Repainting bike?

Question

I am planning to repaint my bike. I can sandblast the bike parts. Do I need further surface preparation? Also I was planning to buy paint from a car supplies place. Is that the most suitable paint?

Answer 1

You will need to put primer on before the paint if you're applying it to bare metal. All this will be available at your car parts store.

Answer 2

Yeah a primer would be a good idea and i'm guessing you took all the parts off of the frame. B ecareful of the bottombracket threads(if it has one pushbike) because you may have to get them rethreaded after painting.

Answer 3

Blasting is the best prep, but "media" (using plastic media, or even walnut shells) blasting is better than sandblasting if you have that option.  If you sandblast use some very fine grade sandpaper for a final prep before you apply primer.

You didn't identify your frame material.  Do not sandblast carbon fiber.  It can damage the material.  Your question says you can sandblast the parts, and I'm assuming that you are referring to the frame, and not the components or parts of the bike.  Don't paint them!

Sounds like you plan to do it yourself.  In that case, quality automotive paint is a good choice.  I recommend that you consider powder coating.  Link below for a good powder coater in metro Atlanta. Last time I asked they would blast and coat a bike frame most any color for $100 plus shipping. I've had them do a number of car parts for me and their work is excellent. I've seen frames they have done, but haven't had one done myself. Again, top drawer work. They have state of the art facilities, primarily for the auto racing industry.

Airglow Painting, a specialty shop in Washington, Georgia (link below), does very nice bicycle frame painting. Check their site for details, with prices starting at $200.  Even if you do it yourself their site can give you some good ideas.

Final issue is whether your frame is worth it. There are some very nice aluminum frames being sold on-line (Leader, on eBay comes to mind, last link below) brand new for under $200. Best amateur road racer in this state trains on one.

Good luck, and happy riding.

Answer 4

Sandblasting will void the warranty on your frame more than likely. Just be very careful. Better just sand with paper then spray.

Answer 5

1) After sandblasting the surface is REALLY clean so it must be primered immediately. Use Duplicolor Sandable Grey Primer... use 2 big cans applying as directed on the can. Wait 24 hours.

2) Sand the primer to remove all defects with 320 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper- the white stuff. Wipe down carefully with a tack rag. Try not to touch the primered surface with your skin.

3) Apply the basecoat (if required). Just enough to cover the frame is fine... no need for a bunch of coats. Wait at least 15 minutes but no more than 30 minutes.

4) DO NOT SAND BASE COAT. Apply color coats. One coat every 15 minutes until the frame is covered. Wait at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours.

5) DO NOT SAND COLOR COAT. If you have decals that go under the clear now is the time to apply them. Apply at least 10 to 12 clear coats. 2 big cans of Duplicolor clear should do it. 1 coat every 15 minutes until you are done.

6) WAIT at least 7 days. Cured paint is different from dry paint. If you can smell the paint while up close then the surface is not yet cured.

7) Wet sand the paint carefully with 600 grit, 1000 grit, and 1200 grit sandpaper. Rinse off the slurry as it forms. Allow to air dry... do NOT wipe dry.

8) Polish the frame with Maguires Scratch X (comes in a black tube), then with Maguires Swirl Remover.

9) Reassemble bike. Allow 3-4 weeks before waxing with a good liquid automotive wax.

Want to save time and probably money? Take the frame to an autobody shop and have them do it. Around here, they'll spray a prepped frame any solid color for $50. I have heard that some bodyshops charge as much as $300. They charge extra for sandblasting and primer.

Answer 6

Please let us know, is this a bicycle or a motorcycle?

As far as the prep work.  After sandblasting, you will want to ensure there are no scratches or dents. If so, it is best to fill these with some type of repair material (like Bondo) and then sand smooth. Sometimes this takes several coats to get perfect.  

After everything is sleek and smooth, it's always a good Idea to wash all the parts with soap and water and let air dry, or dry with a lint free rag.  

I have no experience with professional paint, but if you are using spray  paint (which can yield a great result if done right) try this.

You CANNOT skip the primer.  In fact, your usually better off with about 4-8 coats of primer, then 2-4 coats of color.  You usually don't need to sand in between primer coats.  When you start your color, you will want to lightly wetsand in between each coat of color.  same thing ,  wetsand then wash with soap and water then next coat.  be sure everthing is properly dried in between each step.