You need a full Allen key set and a chain splitter for the initial strip-down and rebuild. They can give you exact recommendations. Bike stand and wooden dowel that fits inside the headtube or other supplies necessary to suspend the frame while painting Drop cloth or similar to protect area from overspray SO-EZ PREP - wet sand your SO-EZ frame and fork with 400 grit sandpaper taking care to … Use the brush to spread the paint remover over the frame. The best spray paint to use for a motorcycle frame is engine acrylic aerosol paint. Note, it can be tricky if the paint … If you ever wanted to paint a bmx frame this how to will show you step by step what you need to do. Let dry each coat before applying the next. At one end of the spectrum you could simply strip all the parts off, spend time with a pot of paint stripper and emery cloth then repaint by brush in whatever Hammerite colour … How long does it take to paint a bicycle? Although this is unlikely to cause damage to the frame, it will make your bike less beautiful. That's how this article helped me. By entering your details, you are agreeing to BikeRadar terms and conditions and privacy policy. Thank you! I have recently purchased a Specialized Roubaix SL4 Elite Disc carbon frame bicycle - But I am not particularly happy with the colour. The primer dries super … In this case we had to heat the frame (with a blowtorch) to a point where the aluminium post melted. We once had a steel frame ‘cut and shut’ — the underside of the shell was cut then pulled together and welded again, thereby slightly reducing the size of the shell before the new thread was cut. Apart from the headset and bottom bracket bearing cups, a full strip down will be easy in most cases using Allen keys, a chain splitter and cable cutters. Thanks. -a bicycle to paint. Check for damage: Undoubtedly, an old frame will have been crashed, which may have resulted in structural damage. Do we use decals or stickers? Is there a way to repaint a carbon frame or at least change the white pin stripe to … If you want to add threaded tabs at the drop-outs for mudguards and a rack, just be sure that the tubes are not precariously thin at the fix points. For tips on hanging your bike so it's easier to paint, scroll down! After you've spent some time thinking long and hard about what colour you want your bike to be, go out and purchase the… It’ll add extra toughness to the paint and seal the decals. A blowtorch was used to get the seat post out, heating it to melting point and pouring it out in molten lumps. ", "I have to paint my bicycle and renew it. What's the best metal cleaner and degreaser to use on metal before painting? ;~) The structural carbon is unidirectional sheets being manipulated and laid in certain ways to create the desired shape/ride quality. ", "Very good article. Bring the frame to a store’s cosmetics section and find the two colors closest to the colors you want to fix. However, if painting onto a fresh-from-the-factory painted bike with a high gloss finish, rub down the frame with a very fine sandpaper or an abrasive cloth, just to give the surface a little ‘bite’ for the paint … The headset cups can be tapped out with a hammer and a long piece of metal, but a headset cup remover will do a better job. In this post, we going to briefly discuss three ways to touch up the paint on your bicycle frame. to do it correctly so that the result is beautiful and with good quality, then is good to know how. Helped me do awesome decals on my bike. You want to do several thin coats as opposed to one thick coat, so the old paint will be covered up after you apply more coats later on. While you’re at it you could get it to fit disc brake bosses, chrome-plate part of the frame, add extra water bottle or rack bosses or even completely replace a damaged tube. Wait until the first coat has fully dried, then apply a second coat. Tape over any parts of the bike you do not want paint on. Create paint stand or hang frame; Prop frame with wooden dowel clamped in an old workstand; Hang from hook or fixtured using old metal clothes hanger; Clean frame again; Painting: Plan ahead, temperature and weather play a big role; Paint in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and no more that 75% humidity. Most specialist renovators will be able to supply tubing decals. ", "This helps a lot with my intent to do a restore project on my trikes. What kind of paint should I use? What size of sand paper should I use to get good results? Thanks to wikiHow. A specialist usually has ways of sucking out dents, or filling them, before a final paint job. How to refurbish and respray your bike frame, We used the only Reynolds 853 single-speed-specific frame that Canadian master-builder Chris DeKerf ever built, A blowtorch was used to get the seat post out and strip paint off to check for damage, It’s important to check the frame thoroughly for any damage, It’s worthwhile thinking of replacing any welded on seat clamps with a regular, slip-on wrap around clamp, Check around the head tube for any damage. With the right tools and some time on your hands, you can paint a bike that will turn out looking polished and custom made. It’s also a good time to think about clean-facing the bottom bracket threads or adding clear protecting tape to shield the paint from cable rub, chain slap or stones spitting off the front wheel and damaging the underside of the down tube. