Painting your bike

How to paint your bike frame with Spray.Bike

You can repaint or customise a bike frame yourself with Spray.Bike, a range of spray paints developed specifically for bicycles. The method is simple: clean and degrease the frame, protect the parts you do not want to paint, shake the can well, apply thin coats at the distance shown on the can, let each coat dry, then finish with a clear varnish if you want a satin, gloss or matt protective finish.

Spray.Bike works for a clean single colour as well as for creative finishes with stencils, masking tape, fades and layered effects. Browse the full range in our Spray.Bike collection.

The Spray.Bike colour collections

• BLB London collection: matt colours selected with the English brand BLB and inspired by the streets of London.
• Fluo collection: bright fluorescent colours for a bold, highly visible look.
• Vintage collection: a tribute to colours used by classic bicycle makers.
• Historic collection: colours inspired by the early days of cycling.
• Pop collection: a nod to the colours of British bicycles in the 1980s.
• Nightshade collection and Cobweb Splatter collection: two further Spray.Bike collections. See each product page for the available colours and details.
• Keirin collection: another Spray.Bike collection. See the product page for the available colours and application details.
• Frame Builder's Metal Plating: part of the Spray.Bike Frame Builder's range. See the product page for details.
• Pocket collection: smaller 200 mL cans for detail work such as lines, lettering, stencils and touch-ups. The range includes Solid colours and semi-transparent Clear colours for fades and glazes.
• Spray.Bike SportPens: paint pens for fine details and touch-ups.

Primers, putty and finishing products

They are not always essential, but they help you achieve a smoother, more durable result.

Before painting

• Spray.Bike smoothing putty: fills small scratches and chips before painting.
• Spray.Bike Metal Primer: for metal frames such as aluminium, steel or titanium.
• Spray.Bike Cold-Zinc Primer: for steel frames with signs of corrosion.
• Spray.Bike Carbon Primer: for carbon frames.

After painting

• Spray.Bike clear varnish, satin and gloss: protects the paint and adds shine. More coats give a glossier finish.
• Spray.Bike clear varnish, matt: protects the paint while keeping a matt look.
• Spray.Bike Top Wax: a protective wax for the finished paint.

Step by step: painting your frame

Always follow the instructions printed on each can, in particular the spraying distance, drying times and the number of coats. They differ from one product to another.

1. Prepare the frame

• Remove the parts you do not want to paint, or mask them carefully with tape.
• Clean the frame thoroughly. The surface must be clean, dry and free of grease. Let any cleaning product evaporate completely before painting.
• On a glossy finish, a light sanding with very fine sandpaper helps the paint adhere.
• Fill scratches or rust spots with smoothing putty, and use the primer suited to your frame material if needed.

2. Work safely

• Spray outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
• Wear gloves, a mask suitable for spray paint and safety glasses, and protect the surroundings.

3. Apply the paint

1. Shake the can thoroughly before use, as indicated on the can.
2. Do a short test spray on a piece of cardboard to check the spray pattern.
3. Hold the can upright and keep it moving, at the distance shown on the can. Spraying too close can cause runs, spraying too far can leave a grainy finish because the paint dries before it reaches the frame.
4. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat, and respect the drying time between coats given on the can.
5. Finish with a clear varnish if you want extra protection or a different sheen.
6. Let the paint cure fully, as recommended by Spray.Bike, before handling the frame and refitting the parts.

Mix colours, stencils, tape and Pocket products to create a one-of-a-kind frame.

Troubleshooting

• Grainy or powdery areas: the paint arrived already dry because the can was held too far away. Let the paint dry completely, then rub gently with a soft cloth to smooth the surface.
• Paint in the wrong place or too much product: let the paint dry completely, then sand gently with very fine sandpaper. Do not use nail polish remover or solvent, as they damage the paint.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to strip the old paint first?

Usually not. Spray.Bike is designed to be applied over a clean, dry, grease-free surface. A light sanding of glossy finishes and the right primer for bare metal or carbon help the paint adhere.

How many cans do I need?

It depends on the frame size, the colour and the number of coats. Check the coverage indicated by Spray.Bike, and plan an extra can if you want several coats or are working with a light colour over a dark base.

Is varnish necessary?

No. Varnish is optional: it adds protection and lets you choose a matt, satin or gloss finish.

What are the 200 mL Pocket cans for?

They are ideal for details such as lines, logos, stencils and touch-ups, or for adding a second colour without buying a full size can.

Can you help me choose colours?

Yes. Our team at L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel is happy to advise you on colours, preparation and finishes.