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Q&As since 1989


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Basic instructions for stripping and repainting aluminum bicycle frames

Can anyone provide a source for basic instructions on how to strip, prepare and refinish aluminum bicycle frames using conventional spray on Dupont self etching primer and chromabase 2 part paints and selectclear clearcoat? (I bought these at an auto paint store but they didn't provide instructions.) I'm looking for a clear, concise primer on metal refinishing dos and don'ts.

Paul Domingue
bicycle enthusiast - Sedona, Arizona
2006

Can anyone suggest the best way to apply a hard wearing aluminium finish to my roadbike frame. I also am getting confused about the best way to spray my aluminium frame. My priority is cheep and simple. I have a friend who has the equipment to spray it but he suggested a 2-pack automotive paint colour then a finish in clear lacquer, but my supplier has mentioned etching primer and said the base coat colour does not get sprayed over in lacquer at all as the finish is actually inside the base coat paint. Also, I wanted a satin finish to my paint...is the a 2-pack paint with a satin finish?

Paul Jordan
- Manchester, Lancashire, UK
2006

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I want to respray my roadbike frame in an automotive (because of durability) base colour of aluminium. Do I need to use an ETCH primer and if I do, can I use a base-colour automotive paint with the lacquer already in the paint (is this called 2-pack)? Also, if the lacquer is actually inside the basecoat, can I discard the lacquer finish completely?

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

Paul Jordan
roadbike cyclist - Manchester, Lancashire, UK
2006