Paintin my bike

[bradleyheathhays]

I got this used bike (cycle) I'm wanting to paint satin black and I'm not sure what kind/brand paint to use. Plan is to degrease and sand the frame with 800, and then after that I don't know. I've painted my Jeep's fender flairs before and that was a 3 color 2 2k clear coat process. As that produced orange peel I'm really not wanting to go that route. I'd like for it to be more durable than whatevers in those rattle cans at Home Depot. Wonder if I need to venture down to the auto paint store? I'm open to getting a new paint gun if that's what's needed. Am I looking at shooting an enamel possibly?

edit: Just got word back from my bike mechanic buddy and he said he's used Rustoleum metal paint in a rattle can followed by a clear and it's held up for him really well. Says the paint has come a long way, so maybe. Any advice along this direction? Seems like it'd certainly be the cheapest, and that's good with me.

 

[Dalecamino]

I suspect your bike has Powder coat. Guys at the paint store could give better advice. Good luck.

 

[jttheclockman]

I think powdercoating is the best way and second is automotive paints. Yes either way is expensive but you only do it once and want to stand up Rattlecan paints have come a long way but not to the extent of abuse and nicks. Even with a clear coat.

 

[Humongous]

Check out dipyourcar.com. They are doing some really nifty things with Plasti-Dip. I have used it to customize the badging on my son's car and it holds up amazingly well. There are pearls, color shift, metalics, a whole range of options.

 

[carlmorrell]

I have restored a 1969 Gitane. I am the original owner. Powdercoat would require a big oven. It would also be difficult if you wanted a specific color match. I used a Sata minijet spray gun. I got results that did not even require buffing afterwards. The paint I used was automotive base coat and clearcoat.