Code Monkey

i don't have any major scratches on my frame yet but i was just wondering what to do incase i get some that goes through bare metal... is there any spray or something to avoid rusts...? my frame is aluminum but my fork is steel...

Chuvak

If it goes through bare metal, it's a crack not a scratch! It should be inspected by a professional.

Code Monkey

no... i'm talking about when you fall off hard and the ground scrapes off the paint and you can see the metal...

Jonny B

If it goes through the metal, you've got serious problems...

If you can just see metal, you have a few options. Either leave it be (your forks will rust, your frame should be fine), put a sticker on it like I do or paint over it. Depending on how nice you like your bike to look, how skilled you are at painting, how much you're willing to spend and what materials you have available, you can do one of the following: use a spray can and just blow over the spot or the whole frame in whatever colour you choose (not very nice looking), get a professional to respray the whole thing (not cheap), or using either modeler's enamel paint and a brush or a touch-up brush from your local Halford's (UK) Schuck's (US) etc, carefully paint the scratch with the closest match you can find or mix and sand it smooth with 400 grit sandpaper (soak it in water first, you'll get it a lot smoother) and polish it with car wax.

Chi

Clean it with high grit sandpaper, alcohol, and repaint it with touch up paint.

khuon

Call the manufacturer and see if you can get touch-up paint to insure proper matching. Otherwise just sanding and repainting the area will probably do. Also, you might want to apply some clearcoat.

mindbogger

Just leave it on!...they are your battle scars from riding!

Rowan

Go to the make-up section of your local department store and check out the nail polish.

It comes in a huge variety of colours, including the irridescent stuff. I've matched a dark red and silver on my Fuji Touring straight out of the bottle, and it's tough stuff once it sets. I'm having slightly more trouble matching the yellow on my Merida, though.

You need a very fine modelling brush for hairline scratches, but the standard nail polish brush is good for nicks and chips. You'll need to build up layers -- three or four will provide the rust protection your seeking.

Waxbytes

This is why gloss black is the best frame colour, easy to match at any place that sells auto touch-up paint. Flat black is also easy to match, if you like the dull look.

shokhead

Isnt a scratch or nick enough reason to buy a new bike?

jump

okay I'll give ya a little ease cause you have a new bike and you want it to be all perty ... but honestly man nobody cares about a scratch. They just happen ... on cds, on your car, on your audio equipment, on your computer, even on you and your bike. So don't fight em cause you can't stop em. Name your scratches and you won't wanna get rid of em.

shokhead

I get more pissed about my car and home theater scratches then my bike but they all bug me enough to fix.I dont get scratches on my CD's.

ngateguy

Put a couple of coats of a good car/boat wax on your frame it helps to protect it from a lot of the little dings and scratches you may get. And your LBS should be able to get touch up paint for your bike. Probably cheaper than nail polish

orguasch

I like that,