Painting metal?
 

Kind of off topic I guess

But what color do you guys think is easier to paint? Flat black, or gloss? I like flat black, and it seems like it would be a little easier to paint consistent?

Im going to paint my bike frame black, I looked into PC, but for a 100 bucks, im a 4th of the way to a new frame.

I know Linc paints cars and stuff. So what do you recommend And what other little things should I buy? Different sand papers, clear coat, etc

Thanks!:mdr:

flat would def be easier. gloss black shows every imperfection. prepping the frame (i.e. sanding, cleaning, tack clothing) will be the key to having a lasting paint job. A degreaser will probably also be necessary. I'm sure you know about taking your time and masking all bearing races well, even if you have sealed bearings in your crank a little paint may cause fitment issues.

Linc can definitely give more and better suggestions.

+1 to paralyzed. I have always done this: prep, primer, sand, primer, sand, paint, sand, paint, wet sand(super fine), paint, wet sand(super fine), clear enamel. I painted a toolbox that sat on the bed of a pickup truck in 2000, and just repainted it this year. note, this was a box that got the crap beat out of it, and was outside the entire time. no garage for it. and it was all spraypaint too. the clearcoat is a must IMO, but it is a little tricky to apply.

no clearcoat on flat paints = easier

cool! didnt know that, Ive always used gloss and metallic

Are you using a rattle can or spray gun?

Comprimise between gloss and flat black and get a satin black, it will have a slight sheen to it but not be super shiny. Most automotive trim pieces that are black are satin black, ie wiper arms, brackets, etc.

So what sand paper to start, and get it done? My frame right now is PC'd, so from what I hear, I just want to scuff it all up, prime it, and paint it.

I want to do flat black, and keep it flat black. With no clear coat, do you guys think it will last? Or is the clear completely essential to it lasting? I just want it to last probably a year or so till I get a new frame. But for now, I wanna paint it upppp:mdr:

flat paints don't receive a clearcoat, the clear would make it glossy and defeat the purpose of a flat paint. that is why your prep is so important so that flat paint holds. done properly it should be a lasting paint job. I'm sorry, I can't give you specifics on sandpaper grit and what not. i'm just sharing what i learned on the farm

Flat black spray bomb tends to attract dirt and be a bit difficult to clean...

I prefer semi gloss, that is what I spray on the various car trim pieces...

Best to wet sand with 600 grit paper, get some prepsol or alcohol and wipe it off afterward. A tack cloth (basically a sticky cloth that removes dust without leaving marks) is a good thing to do before you paint. Try to paint out of the wind, and out of direct sunlight.

Good idea to clean the whole thing off first with some powdered ajax or comet cleaner and a red scotchbrite pad. That will clean the grease off, so you do not sand it into the PC with the 600 grit.

Excellent recomendations +1 on everything mentioned by Mr. Linc.

Paper towel and cloth Rag lint will show up big time on flat black becuase it dries so fast it'll have slight texture. The semi-gloss will lay down flatter and will allowing cleaning.
If you use a spray bomb purchase a well know brand for maximum durability and spray the first 2 coats on lightly untill coverage in maintained then next 1-2 coats a lil' heavier.

This might be a little over the top ?;
A catalyst activated automotive paint (In ureathane or acrylic enamel) will yield the best looking and longest lasting finished product for sure. It'll be basically Gloss Black with a "Flatning agent" added. You can get a Qt of paint made,hardner,reducer for about 30-40 bucks(maybe cheaper) if you get a economical brand such Omni,Kirker at the automotive paint supply store.
FYI, you'll need a compressor and spray gun also.

Well I pretty much lucked out. Ends up my buddies friends dad has a paint booth in his garage lol. And the kid bikes also. So us 3 are going to get our bikes all painted up. Sweet!

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Much appreciated