withstand heat, sunlight, rain, and acid rain--so they say.

there are lots to choose from..

OK, I'm learning. Is acryllic a type of enamel paint? Seems like I have heard those two strung together a lot.

I'm not up on any of the older paint systems anymore, but make no mistake, that's just what they are; systems. Every company makes a set of products designed to work together, and with the stuff they have today it's not real hard to get a beautiful finish. Again, I would refer you to pros, check with your local auto paint supply house. I'm sure you will have a sweet looking bike when you are done.

Other advice I would give don't mix types of paints, for example to use a enamel base coat and a acrylic paint it will cause the paint to look REALLY bad.

I think I know where there is a paint supply store near my house. I'm going up there tonight to talk to them. I'll let you know what they say.

Hey - you know we're expecting a photo journal of the whole project, right? ;^)

Oops! I don't have any "before" pics. I guess I could start taking some "in progress" shots.

Acryllic is normally water based. It won't wash off but it's not as durable. And the Base coat+Clear coat is the best way to go. Most clear coats harden better than some of the newer paints, and in my opinion will probably be a bit cheaper. Good luck and make sure you have a really good air brush to make it look good.

I didn't make it to the paint store before it closed last night. I'll try again tomorrow (busy tonight).

I called and talked to a couple of paint store guys and we do not have anyone in the area that will put the paint into spray cans. They said I either have to get a compressor and airbrush or go with the enamel spray cans like Krylon. They both said that if I go the airbrush route the paint requires an activator? and that makes the urethane paint about $50. ouch!

I'm taking on a huge bike rebuild here soon, to include a full paint job. It's going to be a bit more work but I'm going to go with my smaller airbrush. It's more of a model to touchup paint job airbrush. But if you think about it you aren't trying to cover the area like on a car. I have a badger airbrush with a 5 gallon air tank (tank cost me $20 at walmart). I'm going to utilize model paint because I know which color I'm using and it only comes that way. No activator needed just a can of paint thinner to make it easier to spray. Then I'll use an automotive clear coat to be make it a harder clear coat. The smaller air brush will cost anywhere from $30-$50 anywhere. The paint is much cheaper and will do the same thing. Since you have primed it the paint will stick to the surface anyway. They make metal models that it works wonders on and has a really hard paint surface once dried. I still like clear coat makes it look even better. I'll tell you how it comes out but it's going to be a few weeks. I still have to strip the bike down and tear everything off. This is just an idea for you if you want to try it and post on it.

I wouldn't recomend rattle cans. They don't do quite as good of job.

Any good auto paint supplier would be able to do this. you will likely have to buy at least 2 cans, but in a city the size of Cincinnatti, there has to be at least 2 places that will do this.

I hear you, but the two that I talked to WERE auto paint suppliers. The first guy gave me the number of the second saying that he is the only one in the area that will do it. Talking to the second guy, he can do it but you have to buy 30+ cans! I asked him if there was anyone else around that he could recommend my asking, but he said no one else loads spray cans here. What to do? What to do???

Call somebody in Columbus?

Here is the frame with the first coat of paint...

Forgot the pic..

Wish I could figure out how those guys put more than one picture in one post. Here is the fork

Here is the rest of the bike.
This stuff was really rusty when we started. We have some pedals somewhere....

Anyone know where can I buy waterslide type decals? I tried the hobby and craft stores in the area and all they have are the tiny ones for model trains. Any ideas??

Don't know about the decals, but what did you end up doing for paint? Looking good by the way...it looks like it's going to be a sweet bike when you're done.

I'm still thinking about putting some orange on the headset and fork. Depends on if I can find some decals!! I am keeping the painting process a secret until we're done. Then I will reveal all!

Go to some window tinting shops. Some of them carry like car decal stickers and some graphic stickers that go on the way you are talking. Online is an excellent resource also.

Got the orange on tonight! The fork does match the frame, the lighting was just being difficult.