Painting a bike?

Question

I'm spray painting my bike. I'm gonna use primer,paint, and a clear coat. How long should i wait after applying the primer to paint it? And then how long should i let the paint dry before i apply the clear coat? Thanks!

Answer 1

Let me say this kindly and with a little authority:  FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAN.    lol.   Seriously, though.  :o)

Primer usually has a window of time when you should recoat it, so look at the directions on the can.  Follow them....it's important.  Only use enough primer to fill in the surface scratches to where everything is smooth....this can be from 1 to 4 coats depending on your prep work and the particular primer.  Follow the directions for dry time, and then apply your paint after wiping down the dried primer.  Then, be sure to follow the directions for the paint as well....and the clear coat.  

It just depends on the products you bought, man.   Some paints and clear coats are catalyzed or semi-reactive...that means that they're formulated to work together (as opposed to using different products that won't work together well), and it means that if they call for a certain dry time, etc....you really need to pay attention to that.  If you don't, your paint may not adhere, or you can get other types of blemishes in it as it dries.  If you bought stuff that's from the same manufacturer and/or in the same marketing lineup, then you're probably ok.  If not, or if you haven't bought it yet, check with a knowledgeable paint guy at an auto body supply store (or if you can find a good one at a parts store)....or even stop by a body shop with what you have and ask them for quick advice.  

The one thing that usually isn't on products is final cure time....they usually give a time period that's a little too short for full durability.  I'd suggest leaving your finished frame in a warmish place with good air flow for at least a week before putting all the components and cables back on.  Depends on the weather, the paint, and how many coats you applied, but a week is a good starting point.  In a hidden spot on the bike, press your fingernail into the paint after several days...if you can dent it, wait longer.

Hope this helps some.  And remember, the next time you do this it'll be much easier....it's a hassle to learn about things the first time.  You have to get to know the process and the products, even if the work itself is pretty easy.  After that, it's a breeze.   Good luck!   :o)

Answer 2

you should probably leave them over night to dry and i'd say do two coats of all if you want the job to last. and also before you prime it are you going to rub it back?...because i think that you should

Answer 3

Unless you are an expert painter take it to a good body shop and have it done, especially if it's an expensive frame. If you are going to do it yourself make sure everything is automotive grade. There will be directions on the cans or whatever form you choose to to buy the materials in. Surface preparation is the secret. Make sure the surface is absolutely smooth before applying primer and sand lightly between coats of everything with 600 grit sand paper. You can even put decals on the candy (color coat) and clearcoat over them as long as you use urethane clearcoat like they do on cars. Good luck.