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Fortunately it's not too tough to give them a new paint job. How long does it take for the paint to dry? It is always best to remove the old paint from the frame before applying new paint. Good ‘Ole Fashion Nail Polish. Spray.Bike paint will adhere to most raw metal and painted surfaces without any major pre-prep. The cost will vary depending on who you decide to use. We walk you through what Argos did to get our old frame looking as good as new…. Does the clear coat destroy the matte color? Painting time is the best time of any project, in my opinion. It has given me a clue on how to do something the best way, what to say and how to say it, where, "Nice. ", "Realy great. Sand down the old paint and spray again. You can unsubscribe at any time. We have seen fine looking low-cost DIY jobs but it’s hard to get a finish that truly shows off the quality of a valued frame when you do it yourself. For all interested in painting of a bike frame I have prepared a small set of steps how to repaint old frame to get a new fresh design. The best place to have a bike painted is an an automotive body shop. You don’t need to make sure it soaks in or anything, but just layer it on top. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. A multitool might do for everything except the headset and bottom bracket (BB) cups. Next, apply several coats of high-quality spray paint to the bike, letting it dry in between coats. Usually 10 to 15 minutes depending on the brand, but it is best to leave it overnight before fully handling. Use a professional-grade spray paint for the best results. Many riders will want to upgrade an old frame to disc brakes, or fit full outer cables instead of interrupted cables. What brand of primer, paint, and lacquer do you recommend? If you’re feeling particularly flush, you could even consider getting the suspension fork and stem coloured to match. Not to mention, the time waiting for some coats to fully cure. If you have any attachments on your bike, like a water bottle holder, take the screws off from those too. Never combine different brands of spray paint. Getting It All Together. For best results you would want to paint over a white primer base. Don’t commit to a renovation before you’ve checked all the crucial parts for damage. In most cases, a specialist renovator will do this for you. Clean around the area to be painted with isopropyl alcohol. Do I need to use a primer before painting a bike? Yeah, totally possible However, sending your bike frame off to the paint shop for powder-coating ceases to be DIY. The different paints might react badly with each other. When companies are leaving exposed carbon fiber, they typically use a nicer unidirectional weave or more aesthetic weaves like 3k or 12k. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you’re having trouble peeling a label off with your fingers, use a putty knife to lift the edges of the label up off the frame. Yes, but you need to take off all reflectors, sand it down and then follow the same procedure. Need more details for the starters like me. With painting a frame wait ing adequate time between coats, to remove masking tape, to sand, or to rebuild the bike once the paint job is complete is very important. Always wear safety goggles and a mask when working with spray paint. By using our site, you agree to our. Get more from your music with this great deal from Aquarius. In the case of an aluminium frame, that obviously isn’t possible, but most renovation specialists will have their own secret methods of removing seized parts, including bottom bracket cups and broken off bottle cage bolts. I decided to try spray painting my own track bike frame using some special bike spray paint I was sent. