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Step 8Paint a Bike
My cargo bike was rusting pretty badly from alkali Burningman dust on bare metal. My parents decided to paint it. My dad got a can of "forest green" paint that matched the original color and a wire brush. Then they used the same techniques my dad learned on the farm as a boy.
1: Use the wire brush to clean off all the loose dirt and rust.
2: Use masking tape to cover the edges stuff you don't want painted (tires and some chrome)
3: Get some pieces of cardboard handy to hold in front of stuff you don't want to bother masking with tape.
4. Painting motions: Move the can at a constant velocity and don't push the button until the can is moving. Release the button before decellerating at the end of the stroke.
5. Paint with multiple light passes so the paint doesn't get thick enough to run before it's dry.
6. To paint the rims, turn the bike upside down and spin the wheels. Hold the can stationary and paint the whole rim as it spins by.
7. Wear proper safety equipment such as a respirator mask and safety glasses. If you'd rather skip the respirator, wear a "grim reaper" costume like my dad has on.
The bike looks really great now. People are asking me where I got it and what all the features are for. And if they can buy it from me.
1: Use the wire brush to clean off all the loose dirt and rust.
2: Use masking tape to cover the edges stuff you don't want painted (tires and some chrome)
3: Get some pieces of cardboard handy to hold in front of stuff you don't want to bother masking with tape.
4. Painting motions: Move the can at a constant velocity and don't push the button until the can is moving. Release the button before decellerating at the end of the stroke.
5. Paint with multiple light passes so the paint doesn't get thick enough to run before it's dry.
6. To paint the rims, turn the bike upside down and spin the wheels. Hold the can stationary and paint the whole rim as it spins by.
7. Wear proper safety equipment such as a respirator mask and safety glasses. If you'd rather skip the respirator, wear a "grim reaper" costume like my dad has on.
The bike looks really great now. People are asking me where I got it and what all the features are for. And if they can buy it from me.
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Kraken Fan #69