Paint for Raleigh Three speed
 

I have a Raleigh Laurentian bike that is now my next project and I'm wonering if there are any paint codes available for bikes or does anyone know where I can get paint close to the colour I have.

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A good auto paint supplier can do a color match for you, as well as sell you the paint in can or aerosol...

Raleigh paint codes??? Excuse me while I laugh:). Really Raleigh IME never published much about color except the usual marketing BS. What most do for small touch ups is to get either modeling paint of nail polish and mix to match. For larger jobs (like yours) going to an auto paint supplier or body shop is common. Some suppliers can custom mix a paint and load rattle cans for a "cheap" home job.

The rust will need to be dealt with first. "Sand" blasting being the usual. Then follow good painting practices. Don't expect to perfectly match colors, for this reason to have a really nice job with different parts of the same colors paint all the parts is needed to have all match exactly.

Do you have decals? Andy.

This is the first project that I have had two different colors to deal with and wasn't sure if there were paint codes or not that is why I asked. I never thought about using modeling paint or nail polish and I didn't know that you could get paint from an Auto body supplier in Aerosol. As far as decal, no I don't have any but I probably just leave them off and maybe whoever I give the bike to will put some on if they so chose to.

http://www.velocals.com/servlet/StoreFront These people have a variaty of Raleigh decals. You'd be suggested to cleat coat over them. Andy.

Surprised I'm the first to say this, but I gotta ask: why do you want to paint that bike? The original finish looks pretty good.

No I'm not going to paint it but there are some spots that need touching up. Such as on the fenders, they are the worse. I thought I would start by stripping it down, except for removing the rear wheel because I don't know how these three speed ones come off and I don't want to mess it up. Then there are some parts that have a little rust on them so I'll let them soak overnight and take apart and grease what ever I can go from there.

Not sure how to deal with the fenders and the chain guard.

Maybe... you should reconsider the touch-up painting. Maybe a little gentile cleaning and light waxing might be the best way to preserve and enjoy this bicycle... for now. A little paint wear is acceptable. Stopping the progression of the rusting can generally be accomplished with a little wax. A bad paint/touch-up job can hurt the value of a collectable bicycle.

Restoring these old beauties is a great hobby. I hear it can even be profitable. Take the time to research how to fully clean and re-lube you vintage bicycle. Your local library should even be able to lend you a book. You tube has lots of videos as well. Don't rush into altering your find... before you have a good plan... that really gives you what you actually want.

This is the first project for me as far as getting it in shape again. There is even a paint code for it. It was on Sheldon Brown's web site, ( it is called Sky Blue ) Have you did bike restoration before.

Hopefully Sheldon Brown's knowledge will live on forever... he was a great resource. I've restored a couple bikes... I am NOT an expert! But there are many experts here that I am sure will offer their advice.

I try to "do no harm". Or... in other words... not damage an item with a bad restoration. If you have a complete... or near complete collectable bicycle it may be best to keep it as original as possible. But a good gentle cleaning and proper lube is always a good first step. And learning how the bicycle works is a big plus.

Thanks for all your help.

The blue is available, you can use a toyota blue that kind'a match that... white is easy to find aswell.

Sand to bare metal.... primer... paint.... apply decals... clear...

Done.

ps: paint has rust under it, you cant retouch that, too many problems in the pain aswell, better go down to bare metal.

Painting a Raleigh Three Speed? Be sure to use three speed paint.