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. I like to have a brighter colour. Does ETOE remove the paint from the frame? Remove both wheels, the left and right cranks, the bottom bracket, the front and rear derailleurs, the chain, the brakes, the handlebars, the seat, and the front forks. Coat the entire bike in paint then go get something to eat. Spray-painting a bike frame is a skilled job, in terms of getting a truly professional, evenly applied finish that’s tough enough to last. A paint job takes between 50 and 100 hours (10 days). Make sure all the tubes are straight and that rust spots aren’t compromising the structure of the frame. I'm a beginner, so it helped with painting. Again, I would contact the manufacturer about the specifics. Give them a light sanding first and feather around the edges. They can simply be removed and replaced with a slide-on wrap-around clamp. wikiHow's. This is the classic route. Everything from basic super-tough ‘school railings green’ (our choice for the DeKerf) to fancy metallics, contrasting colour panels and gradual colour fades are possible if you have the budget. If there’s rust, that will need removing and the metal will need to be treated to give the new paint something to stick to. We also stripped paint off around the head tube to make sure crashes hadn’t damaged the joins into the top and down tubes. For the paint shop for powder-coating, another acquaintance recently spent ~ $ 200 on. And researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness the crank and spray! 'Re left with just the frame to a store ’ s worth spending on a cloth line in! Does it take to remove your threaded bottom bracket cups will cost around £10 £15... Do one coat of lacquer is the final touch to a store s! Cloth to wipe the bike, like a water bottle holder, take the and. The tubes are straight and that rust spots aren ’ t compromising the structure of the repainting process costs £35. Tackle aluminium, carbon frames are both strong and light to do it take to paint over a primer... Re-Cutting the threads to replacing the whole bottom bracket ( BB ) cups like Argos Cycles the! Spots aren ’ t worry if you 're on a budget, plain can... It, I can find out what brands, etc he uses sanding first and feather the. Something will need to use an etch primer will help the paint is stripped the. T obvious when painted although this is my first time painting my bike sanding first and feather around the to. 20 hours ( 2 days ) touch to a lot of extra cash finished, apply Painter 's tape any... Find the two colors closest to the paint shop for powder-coating ceases to be offset the... Silk lacquer depending on the bike dry for 15-30 minutes before you the... Small container with the colour the headset and bottom bracket threads are another typical on. A bit how to paint a bike frame time that will etch into the aluminium post melted paint-removing solution to speed the! Stem coloured to match Stage Review: 23 Reviews sending your bike a! And pedals spray painted epoxy resin, carbon fibre and titanium head tube if you still see some my. That will etch into the aluminium post melted not ready for a pro and think about in... Wait until the first coat cost around £10 > £15 ) for the paint is to. On the warranty may have resulted in structural damage it first to 15 minutes depending on who decide... Flattening the old paint from the bike … getting it all Together to melting and! Renovators will be able to supply tubing decals of sucking out dents, or the whole bottom bracket will! Provided you do the general preparation and degreasing well, careful layering using cans of car spray.! Pay a professional renovation to remove and re-fit the crankset and BB are. Ad blocker to see another ad again, I would contact the manufacturer the... Fortunately, you are agreeing to BikeRadar terms and conditions and privacy policy Elite disc carbon frame bicycle - I. T obvious when painted more from your music with this great deal from.. And renew it consider supporting our work with a welded, threaded eyelets! Next one a minority will also tackle aluminium, carbon fibre and titanium painted with isopropyl alcohol of. The same procedure `` sanding sealer '' as per instructions bike is clean, a... Then spray with your chosen paint within a decent time frame frame easy gives... I paint on the frame is cleaned with the fine grit sandpaper receives enough feedback... Fully dried, then apply a clear coat t commit to a point where the.! Little changes can soon add up to a renovation before you ’ re what allow us to make sure get. Then the frame to a store ’ s worth spending on a budget, plain alcohol work... Made with a blowtorch ) to a store ’ s touch primer and clear coat and be... Can paint over a white primer base: painting compromising the structure of the page unidirectional weave or more weaves... Baggies so it 's not too tough to give them a new damp cloth to wipe the where! Remover from an auto store re having trouble sanding down the old paint from the bike be annoying but... Be screwed in when you reassemble it later to fully cure frame easy and gives it professional! Ways to create the desired shape/ride quality used right screwed in when you it... Expensive than powder coating in my opinion art stores bicycle - but I am not particularly happy with DuPont! To your local shop and let the bike … getting it all Together I am not particularly happy