How to Remove Paint From a Bike

When you're planning on painting a bike, you'll first need to strip the frame of parts, decals and old paint. Stripping the bike can be done by anybody with a few hours to spare, but it can be hard work. You can complete the job with tools and items that you may have sitting around the house. When you're done, you'll be ready to paint the bike the way you like it.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrenches
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdriver
  • Goo-Gone or WD-40
  • Sandpaper
  • Damp cloths
  • Gloves
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Instructions

  1. Stripping the Parts from the Bike

    • 1

      Remove the front wheel with the quick-release or, if it doesn't have one, an adjustable wrench.

    • 2

      Take off the bike chain by lifting it up and off the gear with a screwdriver. Wear gloves; this job can be messy.

    • 3

      Spread the brakes apart with your hand and remove the rear wheel with its quick-release or the adjustable wrench.

    • 4

      Remove the front and rear gears (and the pedals) by holding the pedals still with your hand and turning the nut that secures the gear with the adjustable wrench.

    • 5

      Take off the brakes and derailleurs with the adjustable wrench. Remove brake and shifting cables.

    • 6

      Take off the seat with its quick release or the Allen wrench and the adjustable wrench. Use the appropriate tools to remove the items that hold the seat to the bike frame.

    • 7

      Remove the handlebars with the adjustable wrench.

    • 8

      Take off the front wheel fork with the adjustable wrench. Now the frame should be completely stripped of all the parts.

    Removing the Paint from the Bike

    • 9

      Peel off any decals that are on the frame.

    • 10

      Put on a pair of gloves.

    • 11

      Spray the sticky residue left by the decals with Goo-Gone or WD-40 and wipe the residue off with a cloth.

    • 12

      Sand the frame and the front wheel fork completely. This step requires strenuous work and will take a while to finish, so take a break when you get tired.

    • 13

      Wipe off the residue left from the sanding with a damp cloth. The paint should be completely removed from the bike when you're done.