What kind of product should I use to paint a bicycle frame?

Question

I just had my bike frame sand-blasted, im not sure what the best product would be to use. I have thought about some sort of automotive enamal or powder coating. any other ideas/suggestions?

Answer 1

ironlak.....not export....

Answer 2

Powder coating is more durable than paint, and often cheaper to have done. The disadvantage is, you probably can't do it yourself. Look in the yellow pages under powder coating.

Answer 3

Wow... you should already have primer on that frame. Sandblasting take the frame REALLY clean and it must be protected immediately.

Go to your local auto parts store and get some Duplicolor sandable grey primer. A BIG can Coat the frame evenly and completely RIGHT AWAY- use the whole can. Allow at least 24 hours to cure.

Sand the primer with 220 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper (white). The primer will turn a light grey. Wipe down lightly with a tack rag... do not rub with a tack rag or it'll take the primer off.

Then, choose a color- again, use Duplicolor which is acrylic lacquer. Get a small can of reflective undercoat (if the color requires it),  2 small cans of the color you want, and 2 big cans of clear lacquer.

Apply the base coat, one coat every 15 minutes. When the base coat is done wait 30 minutes and apply the color coats- again, one coat every 15 minutes. No need to put a whole lot on- just make sure everything is covered, and no need to sand the base coat or color coats. After 1 hour start applying the clear... again, 1 coat every 15 minutes until both cans are applied.

Now the hard part. DON"T TOUCH THE FRAME for at least 7 days. There is a difference between dry paint and cured paint.

Wet sand the frame with 600 grit and 1000 grit sandpaper, making sure to wipe away the slurry that forms. Once this is done rinse the frame well and allow to dry. Buff the frame out with Maguires Swirl Remover- I think it is called Scratch X- it comes in a black tube.

OR, you could just take the frame to an independent auto body shop (not like MAACO) and give someone $50 and a roast beef sub. The job will certainly be nicer than with spray cans.

Answer 4

If you are set on painting the frame, you might want to ask an auto body shop to do it for you.  Pick the paint, and have them do the rest.