Refurbished Bicycle

I found a bicycle in an old barn. The owner asked if I could dispose it for him. Brakes and gears were still working, more or less. It just looked very much out of shape. So the goal was to make it look so nice, that people would ask if they can have it and not dispose it.

This instruction is not aiming to show how to mechanically fix a bike. It's the painting that makes the bicycle look really neat and where I show how it's done.

What you will need depends on the output you want to achieve:

• Tools for bicycle disassemble
• Sanding paper
• Isopropyl Alcohol (or similar to clean up before painting)
• WD40 and/or disc brake cleaner
• Spray paint (preferably powder coating spray)
• I used spray paint from "https://spraybike.us/"
• Wet spray paint will also do
• Spray paint primer (optional)
• Protection gloves
• Breathing mask (you should have plenty of those)

• Take lots of pictures before disassembling the bicycle.
• It's an easy step you may forget when you are excited to start.
• If you are not an expert, it will make the reassembly much easier.

• Take the bicycle apart.
• If you are a beginner you may need to view some other instructions on how to loosen all parts.
• Use plenty of WD40 to get rusty screws moving.
• Don't buy all the tools you need, borrow them in the neighborhood

The result of the painting will depend mostly on the preparation.

• Hang up the frame, fork and other parts
• Behind the parts should be tarp or similar
• Tape all parts the shall not be painted (e.g. bearings)
• Sand the frame with fine grid 120/180
• Old stickers can be removed with a heat gun and scraper
• swipe off the dust and clean up with Isopropyl Alcohol (or similar)
• Pay also attention to the instructions of the paint manufacturer you choose!

Let's go - with gloves and mask!

• A primer is not always required - a budget solution can work without it. It fills scratches and increases durability of the paint
• Start with the spray paint primer.
• Keep the distance your paint supplier recommends.
• Let dry sufficiently.

• Paint with your favorite color.
• One can of spray.bike paint will be sufficient for frame and fork once, but not for mudguards and luggage rack
• I used 2 cans and painted the frame and fork twice, which helps to make sure all areas are covered.
• Let dry - but before the frame is completely dry you can polish it with a tissue (to strengthen the layer of paint) - applies to powder spray!

• Before reassembling the bicycle, clean up all small parts using a brush and WD40 or Brake Disc cleaner
• Now the pictures from step 1 come to handy
• Take your time. It's a little tricky for beginners.
• Before celebrating your success - make sure the breaks and gears are adjusted and work well.

I planed to sell the bicycle. But I kept it and enjoy riding through the neighborhood on a sunny day.

Looking forward to see your project!