Bicycle Painting Tips

While it is generally not recommended that you attempt to paint your bicycle at home, it can be done. It takes careful preparation, patience and close attention to detail in order to achieve good results when painting your own bicycle.

  1. Preparing Your Bicycle

    • It is imperative that you completely remove all old paint and any other debris from the bicycle frame before beginning to paint.

      There are several ways to do this, but the best ways include sandblasting with an air compressor, using wet/dry sandpaper and using brush-on aircraft stripper. Sandblasting will give you the best results if you have the equipment, but the other two methods work well, too.

      If you are using wet/dry sandpaper 180 grit should work well. Keep water nearby to unclog the old paint bits from the sandpaper.

      The weather is also important when preparing to paint a bicycle. Choose a dry day that is not too hot or too cold for this project.

    Primer

    • Resist the temptation to skip the primer and go right to applying color. Primer will help the paint adhere properly as well as even out rough spots. When selecting a primer be sure that it is designed for metal surfaces, and go with a white or silver color. White and silver primers will help bring out the best in whatever color you have chosen for the bicycle. For most jobs you will need two coats of primer.

    Paint

    • Once the primer has dried it is time to apply the paint. If you have an air compressor, that method would be best. Apply at least two coats, allowing each coat to completely dry in between.

      If you do not have an air compressor then spray paint is your best bet. There are several types available and hardware store or paint store staff should be able to help you pick the best paint for your project. Spray on at least two coats, allowing to dry and sanding with very fine-grit sandpaper in between coats.

      Once everything has dried you may apply decals or other details, and then apply a clear top coat to protect the paint job that you put so much care into.