How To Custom Paint A Bike Like A Pro With Some Help From Fatcreations

Painting a bike frame is a fantastic way to upgrade a beloved bicycle, and Manon has always wanted to do it herself. In the past here at GCN we've not always had the best success with DIY painting, so Manon roped in some help from Ali@fatcreationscustompaint for some useful tips, tricks and advice.
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Have you ever repainted a bike frame yourself? How did it go? Would you do it in the future? Let us know in the comments below.
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📹 Jon's Attempt At Painting | gcn.eu/CheapSuper2
Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
You Me (Instrumental Version) - Penny Lane
Tontoronto - DJ Timbero
Those Vibes - Justnormal
Spying Game (Instrumental Version) - Ingrid Witt
Slow Decay (Instrumental Version) - Ingrid Witt
Schwaggel - Justnormal
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Good Look (Instrumental Version) - Lasse Lyx
Ends - vvano
Bluz Tones - Justnormal
Apparitions - Amaranth Cove
A Teenage Dream (Instrumental Version) - Snake City
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
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[@gcntech]

Have you ever repainted a bike frame yourself? How did it go? Would you do it in the future? Let us know in the comments below.

[@RossYoung1986]

I have recently done one using the same brand paint as what you used. Have to say I’m pretty pleased with the results

[@mihalis1010]

Yep. I was 14 and redid my bmx bike with Montana paint which went well. Where it fell apart was me using some random hardware store clear that never hardened up that bike had a gooey clear on it for the rest of its life.

[@jordyd8916]

Any tips on how to remove or handle the large brand stickers that are under a layer of clear coat? Been doubting on repainting my 15y old trek bike, but the lack of experience, materials and b*lls keep me from starting.

[@vtecmossy]

About 10 custom bikes this year 4 where painted all different effects from fades to splatter to American themed next is a blurple blue base/to purple metallic fade top coat with white sworks logos then a break from bikes 🤔😁

[@tomasocenas5795]

Hi Manon, the frame is just fabulous! I plan to paint my dads old bike. Would it be possible to share a link where to buy those paints?

[@andyamos8594]

A top tip for using spray cans is to pop the can into hot water prior to spraying. This should ensure the paint particles are optimized for spray and adhesion.

[@Alex-Defatte]

That is a really good tip!

[@sepg5084]

How does heating the can do that?

[@Alex-Defatte]

@@sepg5084 It reduces viscosity.

[@andyamos8594]

@@sepg5084 It helps to build up pressure, especially in cold weather, and ensures a good even spary and probably better adhesion if the spray surface is cold.

[@jasonwick3257]

Love that tip!🙂

[@Travelakad]

Wow! That color looks great! Would love to see this bike all built up.

[@gr33dyglutton]

I can't tell what colour it is. Purple? Blue? Green? Yellow?.... Yes.

[@snowblow1984]

@@gr33dyglutton It's a chameleon. Ceramic additive to the paint makes the color shift.

[@TheBarreraLifeStyle]

@@snowblow1984 it’s a joke

[@markblanch2905]

@@snowblow1984 Harlequin

[@markblanch2905]

Yep, same. Especially as they didn't light it up well to show us the beauty of the paint colours

[@siener]

What Iearned today: 1. How to spray paint a bike 2. I don't want to spray paint a bike ever

[@madsjensen5737]

ETOE has done some really good tutorials

[@Schradermusic]

@@hendrixinfinity3992 I don't think he wrote that because of the cost...

[@andrewcaine7926]

😄

[@briantruck2284]

😆

[@naikkelas1241]

The painting part is easy. But removing the old paint job maann, that is a hell of a job.

[@turmat01]

for those wondering, the "pre-paint wipe" is most likely Methyl Hydrate. If Manon's bottle contained something else, it's probably something very similar. I used to use Methyl Hydrate to clean parts before painting my motorcycle. The stuff is available in all hardware stores. :)

[@babydzcreationz510]

@turmat01 I was wondering that myself. Because she didn't describe or said anything about it thank you

[@richmadrid9563]

would 90% Isopropyl alcohol do as an alternative to Methanol?

[@solverz4078]

​@@richmadrid9563yes but that's expensive, denatured alcohol/methylated spirits is a cheaper alternative

[@NWDestroy]

​@@richmadrid9563do you know the answer yet?

[@thecyclinggk]

They're brilliant!

[@tomscott6408]

Thought I spotted one of your shirts on the wall in fatcreations! Keep up the great vids!

[@Immortal__]

Oh wow, it's Ben Foster!!!! Legend

[@Swervemendit]

Ben Foster yo

[@jw3638]

So this is why Manon couldn't help the boys beat Si

[@monkeysrightpaw]

It seems like it would be her event. They're probably waiting to introduce her last for a sprint distance like this. Then she can be the one on the tt bike and everyone can try to catch her.

