Nothing brings out the beauty of your bike like a brand new paint job, and thanks to the convenient simplicity of the Preval Sprayer, a DIY bike painting has never been this easy. Regardless of its appearance, when you use the Preval Sprayer you can personally restore your bike to a like-new condition
The more you ride, the more likely the paint on your bike will fade and blemish, and if you’re building a bike from scratch you want a good-looking, durable paint job that other DIY, at-home kits just don’t provide. With the Preval Sprayer your bike will receive a finish that protects the frame from the harsh effects of the elements, ensuring your bike not only has a striking paint job, but a long lasting one as well.
A DIY bike painting may seem like a difficult task, but with the help of the Preval Sprayer and without the need for a spray gun or compressor, it becomes effortless.
By using the Prevel Sprayer and following these simple steps you can get the desired look you want for your bike.
Tips and Warnings:
Always take proper safety precautions when spraying paint, including hand, eye, and breathing protection, as well as ensuring there is plenty of ventilation and no open flames or other source of possible fume ignition.
Certain bike parts require special tools to assemble or remove. If you don't have all the tools to disassemble your bike, take it to a bike shop to have the parts removed and, later, reassembled.
Avoid painting your frame in direct sunlight or cold temperatures.
For a durable, long-lasting finish, prep and cleanliness are key.
Only spray paint in a dry, well ventilated area, such as an open garage.
Materials:
Eye protection
Respirator or paint mask
Preval Sprayer
Bike wrenches and shop tools
Paint stripper
Solvent-resistant masking tape + paper
Rust-resistant primer and paint color(s) of your choice; automotive/metal primer and paint are recommended
Paint stripper or drill + wire brush bit (for stripping existing finishes)
Mineral spirits
Sandpaper #220 and #1500 wet/dry
Windex
A stand or wire coat hangers
Prep:
1. Disassemble bicycle to its frame; remove the handlebars, brakes, fork, headset, shifters, cables, gears, headset, bottom bracket, etc.
- NOTE: Bikes have many parts. Keep track of how you disassembled the components to ensure your reassemble it properly.
- If you do not have the proper tools, take it to a bike shop to be disassembled.
2. To strip existing finish, use either a suitable paint stripper (such as so-called ‘aircraft’ stripper) or a wire brush chucked into a power drill or hand-held router.
3. Sand frame to remove any remaining finish or corrosion spots and to rough the surface up for good primer adhesion.
4. Wipe entire frame down with mineral spirits or degreaser to remove any dirt, oils and sanding dust. Let dry.
- This step is essential to a good finish.
5. Plug and/or mask interior of holes and openings in the frame, particularly the head tube, seat tube and bottom bracket shell.
6. Suspend the frame on a stable stand or hang from ceiling with the coat hanger(s) through the head tube.
Application:
1. Mix primer and fill the Preval Sprayer bottle.
2. Put on respirator, rubber gloves and eye protection.
3. Using smooth, even passes, spray on primer. Start with the joints and work your way out.
- Be sure to prime every exposed portion of the frame. Follow the primer’s directions for recommended number of coats.
- Apply two or more thin, even coats of primer. Do not try to get total coverage with every coat.
4. Allow primer to dry for 1 day.
5. Sand primer with #220 grit paper to smooth surface.
6. Apply the primary frame color of your choice using the Preval Sprayer and automotive-grade paint using smooth, even passes. Follow the paint’s directions for correct application and dry time.
- Apply two or more coats until the color is uniform.
- Spray each coats thinly, then let dry. Do not attempt to get total coverage with each coat as this will create runs or drips.
7. Once the primary color coats are dry, apply additional colors or stencil designs, then let dry.
- Apply light colors first, then darker colors.
8. Let primary colors dry.
9. Lightly sand with #1200 wet sander until the gloss is removed
10. Next, apply several clear coats to seal in any decals or designs and add further protection for the paint and the frame.
11. Apply any decals
12. Allow paint and clear coats to dry for several days.
13. Remove tape and plugs, re-grease the openings and reassemble your bike. Congrats, you're ready to ride!
Disclaimer: The Preval How To Articles Such as this one above is for informational purposes only and is intended to provide general information guidance. Because products, materials, techniques, building codes, federal, state and municipal laws vary, and are continuously changing, as is ordinances, C.A Acquisitions LLC, Chicago Aerosol and Preval assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein and disclaims any liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the reader (you) to comply with all appropriate laws, manufacturers guidelines, rules and regulations for any project or product used. You must also take any safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project and by following the MSDS warning for every product or paint used in conjunction with the project completion. If you HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR DOUBTS IN REGARD TO ANY ELEMENT OF A PROJECT PLEASE CONSULT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL.