Repaint Alu Bike

Caroline_ie

I need to repain my old(er) fixie and since I can't cycle right now ( bad spill on saturday ) I might as well get that done this week.

I am trying to do a nice clean job, so i will need to remove the original paint off the bike. I was reading about using chemicals paint removers, but I am scared to damage the alu frame.

As well, what kind of paint can I use, car paint? What primer? And Would B&Q have all that sort of things?

Thanks for the tips people!!!!

Húrin

Caroline_ie wrote: »

I need to repain my old(er) fixie and since I can't cycle right now ( bad spill on saturday ) I might as well get that done this week.

I am trying to do a nice clean job, so i will need to remove the original paint off the bike. I was reading about using chemicals paint removers, but I am scared to damage the alu frame.

As well, what kind of paint can I use, car paint? What primer? And Would B&Q have all that sort of things?

Thanks for the tips people!!!!

Not sure about the paint but you don't need to use chemicals to get off the old paint. Get a good bit of wet 'n' dry sandpaper for metal. That's the sandpaper you use wet. It's usually black in colour rather than yellow or green as wood sandpaper usually is. That will do the job.

Karma

try nitromors- its a light acid, so wear gloves. does a grat job but find a car spray painter to get a good paint job pricews range from 40 to 100.
good luck with it.

TinyExplosions

I don't think you need to remove the old paint -good rub down with wet and dry (used wet), then a tack cloth to remove residue, some acid etch primer, then top coat!

xz

TinyExplosions wrote: »

I don't think you need to remove the old paint -good rub down with wet and dry (used wet), then a tack cloth to remove residue, some acid etch primer, then top coat!

Thats what I did with my kids bike, and it turned out just fine, 2 layers of topcoat, 6 hours apart

SetOverSet

You may find this helpful - Bike Painting.

On the other hand, if you want to pay someone to do it, this guy in Blessington who does custom paint jobs on motorcycles and cars quoted me €150 for primer, basecoats and tough high-gloss lacquer on an alu-alloy frame. Someone could possiblly add him to the wiki?

henboy

Caroline_ie wrote: »

I need to repain my old(er) fixie and since I can't cycle right now ( bad spill on saturday ) I might as well get that done this week.

I am trying to do a nice clean job, so i will need to remove the original paint off the bike. I was reading about using chemicals paint removers, but I am scared to damage the alu frame.

As well, what kind of paint can I use, car paint? What primer? And Would B&Q have all that sort of things?

Thanks for the tips people!!!!

Hi Caroline, I think your better off handing it in to some one who is used to sanding and spraying.It could take up to 6 coats.And with most things its all in the prep work.

Caroline_ie

henboy wrote: »

Hi Caroline, I think your better off handing it in to some one who is used to sanding and spraying.It could take up to 6 coats.And with most things its all in the prep work.

... is it because i am a girl? Am I smelling a few sexist cyslists around here? I want to get my hands dirty, it i was to have someone do it for me, where would all the fun be.
If you tell me I can't do something, that makes me want to do it even more.

Chips Lovell

Tipex. It's your only man.

xz

Caroline_ie wrote: »

... is it because i am a girl? Am I smelling a few sexist cyslists around here? I want to get my hands dirty, it i was to have someone do it for me, where would all the fun be.
If you tell me I can't do something, that makes me want to do it even more.

You go for it , girl;)

Caroline_ie

sorry ... got carried away ... :pac:

Killgore Trout

Give it a whirl - sher if you don't like it you can do it again. Not sure who would be the best supplier - but you may be able to find cheaper than B&Q

jollylee

Killgore Trout wrote: »

Give it a whirl - sher if you don't like it you can do it again. Not sure who would be the best supplier - but you may be able to find cheaper than B&Q

Have you thought about getting the bike frame shot blasted. A local guy here just quoted me €50 to do a bike frame and fork. Would def be the best job. Will leave you with a blank canvas so to speak and you won't have to spend ages with a scraping a knife and a pot of fillers getting a perfect surface.

I'm dismantling my bike tonight in preparation.

Caroline_ie

.... while sanding the bike I got a much better idea that will require a lot of Belgom Alu and a lot of time ... This is going to be amazing!

el tel

and if the Belgom Alu dosen't work out you can try Hammerfinish

gaffmaster

What colour are you going to paint it? Be sure to post pictures!

Caroline_ie

Got some autosol ... prob go though tube quite fast. Might or might not paint it after the alu is nice and clean looking ... I quite like it so far. I have only got a small area done. I might be there all day ... night ... week going this... I hope it will look as shiny as possible. ( crazy idea I know )

jollylee

Caroline_ie wrote: »

Got some autosol ... prob go though tube quite fast. Might or might not paint it after the alu is nice and clean looking ... I quite like it so far. I have only got a small area done. I might be there all day ... night ... week going this... I hope it will look as shiny as possible. ( crazy idea I know )

You'll probably still need paint it with clear lacquer to keep it shiny or else you could end up doing the autosol job every few months.

scottreynolds

Caroline.... Did you post any pics of this?

Caroline_ie

scottreynolds wrote: »

Caroline.... Did you post any pics of this?

Hi,

it s painted alright, just not quite back together yet.... patience!!!