Paint it black

[beatlejuice]

I want to paint my bike frame black with a brush. What would the panel recommend?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

What would the panel recommend?

Not doing it with a brush.

On a more serious note, an enamel paint of some sort. Haven't tried it myself but Japlac has had a few mentions on here in the past as it apparently gives a decent finish. (It is also available in a spray can - hint, hint)

 

[accountantpete]

Hammerite

 

[I like Skol]

Hammerite

Smoothrite!

I've done dozens of sets of van and landrover wheels over the years and it gives a satisfyingly glossy, smooth and hardwearing finish.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Why a brush though? There are loads of aerosol choices that if applied correctly will give a more pleasing finish IMO.

Just remember to build up lots of light coats to get the best finish, don't try and get a deep gloss shine in one coat as it won't be pretty!

PS: Assuming your doing a full strip down don't forget to mask off any threads such as BB and headset to save time and tears later.

 

[tadpole]

~Start with rust stop, then a dilute primer, then sand it down, then full on primer, then sand it down, then another coat of primer, then sand it down lightly, then undercoat, sand it down to primer coat, then undercoat, then sand it down lightly, then second undercoat, then sand it down lightly, then base top coat, sand it back to under coat, then first top coat, then sand it lightly, then second top coat, then lacquer x 2 coats.
Or start with rust stop, then spray coat a primer and sand down lightly, then spray coat a second coat of primer, then undercoat and finally a top coat followed by 2 x lacquer. both will end up (if done properly) looking like glass. one is a lot less work, and quicker.

 

[I like Skol]

IMO a brush painted Smoothrite can equal a spray can finish if done with care. Why buy aerosols that pump half the product into the atmosphere rather than onto the frame and also mean when you get runs (and you WILL get runs trying to spray the nooks and crannies) you can't do anything about it. The paint brush option allows you to brush out runs and I find Smoothrite has a lovely, self levelling, glossy finish built in that makes all but the worst brush stroke marks fade away.

 

[beatlejuice]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I am going to go for a hand painted job. I am building a hub geared bike fitted with chain guard. The idea is to have a bike I can just jump on and ride without getting togged up. So with my superb paint job only bike thieves with sever sight pediment will want to steal it!!