Clean, Clean, Clean, Prep, Prep, Prep. That is the key to a great paint job, Ask questions and follow directions to the letter on the recomendations you find on the paint cans. Check out this link as it goes in great detail about painting. Painting Tips
So, did you decide to paint that cycle frame? Here is a quick run down on painting the frame. Sandblast the frame, it will take some time but be sure to get all areas blasted clean. After blasting the frame sand it with some 320 grit paper. NAPA Auto Stores has a paint division, I mention this because they are nationwide. After sanding the frame, use some lent free clean rags to wipe down the frame, clean and prep it using NAPA's Econo Prep Clean #15250. Apply the "Prep Clean" to the clean rag and thoroughly wipe down the complete frame. This removes and grease or oils, remember your hands are oily so use rubber gloves during this entire painting process.
Now it is time to mix NAPA's Econo Etch # 15210 primer with the NAPA's Econo Etching Reducer # 15212, using 1 part primer to 1 part reducer, mix and you are ready to spray, set your air pressure to 30-35 lbs at the spray gun. Apply light coats, apply 2 -3 coats, turn the frame upside down, backward, forward, check all angles and be sure you have complete coverage. Now your are ready for the enamel paint, mix 8 parts of NAPA's Acrylic Enamel # 8800 (Black) to 4 parts of NAPA's Fast Evaporating Reducer # 8831 and add 1 part of NAPA's Urethane Hardner # 8850, make sure you have a fisheye additive on hand in case the paint fisheyes, mine did, I just added 1 squirt of fisheye reducer and mixed it with the paint and that took care of it. Adjust the pressure at the spray gun to 50-55 lbs and carefully paint the frame, remember that light coats are better than heavy ones, cover all angles and apply 3 coats. This should produce a professional looking enamel paint job on your cycle frame. Now if you are not using the brand and part numbers stated above be sure to read and follow the directions supplied on the paint cans.
Painting FAQ
Painting the Body Works, my suggestion here is to use NOS parts if at all possible. Sometimes this can get very pricey, sometimes they are not available at any price. If this is the case, I would suggest finding a professional painter experenced in matching colors and painting vintage cycles. Remember, this is the area of your restoration that will be seen by everybody, don't scimp here. Here is a good link about painting from a Professional Painter. Have a professional paint it for you.
Needs some decals for your restoration? Try this link.
Powder Coating vs. Painting.... That is the question, take the time to browse through the powdercoating links, some myths about powdercoating may be revealed. There are a couple of things to consider when making the decision to powdercoat or paint. I think if you are going to make a concours restoration you should use paint instead of powder coating, keep in mind this is just my opinion, a lot of people powdercoat their frames and still enter them in judging contest.
Cost would probably favor powdercoating once you considered all the time, metal preps, paint, reducers and hardners that are required to properly paint your frame, don't forget about the time spent sandblasting just to get it ready to paint. I spent about $100 to paint my 750 Honda frame, to took me several afternoons after work to sandblast it clean, then all day on Saturday painting the frame. Powdercoating cost about $140 to do the same frame here locally, a good powder coating shop will want to do the all the prep themselves because they wanted it done right, because if the frame was not prepped properly, even though it was done before they got it, most people would hold them responsible if the powdercoating did not come out right. All this said, for $40 more I don't have to spend several afternoons sandblasting and all day Saturday painting. Cost factor = Powdercoating
Here is a good place to start that might answer some questions about chrome plating.
FAQ Chrome Plating Here is a interesting little "copy chrome" kit.
Copy Chrome Kit
Painting Tips
