Stripping and repainting frame

Question

could i use a pressure sprayer to get pain off my bmx the repaint useing spraypaint with out messing anything up, or dose any1 have any better ideas?

Answer 1

Pressure spray won't do it....

he best way to do this, unless you are experienced with refinishing, is to take the bike COMPLETELY apart... all the parts, drive out all the bearing cups, everything that isn't painted to begin with, then have the frame sandblasted (or blasted with walnut shell if it is aluminum) and take it to an auto body shop. Once the frame is blasted it MUST be primered almost immediately or it will start to rust in hours. Someone at the shop will likely paint it for you pretty cheap.

If you want to try it yourself with spray cans, do this:

First, you shouldn't use ENAMEL unless you have it professionally applied and baked on. Spray cans are formulated to be used in a wide range of temperatures and humidities so they never dry "just right". Even if you got fancy with some tin foil and spotlights you would probably only end up with an even softer finish.

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

1) After completely disassembling the bike have it sandblasted to remove ALL the finish.

2) Spray it as soon as possible with grey sandable lacquer primer. Duplicolor 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 3 coats, 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.

5) Apply several light coats (6 or 7 perhaps) of the color of your choice. 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 6 coats.

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

9) 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.

Answer 2

Just strip her down, spray her up, and put her back together, that's what I'd do.