Painting a Bicycle
 

Have any of you ever painted a bicycle frame?
My son needs a new bike (he's too big for his current one) but they are RIDICULOUSLY expensive. I'm thinking of buying a used bike cheap and repainting it. I've been reading some threads on bike forums, but none really give any great advice. Tell me what you think of "the plan":

-Find a cheap bike without too much rust and working parts.
-Rough the frame up with some sandpaper
-Prime it with a black primer (spray)
-Cover it with 2 coats of a black glossy spray
-Cover that with a coat of clearcoat for protection

My son is 8, soon to be 9, and I know he's going to knock this thing around. I don't expect it to be unscratched/dinged whatever. Do you think this will hold up pretty well to a normal 8-9 year old's riding habits?

Any advice is appreciated...

Good start but I would search for a decent bike first. Not sure what your budget is but in the fall most bike shops sell off everything for the new bikes in the spring.

Also try some pawn shops and call the local police to see if they have any.

I would do a good amount of sanding, prime, atleast two coats, and then clear over that. I would use a good spray paint if you go that route. $5+ can.

what do you consider Rediculously expensive?

if you do it ur way, pull the chain, wheels, handlebars off so you dont get overspray on everything.

I painted my bike when I was 13 (35+ now) but I do remember that you ought to take everything off. And dont forget to tape off the bearing housings in the crank(where the pedals go through)

yup, I wouldnt mess with pulling the pedal assy out tho, its a pain to get back in and sealed right. just wrap a ziploc bag around it and tape it.

Ridiculously expensive = $200+ for a BMX style bike.
I can buy a used one for $50 and spend a few bucks fixing it up and still come in under half the cost of a new one.

I'll definitely be pulling everything off and/or sealing areas that won't be painted.

Check out Ebay.
You can always find stuff there, i just did a quick search and you can get a decent bike, like a mongoose for $50ish and about $30 in shipping. Your still under half the costs of a new one.

http://sporting-goods.search.ebay.co...4QQsacatZ98082

I wouldn't waste your time painting a bike... kids want chrome anyway :)

That's hilarious. Chrome is cooler.