Would you let your 8 year old paint your frame?

[dirttorpedo]

So my son expressed interest in spray painting my bike the other day. It was my road bike so I shut that down pretty quick, but I do have a bridgestone MB2 in the loft that I am stripping, repairing and refinishing. I was thinking powdercoat, but it might be fun to rattle can it with him. What do you think - is this a dumb idea?

I'm just planning on using the bike as my winter commuter or building it into a drop bar conversion so its not a big deal if the finish isn't perfect. If its really terrible I can always get it powder coated later.

 

[dyna-ti]

You'll need a good proper respirator that handles vapours
Something like this
http://www.screwfix.com/p/jsp-tradesman ... a1p2/14194

 

[fjpshaw]

I'm sure you would protect him through proper ventilation/face masks etc, in which case there is no better idea than creating a bit of father-son time through a common interest.

If (when) it turns out looking a bit diy, you can carry on with powder coating. Or you might change your mind and want to proudly show off your boy's work!

 

[dirttorpedo]

You'll need a good proper respirator that handles vapours
Something like this
http://www.screwfix.com/p/jsp-tradesman ... a1p2/14194

I have a couple of similar models already for working around the house, but yes, good idea. I'd also do the painting with the doors open to maximize ventilation.

I'm sure you would protect him through proper ventilation/face masks etc, in which case there is no better idea than creating a bit of father-son time through a common interest.

If (when) it turns out looking a bit diy, you can carry on with powder coating. Or you might change your mind and want to proudly show off your boy's work!

That's what I was thinking. A bit of wet dry between coats might help minimize any major issues. Going with a rattle can job might also allow me a bit more breadth of scope on my colour selection. Mettalic orange might be nice.

 

[Ollie]

A great father and son bonding experience. Go for it .

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Yeah, go for it. Thing with reattle can jobs is they can come out looking alright but they take a lot of work.

Lots of light coats to build up the paint,when it's done, give it a sand with 2000 grit wet down with detergent in water. Repeat the process until it's good and then clear coat.

And plus points on the father son dealie, also gets the lad into the tools and understanding how to paint properly, rather then shooting paint at something until it runs.

Grumps

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

Rattle cans can look as good as pro paint. My trek was rattle canned.

Metallics are much harder to get looking good, soild colours are far more forgiving.

use an etch primer, and then a regular primer (better adhesion). Lacquer is needed for metallics, and you can now get decent 2k lacquer in a tin - much tougher than regular lacquer. you'll need a better mask than the above though!

If you're careful, 1 tin of each of the following should do a frame. Etch primer, primer, colour (basecoat), Lacquer. I wouldn't use detergent if you're wet sanding, as it can prevent proper adhesion of the susequent layers, just use lots of water.

Personally;

Stripback everything that needs to go, if the paint is solid and decent, just flat it back with 600 grit.
when it's as good as you can get it (not just good enough), wipe with panel wipe, then tack cloth. Prime, and again with the 600 grit once dry.

when the primer is perfect, hit it with 3 light coats of colour 15 mins apart, then 3 light coats of lacquer. then, do not touch it for 2 weeks

a finish like this is not hard;



And this boot lid was rattle canned too;



Search ebay for 'Nu Agane' they're a paint shop, very decent paint, and the do a bundle of primer, colour of your choice (just find the paint code you want) and 2K lacquer for £15!! proper paint, and a bargain price.

 

[ishaw]

Why not paint it white and let the junior artist go to work, creating you a unique masterpiece and a true one off. Some of my 5 year olds drawings would look awesome on a bike frame, much better than any klein hlf or sponge finish. Lacquer over and enjoy.

 

[dyna-ti]

Why not paint it white and let the junior artist go to work, creating you a unique masterpiece and a true one off. Some of my 5 year olds drawings would look awesome on a bike frame, much better than any klein hlf or sponge finish. Lacquer over and enjoy.

Now thats a smart idea

 

[wtb_rider]

i think thats a great idea, i´d do that right away if my son had a wish like this. he is too young unfortunately.
i´d even give him my liteville 301 to do his art.
maybe it is importatnt to find nice colors. and i think that it would be cool to give him an thin edding to draw ore write on it later when the paint is dry. maybe things he like. there was a klein the other day where there was a similar idea.

go for it, that is uniqe no matter if it is perfect or not.
at least you should give it a shiny clearcoat.
cheers kay