I`m thinking about paint for the frame and bits , black. what paints have you guys used ?any suggestions !
For most purposes, it's best and easiest to get the frame and non-tinware powder coated. I've recently had to spray paint the frame and other bits of a bike I am restoring because my powder coater was not available but it was a lot of hard work in preparation and the finish achieved was nowhere near as durable.
Some of it is a matter of opinion. Powder coating is amazing but it does tend to give a bit of a plastic look.
Spray painting has a more natural look.
Back in the 70's when we used to refurb our bikes we used brushing cellulose. I doubt if it can be bought now but it be brushed on easily and flowed as it dried to disperse any brush marks.
I think you can get something like that for coach painting, although it's probably different. Stuff like that is so controlled over here.
When I tidied my C15 up recently I used Rustoleum brushed on. It's pretty decent and I prefer it to smooth Hammerite. The finish can be good, but mine isn't.
Long discussion on DIY bicycle frame painting paint here....however I presume powder coating in this instance sensible and not too expensive to get done.
https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=137792&hilit=Tractor+paint&start=75
I'm a bit surprised we don't often hear of frames rusting through. What wall thickness are they, I wonder? About 10swg?
Sorry, I'm digressing from the original subject here, which is paint.
Phil
hi , thanks for the reply, having stripped it down all the parts off the frame and about to fit the swinging arm 60 thou spacer the the last owner didnt ,I have decided to get it powder coated with all the other bits .
You can get various types of finish with powder coating. It doesn't have to look "plasticky".
Have a word with a couple of firms and ask them. You can get a Matt finish all the way through to a high gloss!