Ideal spray paint for a bike frame??
Ideal spray paint for a bike frame??
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Discussion

Taylor309

Original Poster:

22 posts

173 months

Thursday 14th January 2016
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So I have a fairly cheap single speed (from Create fixies) that I use for commuting to Uni, a 2 mile flat ride. Bike does the job nicely and performs well but i'm simply a bit bored of the colours. Couple that with lots of scratches and such from being really good at falling off and I've decided I want to repaint it.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice RE what brands to use for both primer and paint? The cost for individual cans isn't too much of an issue as it only seems to range between £3 and £10, I just want a decent brand that can provide the right quality and colour (Navy Blue)

For disclosure:
I know I can get it powder coated and it's better blah blah blah, but the other reason for doing this is because I enjoy doing stuff to my bike myself.

Banana Boy

467 posts

142 months

Thursday 14th January 2016
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This project I 'ave been mostly spraying with Hycote acrylics from a local motor factors although, I also had a can of Halfords own brand which was just as good and just as cheap!

I think acrylics are the only thing widely available for Joe public these days?! They dry really quick and the finish is ok for a rattle can but it is very soft and doesn't take much to mark.

Also it's easy to under estimate how much paint you'll need, I've emptied about 500ml of each coat on this frame to get coverage that I'm happy with!

Banana Boy Project Single Speed: Some Progress... by Ben Magee, on Flickr

Edited by Banana Boy on Thursday 14th January 20:10

uncinqsix

3,239 posts

239 months

Friday 15th January 2016
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Banana Boy said:
Also it's easy to under estimate how much paint you'll need, I've emptied about 500ml of each coat on this frame to get coverage that I'm happy with!
yes The inverse square law is not your friend here.

Taylor309

Original Poster:

22 posts

173 months

Friday 15th January 2016
quotequote all
Banana Boy said:
This project I 'ave been mostly spraying with Hycote acrylics from a local motor factors although, I also had a can of Halfords own brand which was just as good and just as cheap!

I think acrylics are the only thing widely available for Joe public these days?! They dry really quick and the finish is ok for a rattle can but it is very soft and doesn't take much to mark.

Also it's easy to under estimate how much paint you'll need, I've emptied about 500ml of each coat on this frame to get coverage that I'm happy with!

Edited by Banana Boy on Thursday 14th January 20:10
I'll have to give Hycote a look in then!
Yeah sadly acrylics seem to be the only thing available, i'm just gonna make sure to layer up and then add several layers of clear coat.

As long as it looks good i'm happy ! biggrin