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Painting a frame

Discussion in 'Projects' started by amf4399, Nov 20, 2010.

  1. amf4399

    amf4399 Active Member

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    I am rebuilding a bike and I am wondering whats the best way to paint the frame. I have so far stripped it down to the bare metal. Can I do it myself with store bought spray paint? or should I take it to a body shop and have them do it? Its an enduro and not a show bike and I don't want to invest a lot of money but I do want it to look good. Thanks
  2. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    to keep the cost down....you can use a good quality paint in a can. duplicolor is a good paint. it is pretty tough and easy to use....follow the directions on the can. if you opt to paint for long lasting durability, ya need to use a body shop. use a quality 2 part primer then cover it with an emron paint. the duplicolor is available at an auto parts store.....use their primer also......
  3. sarge7

    sarge7 New Member

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    Used cans on my first frame and it came out lookin good - the key is the right primer properly sanded between coats and the finish will go on smooth as silk and look good.
  4. amf4399

    amf4399 Active Member

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    Thanks, I think I will take the can root.
  5. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    post up some results and pics...........good luck. if ya need any help, just holler!!!
  6. amf4399

    amf4399 Active Member

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    Will do.
  7. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    can't remember the excet name but emrom sounds close I got it at a major paint store it for appliances rattle can I did a frame with it & it lasted for years
  8. sarge7

    sarge7 New Member

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    It's IMRMON - And is the same paint that IH uses to paint their big rigs with.
  9. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    I would have added the word MORON just for shiiits and giggles. :D :roflmao::roflmao:
  10. joshbob

    joshbob Well-Known Member

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    When I painted my frame (and the rest of my bike), I used Duplicolor black primer and Duplicolor acrylic enamel flat black. Looks good and the up side is that if I scratch it, it would be an easy and inexpensive fix. I wish I could find other flat colors in rattle cans, but I've been unable. Anybody know of a company that makes these?
  11. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    check with the paint store....you can get satin and flatening clears. or use a flat primer in the color of your choice.
  12. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Find a paint jobber that sells to the pros. U can get any color done in a custom rattle. Can


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  13. joshbob

    joshbob Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, guys.
  14. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    What about powder coating a frame? Is it worth the bucks?
    I think it's actuall cheaper than a regular "paint job" from a spray gun. It's tougher also. I just don't know about the screw threads, if that's a problem to keep them from getting buggered up with the paint.
  15. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Tommy, yes powder coating is cheaper than liquid paint. I have a friend at work that said he would powder coat a frame for 75 bucks. I agree that powder coating is tougher too. As for the threads and stuff like that, there are plugs that are made that will fit into the hole so powder won't get into the threads, you can even bake it with them in. Way Cool!!:cool:
  16. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Yes, way cool. I think I will go that route when I repaint my blue bike.
  17. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Eastwood makes home powedercoating kits
    so if you are going to do a lot it's worth looking into..
  18. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    How do you bake it on, hairdryer?:roflmao:
  19. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Heat gun, or, heat lamps, or, hang it in the FL sun for a few hours...
  20. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Huh? Flow out doesn't happen until 400*?

    Tommy, if you have an old oven/range that you aren't using, use that for the small parts. otherwise Eastwood does have a lot of different kinds of equipment that will work nicely. Can be expensive, but as HRK said, if you are going to do a lot of it, well worth the investment.

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