How much paint?

[Stiff_Orange]

I've got a project frame coming and I'm going to spray it myself, using spray cans, yes I know I'll get people saying use so and so paint shop, but I want to give it try.

How many cans does it take to do an entire medium h/t frame, I'm going to give it 2-3 coats at least?

 

[xerxes]

Re:

Is it going to be a flat colour or metallic?

 

[Stiff_Orange]

Re:

Metallic.

 

[enc]

Re:

2 x colour and 2x clear coat. You'll probably have some colour coat over but it'll do for "emergencies"

You'll also need acid etch and possibly high build/filler primer.

What ever you do don't use halfords clear coat.

 

[Stiff_Orange]

Re: Re:

2 x colour and 2x clear coat. You'll probably have some colour coat over but it'll do for "emergencies"

You'll also need acid etch and possibly high build/filler primer.

What ever you do don't use halfords clear coat.

It's a Aluminium frame that's already been sandblasted so hopefully not too much pitting.
I'll probably use any excess colour coat on things like bar ends to match the frame.

I'm planning on using the 2K clear coat from the same manufacturer as the paint, figured that if they make both there is less risk of the clear coat not bonding.

 

[enc]

Re:

If it's proper 2 part 2k .. I guess your aware of the dangers and have suitable facilities/ equipment
What colour you planning ?

 

[Stiff_Orange]

It's 2K in a spray can, the hardener is separate until you 'activate' the can, shake to mix and spray. Bunny suit done, gloves done, respirator done, goggles done, plastic sheeting in empty garage with an extractor fan. I've sprayed other bits and pieces and car panels before but never a whole bike frame.

Metallic purple or Purple with a flake coat before the clear coat.

Have a look at at a 94 Marin Rocky Ridge, this will be a negative of that, but with more bling

 

[enc]

Nice one ! Get some pics up of your progress ;-)

 

[xerxes]

Re:

I painted a bicycle frame with aerosols many years ago and I was very pleased with the result. Coincidentally, it was also metallic purple. I used three 400ml cans; an undercoat, the metallic purple then a clear top coat.

The clear top coat makes all the difference, prior to the application of the clear coat it looked a bit flat and lifeless, the clear coat gave a deep gloss and really enhanced the sparkle of the metallic.

Having said all that, I don't think I'd bother again. Whilst it turned out quite well, it was very time consuming to do and at around £8.00 to £10.00 now for an aerosol, not much cheaper than powder coating and the end result is nowhere near as tough or durable as powder coat either.

As I said, this was a while back, probably about 20 years ago and powder coat wasn't an option, not that I was aware of anyway, and having a frame properly painted and stove enamelled was quite expensive, around £100 to £150 at the time if I remember correctly, so way more than the DIY option at the time.

I had a frame done with a metallic green powder coat a couple of years ago for £40.00:

My camera doesn't really capture it and the pictures don't really do it justice; in sunlight it's a really bright sparkly metallic lime green and it looks as good now as the day I had it done.

 

[mkaavin]

Re: Re:

... and it looks as good now as the day I had it done.

That's because you aren't using the bike Anyway, the bike looks great. How about some more pics?