If your bike's paint is old or chipped, you can apply new coats to restore the bike's original shine and appearance. Luckily, you don't have to pay a professional to touch up the frame for you; with the right tools and a little time, you can paint the bike yourself giving it a shiny, custom look.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Disassemble and Prepare the Bike
Step 1. Disassemble the vehicle until only the frame remains
Remove both wheels, left and right pedal, bottom bracket, front and rear derailleur, brakes, chain, handlebar, seat, and front fork. If the vehicle has any accessories, such as the bottle holder, unscrew it and remove it.
Store screws and all small parts in labeled plastic bags to simplify subsequent assembly operations
Step 2. Remove any labels or stickers from the frame
If the decals are old and practically melted to metal, you may run into a lot of trouble. If they don't come off, use a hair dryer or hot air gun; the glue softens with heat and the removal process is easier.
If you can't peel off the stickers with your fingers, use a spatula to pry the edges off the frame
Step 3. Rub the bike with a cloth before sanding it
If there is any adhesive residue on the decals, spray a product like WD-40 and then wipe it off with a rag.
Step 4. Sand the frame so that the new layer of paint can adhere
If the bike has a glossy finish or has been covered with a thick layer of paint, use coarse sandpaper to remove most of the old color; if, on the other hand, the frame is opaque or the metal is almost completely bare, opt for fine-grained sandpaper.
Step 5. Then clean the bike thoroughly and let it dry
For this operation use a cloth and soapy water.
Step 6. Apply masking tape to the areas you don't want to paint
There are some parts of the frame that should be left "natural":
- The brake attachments;
- The support surfaces;
- The threads on which elements are to be screwed during assembly.
Part 2 of 3: Hanging or Supporting the Frame
Step 1. Prepare a paint chamber outside
If you can't work outdoors, make sure the room is well ventilated, for example the garage with the door open; lay a plastic sheet or newspaper on the floor to prevent drops from dirtying it. You should have a pair of safety gloves and a dust mask on hand.
Step 2. Hang the frame on a cable or rope with a loop wrapped around the head tube
If you have decided to paint it on the outside, look for a structure to attach the cable or rope to, such as a tree branch or a porch beam; if you are working indoors, hang the rope from the ceiling. The goal is to keep the frame suspended so that you can easily walk around it and paint each side.
Step 3. Place the bike on a stand if you cannot hang it
Insert the broom handle or a pin into the head tube and clamp it to the work table with a vice; this way, the frame should hang to one side of the table.
If you don't have a work table, attach the cane to a desk, kickstand, or other structure that can hold the bike off the ground
Part 3 of 3: Painting and Reassembling the Bike
Step 1. Use a high quality spray paint to color the frame
Do some research online or go to your local paint shop to find a specific product for metals; avoid generic brands that leave an uneven layer.
- Never mix paints from different brands as they may react negatively.
- If you want a matte color instead of a glossy one, look for a product that says "matte" or "matt" on the can.
Step 2. Apply the first coat of paint
Hold the spray can about 12 inches from the frame while you spray the paint and make steady movements. Avoid staying in one spot for a long time, otherwise the paint will run and leave stains. Work all around the frame until you have colored the entire surface.
Don't worry if you see the old paint under the first coat; you have to apply several thin coats and not just one very thick one, so that the old color is completely covered when you finish the job
Step 3. Let the first coat dry for 15-30 minutes before applying the second
Once the paint is completely dry, repeat the process applying a thin, even coat.
Step 4. Continue this way until the old frame is painted entirely in the new color
Always wait 15-30 minutes between applications. When you are unable to see the previous tint or bare metal through the paint and the surface has a smooth appearance, you have applied a sufficient number of coats.
Step 5. Apply the clear finish to protect the frame from rust and keep the color as good as new
Wait a few hours after spraying the paint; once the frame is completely dry, apply a coat of transparent product over the entire surface following the same technique.
For best results, spray three coats of the finishing product and wait 15-30 minutes between coats for it to dry
Step 6. Let the frame dry completely for 24 hours
Do not touch it and do not move it during this period; if you painted it outdoors, check the weather forecast and bring your bike indoors in case there is a risk of precipitation. Once completely dry, you can remove the masking tape you applied in the preparation step.
Step 7. Assemble the bike
Reassemble all the parts you previously removed from the frame, including the wheels, center mechanism, chain, pedals, front and rear derailleur, handlebars, brakes and front fork. At this point, you are ready to try your new bike!
Advice
- For best results use a professional paint.
- If you are having trouble grinding old layers of paint, give it a try with a liquid paint stripper to speed up the process.
