Honestly, it's all about having the right tools, and time.

There's a nice topic for a potentially very popular thread in there, somewhere.

Nice work Sloar! Very much a C&V leadership color, purple.

I like the color. So how did you do it? Do you have a paint gun?

I'm late here, but wow that is a great from the pile paint job! Not a fan of purple either OP, so impressive.

I like it, great outcome for a "creek find"!

Beautiful work on that bike just an amazing paint job how did you do it?

Thanks for sharing

I have a big enough blast cabinet for a frame. I use a $12 detail gun for harbor freight. The paint is dupli color paint shop finish system lacquer. Best paint ever. Premixed, durable and cheap.

I can attest to its durability.

Sloar shot my Croll and did a great job.

His attention to detail beats a lot of the repaints I see around town.

His finish is as tough as nails and receives plenty of compliments as well.

Sloar and I are going to do another frameset this winter.

A Gazelle Champion Mondial A frameset.

It should arrive soon and we can settle on a color.

Can't wait. :)

Thanks for the info

Steel Bicycles magically look good in just about any color.

I love the color ( I am a fan of anything purple ), I am going to try the Dupli Color paint system & spray it myself, I have the full size spray gun like yours from HB freight though and just wonder if it will be hard to do a frame with it. The one thing I hate is getting runs in the paint which is what I am worried about using a full size gun. Do You use the same gun for paint, primer & clear and do you change the needle size for different applications.


Glenn

SJX426 and I have been exchanging thoughts on this. I too have an old, big gun. DeVilbiss quart cup gun with several nozzles, and a conventional compressor. While I'd like to have a detail gun or, preferably a LVLP gun, I can't see investing in one for what will be one frame.
So the big gun it is, despite the potential overspray problems, and where to do it.

The thought of using lacquer seems appealing and Sloar's and Gomango's testimonials as to its durability are encouraging. Lacquer is easier to work with, in my experience, than enamel, if you're willing to put in the effort. Many coats and much wet sanding, etc.

As for runs, Glenn, I was only a spray painter for a couple of years, ages ago, but the bottom bracket cluster area seems the most daunting to me. A fast moving, never stopping gun is the key. Easier said than done, of course.

glenn, one thing that i love about this paint is its very user friendly. i have never had a run or orange peel. no matter what elements or temperature i paint in. just make sure to do the first coats in a light all over mist. let it dry for about 10 minutes then do 2 to 3 heavy coats. that first mist will act as a nice adhesion. also the paint drys really fast, so keep the pressure low so it doesn't flash to fast. the detail gun is the best to use for a frame, easier to get around the tight spots. also hard to beat at 12 bucks. good luck on your paint job.i've done around 10 bikes with this paint so if you have any questions feel free to ask

Thanks & I will, I am going to pick up a detail gun by/ or for Christmas, I need one anyway. Do you do any sanding between coats and are you using the same gun for primer, paint & clear, if so do you have different needle sizes for applications.

Glenn

rootboy, a conventional gun will work just fine. the only benefit of a hlvp is being able to use a low pressure. and really at 12 bucks, i have 3 one for primer, one for color and one for clear. the nishiki in this thread had no wet sanding. with a low pressure i can put it on nice and wet. sometimes the primer needs a little sanding but you will have no problems in not sanding and still getting a nice slick coat.

for a long time i used just one gun. no need for different needles. i have 3 just because they are so cheap. really nice spraying guns. they are a really nice investment. i seldom wet sand. honestly its really not needed. the paint is premixed and ready to spray, but i use a little bit of acetone to thin it down. after trial and error i have found this to be best. make sure to pick up a can of lacquer thinner to clean with.

Cool sounds good, you prefer using acetone instead of lacquer thinner to thin it down with, I use it with enamels with good results myself.

Glenn

they recommend using acetone to thin the paint. thinner for cleaning. thats what i get the best results using.

I am not crazy about purple either, but that is a very nice paint job.

I try to save bikes too. I don't have access to a painting facility.

From the headbadge, lugs, and rear drop out: 1980-82 Sport model built by Giant for West Coast Cycles.

There should be a date stamp on the driveside dropout and a serial number on the non-driveside dropout.

I can't believe how good this looks. I need a compressor and paint gun.