[@Appetite4Rose]

Manon would be best to add as the 5th rider for the 5 vs. 1 challenge due to her (track) sprint background... or even do 4 vs. 1 again, minus Ollie (sorry, but Ollie is more suited to 5-20 minute efforts)

[@shaunmcnally7631]

"Manon, we need you to be on our team to beat Si, are you in?"...…"Sorry boys, I'm watching paint dry."

[@nt2883]

If you move just a touch slower with the spray can it will deal with some of that "orange peel" texture on the surface. The trick is to watch the drops hit the surface. If they flow together (without running) as the spray moves off the area your coverage is spot on. If they remain separated and kinda bumpy you aren't putting quite enough paint down

[@timbradt5765]

I was going to mention the orange peel. Good on you! 🙂 Her comment that clear coat is the trickiest part was dead on. Speed, distance and coverage are crucial and very easy for a beginner to make mistakes. Especially the first coat! It was probably slightly better for her to end up with orange peel than with a bunch of runs.

[@EQINOX187]

That is a very nice paint job for a first time and i really like the shifting colour, I have painted quite a few frames over the years and while i am no pro at it i do have some suggestions to make things a little better, while we seen you sand the primer you also need to gently wet sand every layer of paint you lay down with a very fine grit, as you did that over 3 days it is unlikely that you did this and this lead to the Orange peal finish you can see on the final finish, and while orange peal is always an issue with any paint it can be minimized by sanding each layer , however if it is a quick 3 day job where sanding is not an option then rather than just 3 layers of clear coat use 5 or 6 then once it has dried buff and polish the clear coat to remove the orange peal down to a totally smooth glass like finish. This brings me to the stenciling which is great how it turned but the way you did it leaves a bump or well hole in the paint surface, when i have done stenciling in the past what i like to do is after i have layed down the colour layer and removed the stencil I then sprat just the stenciled areas with the clear coat with the same number of layers i did for the colour, then using rubbing compound or t-cut or very fine wet sand paper to blend it all, when you do this is fills the hole the stencil left, then you do the 5 or 6 coats of clear over that then buff and polish to remove any orange peal.

[@harrystone8847]

peel, not peal

[@TheHadi545]

Wow thanks for the tips!

[@jeroen-surf]

Great tips! THANKS

[@justinh4038]

Hey, if I'm getting my frame blasted, do I need to use a primer? If so, which kind would you recommend? Thanks in advance!

[@TheVTRainMan]

Those are killer tips. Everyone should know how to minimize orange peel. But, that tip about the stencil and lacquer coats was great! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@michaelmechex]

This is the best bike paintjob done by GCN ever. I'm sorry, Jon.

[@angela-onesroman8873]

It's not even close! Job well done👍🏼👍🏼

[@jespernohr]

Looking forward to part 2 - Building the bike up with parts! :D

[@TheAesculap]

Internal Gearing? ^^

[@saturnioowens6546]

please show this!

[@ericstill9102]

Definitely want to see an episode on this as well.

[@voiceofreason9780]

Yes! Looks sick already, but c'mon Manon we need to see it built up.

[@paulwatson-work3544]

Yep, please build up!!!

[@McStoolio]

Looks brilliant, hopefully it doesn’t get nicked. “Yes officer, it’s blue, well actually it green at times with a bit of blue, but sometimes magenta and ....oh forget it “ 😂

[@BlueberryBumblebees]

Seems like you just lack the vocabulary to describe it.

[@jamesalexander7540]

Manon, your Joy is infectious. Have a blessed day and be a blessing to all that you meet.

[@455LT1]

The paint job looks great. Let's see the complete build and the bike in action!

[@tommyphillips8547]

***DEFINITION OF BLINGGGG*** (The Welsh touch definitely improves it!!)

[@nerigarcia7116]

I've been waiting for this one ever since you've talked about it months ago. Great job Manon, it looks awesome.

[@racovert1]

Great paint color. Loved seeing all the steps needed. I plan to repaint an old Trek and this gave me some real inspiration on how to do it.

[@rzeckner]

Given Jon's previous bike painting efforts, I would love to see his reaction to Manon's glorious creation.

[@elliot2871]

Wow, I love that color! You did a great job with the paint selection and application, Im looking forward to seeing what it looks like built up

[@pgrieger]

My favourite yet...love the choice of colour and the relaxed inspiring presentation. Of course...thanks Manon

[@Kzuke]

Great video, Manon! That frame looks amazing! Wow! Great way to bring new life to an old frame.

