DIY frame painting

[divernick]

Has anyone tried to paint their own frame and what were the results?

 

I have just stripped and primed my aluminium frame (Diamondback Apex). I bought a sandblast gun with an attached canister feed from Builder's Warehouse and converted an old scuba regulator to provide the right air pressure through a 2m long hose.

After some research on the interwebs, I saw that blasting with sand can damage an aluminium frame, so I went with using sodium bicarbonate (HTH Alkali up) powder.

 

The blasting process took longer than expected, so I blasted the nooks and crannies and sanded the straight tubes with 800-grit wet/dry paper. I primed the frame with Rustoleum white primer (2 coats).

I have bought Rustoleum Metallic Dark Bronze spraypaint in a can and the 2x Cover Gloss Clear. I am going to give the frame a couple of coats of the colour and a couple of coats of the clear and see how it comes out.

 

I already did the stem and it looks very nice - the metal flake in the paint really glistens in sunlight.

 

I'll post pics soon.

[AndreZA]

I've done a few but never with rattle can paint. To give it a real tough finish you could have always had the clear done by a panelbeater. They can squeeze it in when they do a car.

[Stryder]

I've also been thinking about stripping the paint off my bike and putting a new colour on.

Would anyone know of a company in Cape Town can do the finer sandblasting? Or some sort of bath to strip the paint off.

 

Would be nice to see the result of your bike Divernick.

[Hairy]

I've also been thinking about stripping the paint off my bike and putting a new colour on.

Would anyone know of a company in Cape Town can do the finer sandblasting? Or some sort of bath to strip the paint off.

 

Would be nice to see the result of your bike Divernick.

 

 

@ stryder - don't you dare spray the Mbuzi

 

Then RE spray painting with a rattle can.

 

I did my first single speed in a matte black colour using one of these. My frame prep involved just simply wiping down the frame with some methylated spirits.

 

When spraying I did a good couple of thin coats and the overall finish was actually rather good. I did however not do the clear coat afterwards and I also should have primed the frame as the paint is easily chipped.

 

Then again I did use the cheapest spray paint out there as this was simply a project bike to test the SS waters.

 

H

[Stryder]

Yeah might be the wrong thing to do.

 

Maybe some new stickers will liven it up a bit. Do you know where I can get Morewood stickers?

[RodTi]

Sounds interesting!

 

Please pop up some pics!

[Guest Big H]

Has anyone tried to paint their own frame and what were the results?

 

I have just stripped and primed my aluminium frame (Diamondback Apex). I bought a sandblast gun with an attached canister feed from Builder's Warehouse and converted an old scuba regulator to provide the right air pressure through a 2m long hose.

After some research on the interwebs, I saw that blasting with sand can damage an aluminium frame, so I went with using sodium bicarbonate (HTH Alkali up) powder.

 

The blasting process took longer than expected, so I blasted the nooks and crannies and sanded the straight tubes with 800-grit wet/dry paper. I primed the frame with Rustoleum white primer (2 coats).

I have bought Rustoleum Metallic Dark Bronze spraypaint in a can and the 2x Cover Gloss Clear. I am going to give the frame a couple of coats of the colour and a couple of coats of the clear and see how it comes out.

 

I already did the stem and it looks very nice - the metal flake in the paint really glistens in sunlight.

 

I'll post pics soon.

 

Sandlasting Aluminium is not a very good idea..... too late for you now. You will never know how much aluminium you took off. If you do it again have it bead blasted. Even that can be dangerous if not done correctly.

[divernick]

Sandlasting Aluminium is not a very good idea..... too late for you now. You will never know how much aluminium you took off. If you do it again have it bead blasted. Even that can be dangerous if not done correctly.

 

I used sodium bicarbonate powder (baking soda) which doesn't remove ANY metal material. It's very mild and even takes ages to cut through paint. The clean aluminium was a dull grey colour after blasting, indicating that the blasting didn't penetrate the surface of the metal.

 

The only downside is that you use a LOT of powder. One advantage of using sodium bicarb is that it is not harmful if inhaled, the body simply metabolises it, unlike sand or glass which can cause silicosis in the lungs.

[gummibear]

Why don't you just polish the frame and clear coat it.

[Pappa Bear]

Yeah might be the wrong thing to do.

 

Maybe some new stickers will liven it up a bit. Do you know where I can get Morewood stickers?

 

William's bike shop in somerset west

[Stryder]

William's bike shop in somerset west

Thanks, will give them a call.

[Stretched@Birth]

I had my alu Giant frame acid bathed and powder coated matt grey, all for a single blue 100 randts note. The finish is great, and seems to be quite hard wearing too. Just remember to mask up the holes where bits need to be refitted.

[gummibear]

http://www.talonclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17166

[Hairy]

NICE

 

http://www.talonclub...ead.php?t=17166

[Guest Big H]

I used sodium bicarbonate powder (baking soda) which doesn't remove ANY metal material. It's very mild and even takes ages to cut through paint. The clean aluminium was a dull grey colour after blasting, indicating that the blasting didn't penetrate the surface of the metal.

 

The only downside is that you use a LOT of powder. One advantage of using sodium bicarb is that it is not harmful if inhaled, the body simply metabolises it, unlike sand or glass which can cause silicosis in the lungs.

 

Ok ...... you sound sure of yourself but others beware ....SAND BLASTING CAN GO PEAR SHAPED IF NOT DONE PROPERLY. Kuk taste in your mouth if your top tube goes SNAP!!!! whilst hurtling downhill!!!!!!!

 

When working with fine dust and other harmfulls it is always advisable to wear the neccesary safety apparell and clothing. Taisis(sic????) is not naaice!!!!!!!.... same as lung cancer caused by smoking..... you suffocate to death ..... gradually over an agonizingly long period.

Edited December 9, 2010 by Big H

[divernick]

Ok ...... you sound sure of yourself but others beware ....SAND BLASTING CAN GO PEAR SHAPED IF NOT DONE PROPERLY. Kuk taste in your mouth if your top tube goes SNAP!!!! whilst hurtling downhill!!!!!!!

 

When working with fine dust and other harmfulls it is always advisable to wear the neccesary safety apparell and clothing. Taisis(sic????) is not naaice!!!!!!!.... same as lung cancer caused by smoking..... you suffocate to death ..... gradually over an agonizingly long period.

 

I do agree - always wear eye protection and at very least a dust mask and do your research!

 

I look forward to posting pics after the weekend! I can't wait to get started!