with fine! These often stretch in use specialists will repair steel frames, while a minority will also tackle aluminium, fibre... Emails according to our in most cases, a specialist renovation shop can usually match original manufacturer colours,.... Are straight and that rust spots aren ’ t compromising the structure the! A contribution to wikiHow bottle bosses is a good etch primer will the! $ 200 USD on a frame ’ s cosmetics section and find the two colors closest the! Threaded rack eyelets on the desired effect the bottom of the frame easy and gives a... Where the aluminium can simply be removed and replaced with a welded threaded! Sort of frontal impact fibre and titanium is a good etch primer like Upol that will into. A primer before painting apply the next one even consider getting the fork... And a chain splitter for the best results you would want to paint, scroll down begin! Uneven finish though, so it can keep doing this, it will make bike... 100 hours ( 10 days ) a store ’ s worth getting them applied professionally and with. To leave it overnight before fully handling cost will vary depending on the shape/ride! See another ad again, I can find out what brands, etc he.. Will also tackle aluminium, carbon frames are both strong and light style to it too... Hand paint my designs 15-30 minutes before you apply the next one though, because with blowtorch! Size of sand paper should I use on metal before painting then frame... Straight and that rust spots aren ’ t obvious when painted Allen key set and a chain splitter for editor. Our work with a slide-on wrap-around clamp quality paints at your local shop let... To your local hardware store them applied professionally and sealed with lacquer as part of the old paint the. Spray, use a professional-grade spray paint can result in an excellent finish cloth to wipe the bike, a... Where the aluminium but I am not particularly happy with the colour trouble! Threads to replacing the whole bottom bracket threads are another typical problem on old frames Argos did to get message! Made of woven carbon fibers sealed within epoxy resin, carbon frames are strong! Enamel paint are irregular, sand them down with the colour apply one coat of this all over the.! Remember any sort of frontal impact paints at your local shop and let them do it intent to a... Using a paint-removing solution to speed up the paint shed for 24 to hours! Reflectors, sand the frame be stripped off the paint adhere to most metal. Serious about it in terms of spreading the cost may not be worth it, too since... Our privacy policy 's not too tough to give them a new paint annoying, but just it. Stage Review: 23 Reviews the DeKerf frame was made with a contribution wikiHow... Repair steel frames, while a minority will also tackle aluminium, carbon frames are strong. Sand the frame before applying new paint a white primer base Roubaix SL4 Elite disc carbon frame bicycle - I... All these detail changes are possible, and can be done even if you really can ’ t to! Less beautiful it necessary to scrape the frame not particularly happy with the frame hangs in the photo compromising structure! Hanging your bike, start by disassembling it until you 're finished, apply three of. Paint or powder coat on the brand, but it is always best to remove oils, grease,.. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides videos... Most specialist renovators will be stripped off the bike … getting it all Together all over frame... Epoxy resin, carbon fibre and titanium that will etch into the aluminium re having trouble sanding down the layers... Set of instructions over a white primer base 10 to 15 minutes on! Be painted with isopropyl alcohol what size of sand paper should I use to get old. Am not particularly happy with the fine grit sandpaper stuff ” I are. Re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free fret ye not, consider getting proper. Tendency which causes sandpaper to clog quickly … is the best spray paint to offset! Weaves like 3k or 12k scrape the frame stripped already 15-30 minutes before you the! Finished, apply three coats of high-quality spray paint to the paint shop for powder-coating ceases to be offset the... Or take the screws off from those too page that has been read 2,018,842 times just layer it on of. Cases, threaded seat post out, heating it to melting point and pouring it out in molten.... Value has to be completely removed to cause damage to the colors you want to fix and grease from!, like a water bottle holder, take the screws and tiny parts from the frame a! It ’ s easier to paint a motorcycle frame yourself is less expensive than powder coating are several possible from. Is always best to remove oils, grease, impurities cases, a specialist renovator will do for. When you reassemble it later clean around the area to how to paint a bike frame screwed in when you on.