A trip to the bike painter

[Oyez Oyez]

A trip to the bike painter

par Oyez Oyez » Sam Jan 24, 2009 1:30 am

Frequently, customers at my bikeshop ask me how to paint a bicycle.
Some want a simple urban camo to disguise a frame which is a bit too
attractive. Some want to extend their skin art to grace their favorite
transport so they feel even more bio-mech. Others just want to know the
paint process or to find a good professional painter in or near Montreal. In
any case, the dead of winter is a good time to consider such a project
so you will be ready in time for warmer weather.

 

First, it is important to know that paint is an essential protective
skin over the raw metal and, without it, your frame is much more
susceptable to damage from the elements.  So paint is a good thing. 
There are generally two types of paint processes: Wet paint and
Powdercoat. Traditional wet paint like you find on automobiles is blown
out of a spray gun (or can). Powdercoat, typically used on industrial
equipment, works well on bicycles if done properly because it is less
likely to chip, it can be less expensive and is less toxic. It also
allows for less artistic expression because applying more than one color is somewhere between tricky and impossible.  Powdercoat requires electrically
charging the metal frame (aluminum, steel or titanium) and applying dry
pigment which attaches itself to the charged metal and is then heated
to bring out the color and hardness.

Whether you are painting on a budget or going all out, both
processes require disassembling the bike to just the frame and fork. The difficult part for most home mechanics is removing the headset,
crown race and bottom bracket.  Your local bike shop can help you with
these. Expect to pay around $30.  You might ask, as long as you're
there, if they offer painting service since the shop may have an
arrangement with a local painter and, in the end, get you a better
price.

Previously painted frames need to be stripped to the bare metal and
cleaned of skin oils, dirt and grease. Pro painters do this either
chemically or with a sandblaster. If doing this at home, you can sand
off the paint but this is a very tedious job so be prepared with a dust
mask and lots of patience. Abrasive strips of 100 grit or rougher work
well.  If you've made it this far then you've probably considered where
you will spray the frame.  If you do not have a well ventilated, safe
place to paint, hire somebody else to spray it.  A coat of primer is
key to getting the top color coats to adhere properly. Multiple light
coats of color with light sanding in between and plenty of drying time will help
work out drips and rough spots. A clear top layer gives a bit more
durability. The longer you can leave it before reassembly, the tougher
the finish. Don't forget to chase the bottom bracket and other threads
and to face the headtube and bottom bracket for proper fitting of
components.

If you choose to have your ride professionally painted, you can expect it to cost from $200 on up. Don't forget to budget for reassembly and give yourself several weeks. If your bike fits you well but it's time to give it some major attention, a new paint job could be just the thing.

I can suggest the following painters: 

- I am on my way, as I write this, to
drop a frame at this specialty shop in Blainville, north of Montreal.
The owner and painter, Mr. Thibeault is an enthusiastic and hard working guy whose paint
specific shop seems more densely packed with frames at each visit. He
specializes in carbon fiber but has done a fine job on my last three
custom steel paint jobs. 

- Noah Rosen specializes in restorations and does
top-notch work including specialty services like box-lining and chrome
plating. Paying the extra shipping to Toronto may be well worth it. Check out his photo sequence of his process.

- While not in Montreal, I have
yet to find a powdercoater that knows the important delicate touch that
bikes require like Spectrum. These guys are the best which is why they
serve such a huge share of custom bike powdercoating in North America. Want to powder coat it locally? Try and tell us how they do.

- The regional master says in his
catalogue that they only paint Marinoni frames so you will need to counter this hurdle with a very large bribe. My guess is that
fine wines and chocolate would be a good start.

- I have yet to get anything
painted at the Richmond, B.C. based Dekerf but I have ogled his
finished work. Like some shops, the experienced Dekerf will also repair
or modify your frame prior to paint. 

- Though not in Montreal,
the New Paltz, NY company is not far away and boasts lots of
experience, including the most outrageous paintjob I have ever seen, my
former coworker Stephanie's "Starry Night" Titus.


That's all for now. Feel free to post a comment or send a picture of
your new paintjob. I'll post a picture of my latest here in a couple weeks when it's
complete. I'd also love to see people add their own tips and resources.

 


Author: jonathanquixote
Category: Bike shopsAround townequipmentwinter
Publish Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:28:00 GMT

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[Bryston]

par Bryston » Lun Jan 26, 2009 12:07 pm

De bonnes références pour ceux qui cherchent à faire repeindre un cadre.

[HypNoTic]

par HypNoTic » Lun Jan 26, 2009 4:09 pm