Painting a bicycle...

[fliptheswitch]

Wasn't sure which section to put this in.

I've recently been given a bike. It's an old ladies Raleigh bicycle and is absolutely gorgeous... but needs a bit of TLC.
I was thinking of painting the frame. I know I could get it re-sprayed, but just wondering if there's a way to do this myself, as I'd quite like to make it my little project.

Thanks.

[ummmm]

TBH Andy...I only watched with a passing interest. But from what I remember....pretty much so. It could be easier for flip to take it into a BS. We often had requests for bikes...and even bunk beds..

I was accounts....

[fliptheswitch]

Stickers? It's for me, not a child! lol. :-)
Thanks for that, I wouldn't have thought about blocking up holes and stuff. The handlebar grips are really nice, as is the seat. It's just the framework itself that needs a good going over.

Also, what could I use to "shine up" the metal?

I'm quite forward to it now! :-)

[Andyvon]

Flip -

Halfords sell packs of wet and dry paper with a selection of different grades. 400 is good for rubbing down the old paint and bare metal but you shold use a much finer grade for the primer - about 800 or 1200. If you use the paper with water (and a dash of washing up liquid) then you will only need one sheet of each grade for the bike.

[fliptheswitch]

Ummmm, I did think about taking it into a body shop, but I figured it would be far more rewarding to do it myself... and cheaper :-)

Andy, ah ok. Good job I asked. I haven't got a blimmin clue!

[Andyvon]

We k psting ver each other.

You use emery paper for polishing the metal Flip. It's similar to sand paper for decorating but emery paper is impregnated with carborundum which polishes metal. You buy that in packs at Halfords too.

[fliptheswitch]

Oh right. I thought the emery paper was the "wet and dry" stuff. Oh god, this could take a while... :P

[Andyvon]

No - emery paper for rubbing down the old paint and the metal, wet and dry paper for rubbing down the primer. You could always use a course grade of wet and dry for the old paint and bare metal though. In that case you can just buy one pack (selection pack) of wet and dry.

[fliptheswitch]

It's ok, I've got it now... at last!

Thank you for all your help. I'll keep you posted on how I get on :-)

[Andyvon]

Have fun Flip!

[Answerprancer]

I'd recommend using Solvol Autosol to bring metal back to a gleaming shine.
I wouldn't recommend emery (/wet and dry paper - same thing) paper unless the metalwork is really rusted.

[fliptheswitch]

It's not rusty as such, just a bit 'grubby' looking. I'll have to have another look tomorrow, as I'm not sure how much rust is actually on there. Not too much, I don't think.

[Answerprancer]

If it's an old Raleigh, chances are most of the grubby metal bits are chrome - Solvol Autosol will deal with that nicely.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks, AP. I'll get the main frame sorted out first, then see about cleaning the metal up. Maybe that stuff you've suggested would be better, as it's not very rusty at all and I want it to be really shiny and gleaming! :-)

[JonnyBoy12]

Make sure you put down sheets to stop paint getting everywhere. If you do then you will not get it out in a hurry. Also do not spray when it is windy or paint will go everywhere.

[fliptheswitch]

I was thinking about this earlier, wondering where on earth I'm going to spray it.
I was thinking of covering my old garden table with a large dust sheet, putting the frame on top of that (in the middle of the lawn) and spraying it on there. I think there would be enough space around it, not to get paint everywhere.

[RATTER15]

With reference to MarkRae's comment: Mick Jagger would be so proud... ;-)

Maybe this will clear it up:

[RATTER15]

fliptheswitch, it will really need to be hanging up so you can turn it to spray all sides without having to catch hold of the wet paint, if you cant do it all at once you will leave paint scars. could you not hang it by a piece of wire in a shed or garage?

[fliptheswitch]

Hi ratter. So sorry it's taken me this long to reply. I'm normally not so rude, but I've only just seen your input! :-)
I don't really have anywhere I could hang the bike. Well, I have the kids climbing frame, but I don't think they would appreciate spray paint all over it! :D
I've got the bits I needed over the weekend, and have taken the bike apart. I have Thursday completely free, so will be making a start on it then. I'm just going to put it on an old table, when it comes to spraying it... and hope for the best!

Thanks :-)