How do I re-spray my very old pushbike?

Question

Ive got a really old pushbike that I'm trying to repair:))))

Do I really need to rub it down,prime it and then respray if the condition is not that bad?Can I not just carry on with the re-spray?

Also how do I take my pushbike apart?

I haven't got a clue where to start lol!

Many thanks in advance:)))

Answer 1

It takes just as long to do a bad paint job as it does to do a good one, either because you'll have to redo the bad one or the embarrasment you'll feel riding a bike that doesn't look good.

If you are in the U.S. and must use spray cans, use Duplicolor lacquer. You'll need a 3 or 4 stage application after prepping the frame which includes sandable primer, base coat if necessary, color, then clear coat. If you live in the UK just be sure that you use acrylic lacquer and not enamel.

Here is a quick explanation of what to do...

1) After completely disassembling the bike have it sandblasted to remove ALL the finish. If the frame is aluminum, it should be walnut shell blasted, or you can chemically strip the paint.

2) Spray it as soon as possible with grey SANDABLE lacquer primer. DUPLICOLOR brand paint is all lacquer, I think, and you can get it from your local autoparts store. Buy the BIG cans, not the small ones. Apply at least 1 full can, in coats, 15 minutes apart. Don't worry about light runs for now.

3) Wait at least 48 hours. There is a difference between dry paint and cured paint... it needs to be cured. Sand the primer using 220 grit aluminum oxide paper (white in color) until the surface is smooth. It shouldn't take much unless you have a lot of runs.

4) Using a tack rag, lightly go over the entire frame (don't rub!) to remove the sanding dust.

5) Apply several light coats (3 or 4 perhaps) of the color of your choice. Make sure the frame is completely covered. Follow the directions on the can. Again, use LACQUER, the same brand that you used for primer. Apply coats 1/2 hour apart. Be sure you cover every part and do NOT get runs. If you get runs you are applying it too heavily.

6) Do NOT sand the color coats. Apply the LACQUER clear coats, perhaps 2 full cans worth, coats 15 minutes apart..

7) Let the frame alone until you can't smell the paint anymore when you get up close and take a big whiff. If you can smell it, it ain't dry! This will take 2 to 3 days at least.

8) Wet sand the entire frame CAREFULLY with 800 grit, then 1000 grit sandpaper. Make sure to keep the paper wet and to wipe away the white slurry that forms. If you start to see the color in the slurry, STOP! You have sanded too hard and reached the color coats. Repeat steps 5, 6, and 7, then try again. Don't try to "touch up" the area, it will look terrible.

9) Using white paste polishing compound, follow the directions and polish out the whole frame.

10) Do NOT wax or wash for at least 10 days.

If you rush this you will end up with a sloppy mess and you'll kick yourself for ever trying. However, if you take your time and do it right it'll be a very cool feeling.