How to Paint Bicycle

How to Paint Bicycle How to Paint Bicycle If you want to give a new look to your old bicycle, then a good coating of paint can do the magic for you. If you are pondering about the right person to whom you can hand over the cycle, then let me tell you , you can do the task yourself at home. Painting a bicycle is not as tough as you may think it to be. Following are the procedures that you need to follow in order to give the desired look to your bicycle:

Instructions

The very first thing you need to do is to remove the parts that you don’t want to paint like brackets, forks, wheel axels and so on. You can also use painter’s tape for taping over the cycle items that do not require to be painted. If you are removing the parts of the vehicle, then take a note of how the parts were aligned so that later you can put them back in the right order.
Prior applying the primer or paint coating make sure you degrease the vehicle. You can use a bike degreaser or car body wipe for this purpose.
Also make sure you remove all the existing paint with sandpaper (medium-grade) or rough sponge (80grit). This will ensure you have a smooth surface for the painting process.
Now your cycle is ready to be painted. Use a coat hanger to hang the vehicle by the head tube. This will ensure the paint does not bung up up at the bottom bracket. Also make sure you hang the cycle in a well-ventilated area where there is sufficient light so that you apply an even coat of paint.
Start by applying a thin coat of good quality primer. Carefully read and follow the instructions on the primer can that you are using. It is always better to spray about 20cm from the surface. Start from the joints and bottom bracket in the frame. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes between coats. You don’t need to cover the frame fully at first or second coat. As you will continue to apply several coats, it will get entirely covered with the primer. Once this is done allow the frame to dry for nearly 24 hours.
Now with the help of 220-grit paper or sponge sand the primer. If you think you will not be able to do it properly, then you can take help of a sandblaster. Sanding process will help you achieve a smooth surface to which the next layer of paint will adhere to.
After the sanding process, apply the main coat of paint. Make sure prior applying the paint, the surface area is totally clean with no dust particles or grease on it. Follow the similar steps that you did for the primer. Apply thin coats of paint until you achieve a uniform finish. Allow it to dry.
Using some wet-or-dry 1200-grit paper, sand the paint coating. All you need to do is to take some Windex and spray it onto the paint and then sand. Make sure to keep the finish “wet” (when sanding with the 1200-grit sandpaper).This wet sanding process is done to produce a matte finish for the lacquer to stick to. Later, with lacquer you can add the desired gloss or shine again.
Now apply lacquer in the same manner as you painted the cycle but this time may just need to put 2 to 3 coats only. While applying the lacquer you must keep the spray can closer to the surface as you could end up with a rough surface if it is far away from it.
Complete the repainting of your bicycle by following the same steps for all the parts of the vehicle. Allow the lacquer to dry/harden for at least seven to eight days before putting the bike together.

Tips to Remember

Buy some standard grease and use your hand to apply it to the bearings of the vehicle. This will not only ensure smooth operation but will also protect these parts from wear and tear.
While priming the vehicle, wear goggles and a mouth mask.
If you wish to give a multi-color look to your frame, then make sure you initially apply 3 to 4 coats of light color before applying the darker paint on the surface.