How to strip yer bicycle for a raw finish.

The first thing yer going to need to do is have a bike that you want to try this project with.  Make sure a raw finish is what your after, because it's a lot easier to remove paint than it is to apply it!

I started with a Columbus Steel Cinelli Gazzetta track frame.  It had a pink over white paint job with decals on the outer most layer of paint.

I got all my supplies at Lowes for under $20.

I did not cleacoat the frame, but plan to have in powdercoated with a clear finish.  In Albuquerque we don't get alot of moisture.  If you can see the Potato Patch you probably ought to treat your frame right away with some kind of sealant.  Steel is real, real rusty if you don't seal it right.

Step 1 Materials

I bought all of this, and didnt need most of it.

This was the important stuff
Paint Stripper
Mineral Spirits
Paint Brushes
Razor
3M stripping pads, 2x coars, 2x fine
Chemical resistant gloves.

Not pictured were q-tips.  Very usefull around the headset and brake arch.

Paint stripper will burn yer skin.  Unless you really like Fight Club, wear the gloves.

Comments

[Malhecho]

im going to use this on my beach cruiser i found. the original paint is lousy looking anyways.

[schkip1973]

nice D&D quote! respect :)

[zazenergy]

nice job and excellent documentation!