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Q&As since 1989


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Strip n' spray a mountain bike

Howzit goin, I have a mountain bike I would like to strip down and to respray. I know this is similar to the 7th of jan. question but I wonder if you could tell me what to use and how, and whether you recommend getting it resprayed professionally or giving it a bash myself.( this may not be your field but I am just looking for suggestions if anybody gets the chance)

Thanks very much,

Mark Whelan
hobbyist - Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
2004

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2004

My answer has more to do with motorcycle frames, but mountain bike frames are also very similar in style.

Remove all the parts (including the bottom bracket, derailleurs, seat post, and front fork (including the headset and cups). Sand/grind ALL of the paint off. Next, use acetone [on eBay or Amazon] (while wearing gloves) to wipe down the entire frame. Please note, that once you have wiped it down, it is not a good idea to touch it anymore as your oils from your hands will rub off and end up causing a bunch of problems. Next, mask these areas off with either a strong tape, or even better would be to cork the holes. (that includes all threaded holes).

To paint, you will want to start with an automotive primer with rust inhibitors. Spray one light coat at a time, let dry, then lightly wet sand the frame to remove any high spots. You will want to prime it with at least 4-5 coats (with sanding in-between) in order to get a really good base.

Next, using an automotive paint, you will want to go through the same steps as for the primer. My best estimate is that it will also take 4-5 coats before the paint looks really good.

Finally, take a good sealer and lightly spray in the same manner as prime.

If I were to do this, I would take the frame to a sand blaster and powder coater. The sand blasting is quick, gets in all the right places, and doesn't really affect the surface. Powder coating, being a baked on surface, is really durable and resistant to chipping and scratching...which is perfect for a mountain bike.

I hope that all helps! Cheers.

T B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Wheeling, Illinois, USA

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What spray paint shall I use for my mountain bike I want it bright orange? I started biking 2 years ago and I've recently purchasd a new frame I am looking to spray it orange but what paint do you recommend I use.

thanks

Terry Owen
salesman - Los Angeles, California, America
2006

Ive just recently sprayed my bike frame and seem to have done a good job, seeing as it's my first time. I went through all the stages, using nitro-mors to take off the old paint, then a good etching prima, and then the desired color, (thats the best part) then finally the lacquer, now this stuff smells strong, and is. In fact its all strong so use a well ventilated room, not the bedroom like I have, but of corse I do have the window open, say thats why I sleep so well. the frame is however going through the final stages of lacquer and am hoping to take the beauty back to the bike shop to get re-built into my full suss dream whey-hey

Andrea moulton
- southampton, hampshire, uk
2007

Where do you get all this stuff? I want to spray paint my bmx and I was wondering where to buy all those stuff needed to paint the bike (cleaners, strippers nd all that stuff) answers please!

Jamie Taylor
Hobbyist - Newbridge, Kildare Ireland
2007

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I don't know if they ship to Ireland, Jamie, but Eastwood would be a place.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007