BRANDUNE

that is unless its a POS

reckon

unfortunately dupli-color is just about the WORST rattlecan paint on the planet, you could throw a rock out the window and hit better paint, first try.

they have pretty colors, and lots of primers and sealers that all last about a week after you paint them.

seriously, go to an autobody supply shop (yellow pages under "automotive paint" or "color shop") and buy your rattlecan paint from there.

please don't waste your hard work sanding and stripping by topping it off with crap paint that will just have to be re-done again in a few weeks.

powdercoating is definitely an option, you drop it off, they do all the work, you get a nice durable finish that lacks the clarity and gloss of a professional paint job, but costs about 2/3 less $$$$.

typical blast and powdercoat= $75-$125
typical re-paint (blast/seal/surface/paint) one color-NON METALLIC=$175-$450 METALLIC/PEARL COLORS=$350-on up

these are actual prices I got from 3 local powdercoaters, and 4 local painters (SF BAY AREA) for a bicycle frame and fork.

roadgator

This has been my experience too. Taking a frame down to bare metal and then rattle-caning it does not make a good paint job.

If you want a truly durable finish, pony up the $100 or so for a powder coating.

If you don't have that kind of money or don't mind if its less durable, just lightly scuff up whatever is left of the current paint, knock off the rust and spray it. Be prepared to respray often. That is the best you can do with rattle cans.

FlatFender

I painted an old Nishiki with some Rustoleum High Performance Enamel. I had a couple little chips, but I suspect those are from my not so great prep work.
Here are the before and after shots. I commuted on the bike for a summer before giving it to a friend, and the paint still looked great.
Before:


After:


When I paint my next frame, I will be using the same stuff.

brownevan

Appliance Enamel = Powdercoat in a can.

reckon

not even in the matrix

powdercoat is powdered epoxy that gets melted on at over 300 degrees,...enamel is low cost paint that dries by evaporation

you CAN do a decent job with rattlecans, but if you take my advice, you can do alot better for about the same effort, and a little more green

you get what you pay for

frankstoneline

if you can blast it yourself most powdercoaters will do the actual coating for about 50 dollars, sometimes less.
cleaning off a frame isnt hard, use some really gnarly stripping stuff from an auto supply shop and find someone with a sand blaster.