{"id":1815,"date":"2023-08-21T11:13:46","date_gmt":"2023-08-21T15:13:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=1815"},"modified":"2023-08-21T11:13:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T15:13:46","slug":"what-kind-of-paint-do-you-use-on-a-bike-frame","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/what-kind-of-paint-do-you-use-on-a-bike-frame\/","title":{"rendered":"What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On A Bike Frame?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Painting your bike is always a great idea. You not only get to give it a new look, but you also rust-protect it. The only concern is, \u2018what kind of paint do you use on a bike frame?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For starters, you need a primer or undercoat to promote better adhesion of the main coat. You also need the main coat and the topcoat to offer your bike an excellent finish. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know how unnerving it is trying to figure out what paint to use. To help you, I\u2019ll explain why you need all three paint types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, I\u2019ll recommend the best paint for each category to help you get started as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get into it!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Which Paint Is Best For Bike Frame? (Quick Summary)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are the best paints for bike frames:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. PJ1 16-GLS Gloss Black Epoxy Spray Paint<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Best epoxy-based bike paint<\/li>
  2. Krylon 3106 Aerosol Paint<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Best aerosol-based bike paint<\/li>
  3. POR-15 46804 Top Coat Paint<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Best direct-to-metal bike paint<\/li>
  4. Rust-Oleum 7579838 Enamel Spray Paint<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Best enamel-based bike paint<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Bike Paint Types: What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On A Bike Frame?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You generally need a primer, main coat paint, and topcoat paint, as discussed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Paint Primer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Essentially, a paint primer is not an actual paint but only an undercoat. But despite that, it\u2019s an essential part of the painting process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For one, a primer protects your bike frame. Since it\u2019s the first layer on the frame, it protects the bike frame against scratches and adverse weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the long run, a primer improves the life and strength of your bike frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A primer also promotes better adhesion of the main coat. It lays a good foundation for the main coat paint to stick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Without the primer, your main coat could start peeling off, leaving your bike looking distasteful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, you should apply 2-3 thin coats of the primer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you know what a primer does, you should get an option with rust-inhibition properties. Well, that\u2019s what you get from the Rust-Oleum 2004 Zinsser Primer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In addition to rust-inhibition, this paint primer reduces mildew, peeling, and even blistering. So, it promises the best frame protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Even better, it adheres to most bike frames without sanding and allows you to clean its coat easily with soapy water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Main Coat Paint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    After applying the undercoat and allowing it to cure, which should take about 4 hours, the following application is the main coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The main coat is what most people refer to as \u2018the paint\u2019 because it can work alone. Nevertheless, you won\u2019t have the best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ordinarily, a \u00bd pint of the main coat is enough for the entire bike frame, and you should apply about three thin coats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, main coat paints come in different types, as discussed below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Paint To Use On A Bike Frame? Main Coat Paint Types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    a) Epoxy Paint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Epoxy paints, popularly known as floor paint, are a perfect choice for metal surfaces, including bike frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, these paints are known for their colorful shine and durable coats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The paints combine resin and paint hardeners to enable them to adhere firmly to the bike frame. As a result, they form a coat that\u2019s weather-resistant, scratch-resistant, and super strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Note, however, that epoxy paints require a longer cure time than other paint types. While most paints cure within a day, epoxy paint requires up to 3 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One recommendation is the PJ1 16-GLS Gloss Black Epoxy Spray Paint<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This epoxy paint enjoys a porcelain-hard high-gloss finish. Plus, it\u2019s scratch-resistant and rust-proof.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    b) Aerosol Paint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Aerosol paints are known to leave a smoother coat. While most aerosol paints are used for decorative properties, some have rust-inhibition properties that make them ideal for the bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Well, that describes the Krylon 3106 Aerosol Paint<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This aerosol paint comes in a variety of bright colors to give your bike frame a stunning look. Its coat glows under U.V. black lighting for maximum visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While aerosol paints are generally attractive and easy to use, you\u2019ve to apply them cautiously as they contain toxic chemicals. So, ensure you wear a gas mask, safety glasses, and gloves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    c) Carbon Touch-Up Paint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    You can use carbon touch-up paint if you have a carbon, aluminum, titanium, or steel frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ideally, these paints are for covering minor dents on the bike frame. So, they aren\u2019t the best for repainting the entire bike frame but only for fixing chips and scratches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One fantastic thing about these paints is that they seal off the areas where you apply them. One such paint is the ACDelco GM 19367787 Carbon Touch-Up Paint<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The paint comes with a 4-in-1 applicator that allows you to seal minor and larger dents. You can count on this for a professional bike frame painting retouch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    d) Enamel Paint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Enamel paints are resin paints that are also known to adhere firmly to metal. The resin element enhances adhesion between the paint coat and the metal frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, it improves the paint\u2019s luster to give your bike frame a fresh satin finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, enamel dries much faster, unlike epoxy paints. Their only caveat is that they are toxic and so you should wear a gas mask, safety glasses, and gloves when working. Plus, only work in a well-ventilated area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One perfect consideration is the Rust-Oleum 7579838 Enamel Spray Paint<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This enamel paint has rust-inhibition properties and a glossy, tough finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    e) Direct-to-Metal Paint<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Direct-to-metal (DTM) paints are designed to be used without the primer. So, if you want to save on cost, get DTM paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One choice with fantastic qualities is the POR-15 46804 Top Coat Paint<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This DTM paint is a primer, main coat, and topcoat combo, and that\u2019s not all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It enjoys a glossy finish and comes in a wide range of finishes. Also, it comes with rust-inhibition properties to protect your bike frame against rust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What\u2019s more, POR-15 46804 forms a U.V resistant coat to protect your bike frame from the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    3. Top Coat Paint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    After you apply the main coat and it cures for about 4 hours, the next and last application is the topcoat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Like the main coat, you need to apply three thin topcoats. It\u2019s essential, however, that each application dries before the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, the topcoat is applied to the main paint coat to seal and protect it against harsh weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In most cases, the topcoat is transparent or somehow translucent, thus the name clear coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One great top coat to try out is the KBS Coatings 8404 Diamond Finish Clear Coat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This topcoat works by the direct-to-metal mechanism, meaning you don\u2019t need to use a primer before it. But still, it allows you to apply it over other coats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, it guarantees corrosion inhibition and a high-gloss finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    N.B. \u2013 The Application Method Dictate What Kind Of Paint To Use On A Bicycle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Before you can buy bike paint, consider first how you\u2019ll apply it. In that case, consider these two methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Spraying <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can virtually spray any paint. While it\u2019s possible to use an airbrush gun, it is usually costly. So, I recommend the spray paint (spray can) method even though it can be wasteful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Overall, the spray can method is excellent when on a budget. With just $15-$30, you can get spray paint and use it to repaint your bike frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An option like the Krylon K02797007 Fusion Spray Paint<\/strong> cost under $20 but serves as a primer, main coat, and finish. So, you don\u2019t need to get any other paint after getting this paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


    2. Brushing <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The most suitable paints for brushing are high-volatile types like enamel paints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you brush epoxy paint, you may end up with an ugly finish as the paint tends to drip due to its slow-drying property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bike Frame Painting FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1. And What Kind Of Paint Should I Use On A Bike Frame?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Here are the most standard paint types you can use on a bike frame:<\/p>\n\n\n\n