[@matthewunderwood4305]

Been looking forward to this video! Let’s see Manon’s DIY effort!

[@manji001]

I can so totally agree. That Frame looks DELICIOUS!!! 🤩

[@joetaylor486]

Looks fab, Manon! Good job! I did a cosmetic job on a bare aluminium track frame that came from a bike shop in London. Probably a week of sanding to remove the rough gouges in its surface, then 400 grit satin effect, then clear lacquer. Looks really striking tbh, with a lacquered carbon fork.

[@chrislilley5320]

I can't believe how professional the paint job looks, great job!

[@mcorbett01]

Fabulous job, very inspiring! I can feel a first paint job coming on for my trusty old hybrid bike 😁👍🏻

[@petinka721]

Manon is a handy woman! I hope it continue with montage of components to!

[@allo2u85]

One of the most interesting GCN vids I watched in the last few years! Awesome!

[@ZeroCool-vn9bd]

Those sticker are really cool for masking! I've painted loads of frames, everything from fade's to days of detailed airbrush work. It's all in the prep, and for those wondering when they say 2K is dangerous to breathe in, the hardener is primarily cyanide based. For bikes, I absolutely would not even think of 1K, since it chips so easy unless it is wall art. 2K can be brushed on, but I would not recommend it for something so big and complex, you will probably run out of work time if you are not really good at mixing and willing to compromise some strength.

[@michaelevans797]

Looks fantastic Manon, look forward to seeing the complete bike out in the 🌞

[@theoriginaltylerdurden]

Great job Manon. Nice to see you picked up some new skills during the process.

[@soupistasty5]

I did the exact same thing to my bike 6 or 7 years ago. It was big part of a complete update/ rebuild. It got a super sexy metallic dark forest green to go with it's new set of brakes, shifters and drivetrain (crank/ derailleurs, etc). A total new lease on life for it!

[@DerBlutenPat1348]

Putting your own signature on your bike is quite the flex. Well done. That color absolutely pops

[@norriaty]

Quite the step up from John's paint job on the cheap bike to superbike video!

[@prestachuck2867]

True, but she spent a lot more money on this project.

[@richardking3681]

Whoa- great result! Love Manon’s vids...

[@wiggieben]

What a brilliant video, so many vids on painting your bike but this has to be one of the most straight forward to follow.

[@rhbusby]

Love the color, the dragon and initials are sooo cool. Inspiring!

[@bobferguson1696]

Being totally inept at all DIY projects I'll keep saving up for the, "fatcreations" paint job! But well done on a fantastic job!

[@lg.studio]

Great. Now I wont be able to sleep because I want to custom paint my bike. Thanks. Great content by the way. Very well done.

[@jaydesimone4297]

Manon, that looks amazing! Fantastic job! Maybe you can do a Part 2 on a fully carbon bike to highlight the extra labor needed (no blasting).

[@christoffermartinsen2124]

LOVE the colour(s) of the bike. Wish you do a bikebuild next, so we could see what wheels and stuff you would choose for this great looking frame.

[@jp93309]

Recently completed a repaint using Montana Gold cans. My first attempt was a multi fade with cheetah spots and tiger stripes. Unfortunately the pink and baby blue color scheme reminded me of The Little Mermaid. So resanded/reprimed/repainted to one color (pink) instead. Turned out pretty good. The whole process took me about a month.

[@frankeeeej]

Awesome! Now we need some shots of the bike all built up :D

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

So good! In 1987 I spray painted a skull and crossbones on the roof of my 1970 Ford Torino GT. It was a little windy outside but came out as I expected. Something really cool about a homemade paint project. Well done

[@brianricketts4320]

Great job Manon, your bike looks amazing. Love the color.

[@JonneyReay1968]

Wow thats looks fabulous, superb job Manon 🔥😁

[@leehchris888]

Awesome job. Be great to get a list of tools and parts used in all the prep work

[@billinhouston3291]

Just stunning. The color is so amazing that the surface texture hardly matters. With the 2k epoxy, I hope it's nice and durable. Worth the $80.

[@DanRC69]

What a result. For a first attempt, i think you did an AMAZING job.

[@merckxy54]

Well done Manon, great finish.

[@Cuahutemoc-RJ]

The painting was spectacular, it was like a chameleon that changes color according to the position of the ambient light. Greetings from Niterói, Brazil.

[@tommurphy4307]

thats the beauty of pearlescent metallic paints.

