Frame treatments, degreasing, undercoating et al

[Tnega]

K. Got an old Raleigh Dyna.
Cro-mo tubes in alu brackets, needs painting.
Anyone any pointers as to :
Strip method?
Preparation?
Undercoat type considering metal mix?
Specific paint type for lasting and luscious looks?
Varnish/lacquer/plastic or whatever top coat?

Any and all input gratefully recieved in advance. (winter project).
Regards,
Dave C (Tne)

 

[jimihendrix]

General consensus (sp ?) on here seems to be that powdercoating is the most economical option, most firms will blast the frame clean and coat it for a reasonable price, by the time you buy paint stripper, paint etc you wont be far off the cost of getting it powdercoated.

Having said that it's very satisfying stripping and painting a frame yourself, if you are doing it yourself, if the tubes are bonded if you use Nitromorse or any chemical stripper you'll need to be carefull as this will attack the bonding, use it in small amounts and keep away from the joints, then you can finish it off with a wire wheel in a drill or sandpaper etc, finish off with 600 or 400 grit wet and dry then degrease with thinners before painting, if you are painting the whole frame an etching primer will suit the alloy and steel or what about painting the steel tubes and polishing the alloy lugs ?, Halfords rattle can paint and laquer will go on top of the etching primer.

 

[Russell]

You've had it 18yrs and it sounds like you intend keeping it for another 18 so do it a favour and get it professionally done. Might cost you £100-£150 but thats not alot when you consider how long you've had/will have the bike