Letter 9954

Painting Aluminum Bicycle Frame 

+ I have an aluminum frame bicycle that I would like to paint a different color. Although I think there is a protective coat over the original paint job and I am not sure the paint will stick to it, or ruin the bikes look. What should I do to prepare the bike for painting and what kind of paint should I use? I hope I can get some help. Sean Kloczkowski - Cumberland, Rhode Island, USA ++ The question is; what did you finally do about the old paint. Did you use a solvent or did you sand it?? Thanks, Robert Allen - Boulder, CO ++ See this link: http://www.mindspring.com/~d.g1/paint.htm [Ed. note: that link is now broken] Rony Deangelis - Wakefield, RI

Hi, Robert. Waxes, oil, and general dirt will wreck paint adhesion, but I don't think a clear coat will. Maybe try wiping with Acetone [link is to product info at Rockler], then washing with detergent, then a quick light sanding of whatever is easily accessible. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

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