Preping frame for paint

[ONthePIPE]

I'm restoring an old roadRace bike, and getting ready to start on the frame. I will be changing the color from gray to red, and the gray paint is discolored from years of 2stroke oil leaks. what steps should i use to prep the frame for paint.

Thanks: /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/peace.gif Jeff

 

[big stinkie]

Hmmmmm. I assume you have a bare frame, so I'd chemically strip the thing to metal, or have it bead blasted. Then prime and paint/powder coat it. You could try to sand the dickens out of it, but I don't know if that would be any easier than stripping it down. At least you'd know your substrate if you start from bare metal.

If you do strip it with paint remover, I recommend Zip Strip in the black and yellow can. Nasty stuff, but it makes paint practically fall off the metal. Use gloves and eye protection! This particular stuff is the only thing I've found that easily takes off clear coat. (And skin and hair and fingernails and tattoos! Ouch!)

Link to Zip Strip : http://www.starbronze.com/720.html



Andy aka Big Stinkie

 

[tooter]

what do the big time builders do for ther frame paint or powder coat if u paint it how can u get good protetion to keep it from chiping so easy?

 

[big stinkie]

My local builder says powder coating is the most resistant to chipping.

I live on a rock road (1.5 miles to get to pavement) and get my painted frame gets chipped a lot. I've toyed with the idea of putting a chunk of black foam pipe insulation on the two places that get all the rocks, but then I'd have to stop and pull them off...store them somewhere while I ride...and then remember to put them back on when I get close to home. Seems easier to just paint the thing each winter. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

 

[rex]

Powdercoat is by far the best but you can't get every color you want.The best thing is sandblast or mediablast it and hit it with a good epoxy right after the stripping.If you're not doing any molding just wait the required flash time and paint it.