There's been a number of threads in the last few months about this topic, so I'll do a quickie reply. Check out the search function if you haven't already.
- I wouldn't completely strip the paint, it's a lot of work and can be difficult to get good adherance of the new paint compared to a factory primer. Just sand well so new paint adheres well.
If you're gung ho about stripping it, get some 'aircraft stripper' or similar stuff from your local automotive shop or big box home improvement store. You'll need eye protection, good gloves, etc... it's pretty toxic stuff.
- not sure about getting new stickers, I'd go stealthy w/o stickers!
it's tough to get a rattle can job looking as good as a factory paint job. I checked with a local powder coater and they said it would be ~$50 to have them do a frame while they were painting something else in a color of whatever they were doing at the time...
QUOTE=Cabin Fever]first i have to admit that it is a road bike, a mid-'80's Schwinn Super Sport. anyway, i want to convert it to a fixed gear, but since i don't have the money for that just yet, i figured i'd try to strip off the hideous pink/white paint. it's a very nice steel frame - Columbus tubing!
anyway, i know this is a rather open ended question, but how do i go about stripping the paint off safely, without doing any damage to the frame? is there a good place to go on the webt that could take me through the steps? the cheapest, and easiest way for me to repaint it will be spray paint.
secondly, i wish i could somehow save the decals and words on the frame, but i doubt that it is possible. does anyone know of a place to get replica stickers/decals for Schwinns?
the bike was given to me, and i have little money in it. the repainting idea is partlyfor fun, partly because i'm curious, and partly because the frame is a terrible color. so i don't need to have it super professionally done, i'd just like to do it myself with minimal cost to me.
Can anyone offer any insight?[/QUOTE]
- I wouldn't completely strip the paint, it's a lot of work and can be difficult to get good adherance of the new paint compared to a factory primer. Just sand well so new paint adheres well.
If you're gung ho about stripping it, get some 'aircraft stripper' or similar stuff from your local automotive shop or big box home improvement store. You'll need eye protection, good gloves, etc... it's pretty toxic stuff.
- not sure about getting new stickers, I'd go stealthy w/o stickers!
it's tough to get a rattle can job looking as good as a factory paint job. I checked with a local powder coater and they said it would be ~$50 to have them do a frame while they were painting something else in a color of whatever they were doing at the time...
QUOTE=Cabin Fever]first i have to admit that it is a road bike, a mid-'80's Schwinn Super Sport. anyway, i want to convert it to a fixed gear, but since i don't have the money for that just yet, i figured i'd try to strip off the hideous pink/white paint. it's a very nice steel frame - Columbus tubing!
anyway, i know this is a rather open ended question, but how do i go about stripping the paint off safely, without doing any damage to the frame? is there a good place to go on the webt that could take me through the steps? the cheapest, and easiest way for me to repaint it will be spray paint.
secondly, i wish i could somehow save the decals and words on the frame, but i doubt that it is possible. does anyone know of a place to get replica stickers/decals for Schwinns?
the bike was given to me, and i have little money in it. the repainting idea is partlyfor fun, partly because i'm curious, and partly because the frame is a terrible color. so i don't need to have it super professionally done, i'd just like to do it myself with minimal cost to me.
Can anyone offer any insight?[/QUOTE]
