How to paint a Schwnn Bicycle ?

Question

what type of paint can i buy?? what would be the easy way to do it??? were can i buy the pain(target, K-mart...) or a special store??

Answer 1

Take everything off the frame.  Tape races, etc.  Bead blast frame, then powder coat it.

Answer 2

NEVER EVER paint a bike with anything on it, I don't care if you are a professional painter or not. The solvents in paint contaminate lubricants and get on bearing surfaces that will eventually destroy your bike.

For paint, I suggest goint to your local auto parts store and looking at Duplicolor paint. It is acrylic lacquer. You'll need 1 big can of grey sandable primer, 1 small can of undercoat (if needed for the color you want), 2 small cans of color, 2 large cans of clear coat, and a variety of aluminum oxide sandpaper grits including 220, 320, 600, and 1000 grit and a tack rag.

Here is a quick (sort of) process to follow:

1) After completely disassembling the bike have it sandblasted to remove ALL the finish, then sand with 320 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper (white in color). Hang it somewhere you can get to all surfaces;

2) Spray it as soon as possible with grey sandable lacquer primer. Duplicolor paint is all lacquer, I think and available at most auto parts stores. Apply the whole can, each coat 1/2 hour apart. Don't worry about light runs for now.

3) Wait at least 48 hours. 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. Unfold the tack rag before using it and bunch it up lightly, then "drag" the rag across the frame.

5) Apply several light coats (6 or 7 perhaps) of the color of your choice. Follow the directions on the can. Again, use 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) After 1/2 hour apply the clear coat until you have used all of it. 15 minutes between each coat. Do NOT sand between the color and the clear coats.

7) Let the frame alone- this means DO NOT TOUCH- 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 MAY TAKE AS MUCH AS 7 DAYS BUT ABSOLUTELY NOT LESS THAN 3 DAYS.

8) Wet sand the entire frame with 600 grit, then 1000 grit sandpaper. Wipe off the sanding slurry as it forms.

9) Rub out with (red paste) rubbing compound, clean, then with Maguires Miracle Glaze Swirl Remover.

10) Reassemble bike.

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

OR, if you think this is too much hassle (it is!), disassemble the bike and take it to a local auto body shop. They'll usually sandblast and paint for you for around $50-80. You'll spend at least this much doing it yourself anyway.

EDIT:  To Vi... OIL BASED paint is not for bicycles- it is for canvas and for house mouldings. It is also almost never available in spray cans. You want to use lacquer which is SOLVENT BASED. Fancy paint jobs do not preclude the possibility of making a mess of lubricants and bearing surfaces. Of course, you know this because you are a professional painter, eh?

Answer 3

Acrylic Paint, very easy to do.Just take all the mechanics out and paint any hardware store should have it

Answer 4

I recently painted my bike....I bought oil-based paint (spray paint) .....the easiest way to do it is ....get a bunch of newpaper and some good masking tape.....(like 'Scotch 3m masking tape for production painting) 2 inch wide is great ....take your time and mask of everything you do not want painted......you don't have to take the whole bike apart unless you have cable brakes.....I would take the wheels off , though........you will need sand lighly any rusted areas or rough spots and then prime the surface.....with a spray primer ....(automotive primer, oil based) let it dry ...for as long as it says on the can , and then go ahead and paint the color of your choice......light coats of the color is best .....3 or more coats would be great .....let dry completely and then remove the masking . Have fun! oh yeah ....any hardware store should have the paint ....such as Home Depot or Lowes. ..........LOL , I'm not on here to argue .....I am simply stating what worked for me and what I feel is the easiest way.(as per the question)LOL