If the paint on a bike is old, painting over it with a few fresh coats of paint is a great way to give it a brand new, glossy look.You don't have to pay a professional to get a new bike.With the right tools and some time on your hands, you can paint a bike that will turn out looking great.
Step 1: Disassemble your bike.
The handlebars, the seat, and the front forks should be removed.If you have a water bottle holder on your bike, take the screws off.It is easier to reassemble the bike later if you put the screws and tiny parts in labeled plastic baggies.
Step 2: The bike frame has labels or decals on it.
You might not be able to take them off if they are old.If they don't peel off, use a blow dryer or heat gun to warm them up.It is easier to remove the labels from the frame when the glue on them loosens.If you have trouble peeling a label off with your fingers, use a putty knife to lift the edges of the label up off the frame.
Step 3: You need to wipe down the frame of the bike.
If there is any glue left over from the decals, spray a product like WD-40 on the frame and wipe it off with a cloth.
Step 4: The frame of the bike needs to be sanded so the paint can stick.
To remove a lot of the old paint from a frame, use a low-grit sandpaper.If the frame is bare or has a matt paint, use a high-grit sandpaper.
Step 5: Let the bike dry.
You can use a cloth with soapy water.
Step 6: If you don't want the frame to be painted, apply painter's tape.
The posts for the brakes should be left paint-free.There are any bearing surfaces.Something will need to be screwed in when you reassemble the bike.
Step 7: A painting station is outside.
Make sure you set up in aventilated area, like a garage, if you can't work outside.If paint drips, put a tarp or newspaper on the ground.You will need a pair of safety goggles and a dust mask.
Step 8: The bike frame can be hung through the head tube.
If you are painting outside, look for something to hang the wire or rope from, like a tree branch or a rafter.If you are working inside, hang the wire or rope from the ceiling.The frame should be hung in a location where you can easily walk around and paint it.
Step 9: If you can't hang the frame, put it on a table.
The frame of the table can be raised in the air if you put a broomstick or dowel through the head tube.If you don't have a table, you can mount the frame on a desk, stand, or other structure that will hold the bike off the ground.
Step 10: The frame should be painted with a high quality spray paint.
If you want spray paint that is specifically made for metal, look online or in your local hardware store.Generic brands will leave the coat on the frame looking weird.Don't combine spray paint brands.The different paints might not like each other.If you want the bike frame to be matt, look for spray paint that says "matte finish" on the can.
Step 11: The first coat on the bike frame is spray painted.
Hold the can of spray paint away from the frame and keep it moving.If you keep spraying in one area, you will end up with drips.Go around the entire frame until the surface has been painted.The old paint can still be seen through the first coat.The old paint will be covered up after you apply more coats because you want to do several thin coats.
Step 12: Before applying the second coat, let the first dry for 15 minutes.
When the first coat is completely dry, repeat the spray-painting process to make sure you get another thin coat on the frame.
Step 13: Continue applying paint until the frame is completely covered.
Wait at least 30 minutes in between coats.The amount of coats you need depends on the spray paint you use.You apply enough coats of paint if you can't see the old paint or metal on the frame.
Step 14: It is possible to protect the bike from rust by applying a clear coat.
Wait a few hours after spray painting to apply the clear coat.Once the frame is completely dry, spray an even layer of clear coat all over the bike, similar to how you applied the spray paint.If you want the best results, apply three coats of clear coat.Before applying the next coat, let it dry for 30 minutes.
Step 15: The bike frame needs to be dry for a full day.
Don't move or touch the bike during this time.If the weather is going to rain or snow, make sure to move the bike inside.Once it is completely dry, you can remove any painter's tape you put on it.
Step 16: Fix the bike.
All of the parts you removed from the frame should be put back on.You are ready to try out your new bike.