Painting a bike - how to do it right

Fotos: Adrien Coquet, Flickr, Unsplash, The Cycleverse

In this step-by-step guide, you'll learn exactly how to paint your bike, what you need to do it and what to look out for.

Your old bike is getting on in years and has already seen its best days? already behind you? Basically, however, the bike still rides still very good and it would be a pity to dispose of it after all the trips and trips and experiences together? Have you ever thought about to paint your old bike and give it a new lease of life? breathe new life into it?

Why should I paint my bike?

Painting the bike frame first of all brings a great visual effect. visual effect. It doesn't matter if you use the same color that the bike had bike has had so far or you decide to paint it in bright colors or a colours or a chic, subtle shade of blue or grey: The new new color will make you want to use your old bike for rides again. for rides again.

In addition, painting yourself also strengthens your self-confidence. self-confidence, because now you know that you do not need a professional or expert, but just a little patience, skill and imagination. imagination.

The most important effect is however that with the bicycle lacquering the wheel is protected by the new layers of paint and therefore also again a higher impact, abrasion and scratch resistance. So you can you can cruise around for the next few years without having to fear to have to have that the wheel rusts there.

Looking for a new bike?
Compare thousands of bikes and their equipment specifications, geometries and components with this powerful side-by-side side-by-side comparison.

Start bike comparison

What do you need to paint your bike?

If you want to paint your bike, you will need a few tools and materials. some tools and materials and a suitable room.

The following basic equipment is required:

Work gloves, so you don't get your hands burned.

or any other clothes that you won't be needing.. . you won't need.

cover sheeting to protect the room in which the work is carried out.

A respirator with filter to protect your airways. your respiratory system.

Tool with which the frame can be freed from the rest of the wheel. from the rest of the wheel (Allen wrench set. Socket wrench set, screwdriver, combination pliers).

A bucket for the grinding water.

You will need the following materials to paint your bike:

Primer (about 500 milliliters)

Spray paint (about 1,000 milliliters)

Clear lacquer (about 500 milliliters)

Acetone (to get the frame free of grease)

Sandpaper (coarse 600 and fine 1.200 paper)

Where should you paint your frame?

The room should have the following properties if you want to paint the bike frame in it paint the bicycle frame:

The temperature should be around 18° Celsius (3 to 4 degrees up or down is also still ok)

The room should be dry and free of dust, so that no dust particles dust particles get onto the still damp paint.

The place should be well ventilated, but no draught should be however, no draught should be present, since the varnish could be could smudge.

How much does it cost to paint a bike?

The prices for the individual parts vary depending on the quality. Here you will find a table with approximate values, so that you know with which amount you should calculate, if you want to paint your bike. paint your bike:

If you do not have any of the required materials at home or if you can borrow them from someone you can expect to pay around 167 euros to paint your bike. to paint your bike.

You will find suitable tools and care products here at the best price:

Tools & Care Products

Painting a bike: Step by step guide.

Step 1: Disassemble parts and components.

Abbildung zeigt einen Fahrradrahmen von dem alle Komponenten und Teile abmontiert wurden.

In the first step you must first remove all parts from the frame. Depending on the type of bike different tools are required. It is advisable not to dismantle each part each part individually, but to consider beforehand whether a whole a whole group of parts, such as the handlebars with gear lever and brakes, can be removed and brakes can be removed at once. So that you can find everything again you can pack the parts in bags and label them accordingly. label them accordingly.

Step 2 Clean the frame.

Now that the frame is available as a single part, you should clean it first of all clean it thoroughly.

Step 3: Grind the frame to a bright finish.

Now the grinding work can begin. This is the most tedious part of the process. Fill a bucket with warm water. warm water. First dip the coarse 600-grit paper into the bucket to moisten the paper... to moisten the paper and then start sanding the frame to remove the old paint. to remove the old paint. After you're done with that, make a second pass a second pass with the finer 1200-grit paper until the frame is truly is really polished.

Step 4 Dust and degrease.

Make sure that the frame is completely free of dust and additionally degrease it additionally with some acetone.

Step 5 Apply primer.

Now you can start priming the frame. Put the frame on a foil and cover everything that should not get any paint. should get. You can paint either with spray paint or with a spray gun. spray gun. If it's a one-time project, it's more economical to use spray cans. it's more economical to use spray cans. But of course the spray gun is much more professional and cleaner.

For the primer, you just need to apply one coat to the frame... on the frame. Pay attention to the distance the manufacturer specifies for the the manufacturer specifies for spraying and shake the can really thoroughly thoroughly before use. Also make sure to shake the can every now and then during the spraying process. shake the can from time to time during the spraying process. Before you start with the bike frame: Test the can on another surface first surface to get a feel for the painting process. get a feel for the painting process.

Pro tip: Make sure that the primer and the paint primer and the varnish are from the same manufacturer, so you avoid problems during the application and the result will be better in the end. Also follow the manufacturer's instructions on drying times and when to overcoat. when you can recoat. These are important for a good result.

Step 6. paint the frame.

After the primer has dried, you can now apply the actual coat of paint. varnish layer. Here you should apply at least two two layers.

Abbildung zeigt die 3 Stufen des Rahmen lackierens. Ganz links sieht man einen abgeschliffenen fahrradrahmen, in der Mitte sieht man den gleichen Rahmen grundiert und ganz recgts ist der fertig lackierte Fahrradrahmen.
The 3 phases of painting: sanding, priming and painting.

Step 7 Apply clear coat spray as a finish.

After a little drying time now comes the clear lacquer spray to the which provides the seal and makes the bike shock- and scratch-resistant. scratch resistant. Here, one coat is usually sufficient.

Step 8 Assemble the bike.

After you have finished painting the bike and the varnish has dried well you can now reassemble the bike. To do this simply assemble everything in reverse order to how you took it off at the beginning. dismantled at the beginning.

Pimp your Bike. To complete the new look, you can also add new saddle, handlebars, components or new grips. new grips.

Here you will find a wide range of components and accessories:

Components & Parts