I picked up a used CF bike (a 2000 Trek 5200); the frame and fork are in great shape, but the paint (especially on the fork) leaves quite a bit to be desired. Can CF be repainted? If so, is it a major process? Should I just learn to live with it as it is?

Thanks!

I repainted a similar era CF Trek that someone had already repainted. I did it myself, using spray paint, and it turned out ok. I was not expecting a professional job and therefore I was satisfied. It's a good "6 footer."

Realize that unless you are already knowledgeable about painting, or willing to learn and do a ton of work (and buy a spray gun, etc) do not expect it to look like a factory finish. You need a professional for that. If you just want to spray it a different color or whatever, go for it.

Do not use any chemical strippers or anything like sandblasting on the CF. Just scuff the paint with sandpaper and go from there. Avoid sanding all the way down to the bare CF too.

+100. My Kestrel EMS carbon fork came with an owners sheet that was VERY specific about not using any form of chemical stripper or doing any form of media blasting. Just rough up the existing paint and spray over it.

Since its an epoxy binder composite, an epoxy paint would be Ideal,


though something a Pro Would be better equipped to Do.

+1 on this but mainly i would advice you to use an epoxy primer. Some primers have really nasty problems while shooting the paint over carbon because it could cause the paint to start cracking before even getting dry, specially the primers designed to go over metals.

Pretend you're painting a Corvette- same methods, same materials- same madness.