Spray painting a frame...
 

Did some searching found some good info, but I just wanted to hear any good or bad experiences people have had. I don't want to take it to a shop to have it powdered because the paint job I have in mind is multi colored and would cost a butt load. I don't mind the necessary prep work, and am good with a spray can, is this still a bad idea?

p.s. has anyone used montana brand paint on a frame?

....if you are just covering raw metal to prevent rust spray paint works but if your going for style its not worth it.

I just did a full rattlecan repaint of my frame and it came out well. Assuming you have some good info on painting I'll just offer a couple tips from what I learned painting mine. First, if the frame already has paint make sure you sand thoroughly w/ 200 grit. You don't need to remove the paint to the bare metal, but it does need to be evenly sanded over the entire frame to ensure a smooth, consistent finish. Also sand thoroughly in between coats (2 primer, 2-3 color, 2+ clear) with increasing grit sandpaper (finishing w/ 2000) and make sure you remove all of the paint dust before applying the next coat (wet-sanding will help with this). Finally, I used DupliColor auto touch up spraypaint, which should be available in a wide selection of colors at Wal-mart, etc. Whichever paint you choose, use the same brand of primer and clear to ensure chemical compatibility. If you have more specific questions ask here or PM me. Good luck!

Try to find an auto spay paint supply store, they will custom mix or match colors in auto body paint and they will put them in a spray can for you. I had a frame I cut and filed all the braisings of, and was worried that I would have to spray the entire frame when I liked the color and decals... I took the fork to match off of, and the result was unbelievable.. they had matched it perfectly! the pearlecence and all, I only had to spot touch on all the bere metal.... it looked like a new frame. when i was spraying it on it was like I was erasing the visible metal, I was floored... they told me to use a hair dryer to cure/ bake the paint on. I used rustoleum on an earlier frame and it sucked, it just didn't go on good at all, and dosen't want to stay on.

I found the advice given by the folks in this Classic & Vintage thread extremely useful.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=222516