How to Fix a Scratch on a Fork Tube

Mountain bikes take a real beating. They crash into rocks, sticks, pavement and dirt. The first thing that takes the brunt of the crash is the front fork tubes. Most mountain bikes are defined by brightly colored front forks and when they get scratched, it's highly noticeable. Fortunately, the front forks can be repainted. Sandpaper and paint can make your fork tubes look like new.

Things You'll Need

  • Sandpaper, 220-grit
  • Sandpaper, 400-grit
  • Sandpaper, 600-grit
  • Aerosol paint to match fork
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fold the 220-grit sandpaper into thirds. Sand over the scratch lightly. Move in an oval pattern until the paint begins to lighten.

    • 2

      Resand with a folded piece of 400-grit sandpaper until the scratch disappears. You should now have an oval circle where the scratch was.

    • 3

      Resand one more time with 600-grit sandpaper, blending the oval circle outward so that there is no abrupt edge between the sanded and unsanded areas.

    • 4

      Remove the wheel to ensure it does not come into contact with paint overspray. Turn the bicycle upside down, if desired. Hold the can of aerosol paint 8 inches from the sanded area. Sweep the nozzle of the can across the oval area as you shoot a short burst of paint. Check for paint coverage and sweep the can over the oval again, shooting another burst. Wait 15 minutes for the paint to dry.

    • 5

      Sand the painted area lightly with 600-grit sandpaper. Finish by sweeping and shooting another burst of paint over the sanded area. Wait one hour before using the bike.