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Painting Aluminum Bicycle Frame

I have an aluminum frame bicycle that I would like to paint a different color. Although I think there is a protective coat over the original paint job and I am not sure the paint will stick to it, or ruin the bikes look. What should I do to prepare the bike for painting and what kind of paint should I use?

I hope I can get some help.

Sean Kloczkowski
- Cumberland, Rhode Island, USA
2001

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The question is; what did you finally do about the old paint. Did you use a solvent or did you sand it?

Thanks,

Robert Allen
- Boulder, Colorado
2002

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2002

See this link: www.mindspring.com/~d.g1/paint.htm [Ed. note: that link is now broken]

Rony Deangelis
- Wakefield, Rhode Island

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Hi, Robert. Waxes, oil, and general dirt will wreck paint adhesion, but I don't think a clear coat will. Maybe try wiping with acetone ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! , then washing with detergent, then a quick light sanding of whatever is easily accessible. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 23, 2008