[@jungleplaya786]

Fat Creation is Legendary. I love his work, dedication and creativity. 👌🏽❤️💕

[@garyroberts5478]

Last time i tried that was way back when i attempted to repaint an entire Mk1 Chopper frame... and fork! - with one measly rattle can. Needless to say the result was less than spectacular and it took me forever to mask up all the lettering! Biggest benefit from that escapade was learning how to put that bike back together which has put me in good stead to this day. Lovely paint, Well Done.

[@bugboy152000]

#GCNTech #GCN Thanks Manon! Painting my wife's bike this winter and this is great inspiration.

[@tommurphy4307]

doing a good job = brownie points

[@thelionskiln]

Congrats Manon. It's looks so wonderful :D

[@Thunderontheroad]

Looks amazing and I love her excitement.

[@grahambewick5543]

Love this!!! Two things I like 1 Bikes and 2 paint, especially spraying

[@HR-ws1rj]

Great job Manon! That looks fantastic

[@ferdinandilao5876]

It's a beautiful bike color that you made for your bike frame yourself.

[@markbooth6745]

That looks great Manon. 🔥😃

[@paulchi5059]

That paint job is freaking gorgeous!

[@robbchastain3036]

Truly, Manon, thanks for showing everyone how nice an old frame can become with fresh paint and a durable clear coat. And sure, the best finishes are done by shops such as the one you visited and some bikes are worthy of that, a professional finish and nothing but net for that. But most frames are worth at least a few cans of spray paint and some prep time.

[@yirin906]

The video that I have wanted to watch for a long time

[@osh241]

Looks great, coming from using lot's of aerosols can over the years I can't stress enough the importance of prep and patience when rattle canning something! If I was her I would give it a rub with some wet n dry after it's done to give a silky finish and of course save some watts 🤣

[@davidtam1518]

Yep! Wet sand that clear and give it a good buff! It'll look extra shiny and smooth!

[@FRANK-pp4rn]

​@@SurfandSand808 Yeah, sanding it a bit more would help. Also, from the vid I can tell she was making really fast passes, which cause more orange peel effect.

[@thierrym6168]

Thanks for the advice. What to use for final sanding and polishing, please ?

[@osh241]

@@thierrym6168 Like in the vid prep stage was done well this massively helps with the finish, I always added quite a heavy wet layer of lacquer on the first pass. For small stuff like bike frames it's gonna be a very fine wet sand paper I would start 800-1000 and go up from there and just buff it by hand. Even if you just used a 1500 and take your time to keep it simple then use a mix of cutting paste and polish on a cloth for the final buff. Always came out well for me. Higher the number sandpaper the less it will remove so patience is key! 👌

[@thierrym6168]

Thanks for this precisions, technically perfect and precise.

[@madaxemax]

Absolutely brilliant result! Dead impressed! Great work Manon!

[@ianbarber6463]

Great video and great result Manon.....Just shows how much value Fat Creations add by doing full on custom paint job.....They are best in business in my opinion.

[@bassikproform2391]

Painted a few frames in my time and I’m very impressed with that being your first go at it you killed it 🤘🏼

[@revanslacey]

"Old frame".

[@stephantranquille6681]

Very very well done! What a choice of colour, it is supremely gorgeous but what a finish x

[@shellypalumbo5297]

I agree, beautiful! You are so talented and hardly an amateur.

[@yeff1127]

WOWWWW~~~ ***starts to sandpaper my existing frame and paints them with some existing spray paint in the house** XD

[@jonnyd_vids]

Looks in paint cupboard.... A $6 can of Matt Black and a 4 year old, half empty can of Clear Coat it is then

[@beaterbikechannel2538]

I needed to repaint my beater bike. NATO green, red oxide primer or a delectable shade of 08-C-35 yellow ochre that's used on gas pipes. I went with Nato Green. And of course I meant brush painting!

[@andrewharris3380]

Awesome 👏

[@shaunmcnally7631]

Love the reaction when she laid down the first swath of color.

[@miguelestela6681]

Fantastic work! Love the color choice & minimalist graphics.

[@perfectpint5485]

Great video, going to paint my new build. But this video is also an example of why the UK is having such a hard time with Covid-19 rates and deaths by visiting people in a closed environment without a mask and sharing tools. Watching from Canada and working in the manufacturing industry this video seems like another world!

[@jdwalexander]

So Manon's DIY effort looks professional, if any of the guys did it let's agree it wouldn't have come out so well.

[@jennyzarzuela4155]

Exactly the color scheme I want on my cyclocross bike! Brilliant!!

[@brettneuberger6466]

Spray painting in that nice red jacket shows real confidence. Great job! Love the bike!

[@TradersMBA]

Looks amazing Manon 😍 you did an amazing job, delicious indeed! 😉

[@clawdawg7248]

Stunning, and inspiring. Would love to do something with my C50 frame, currently hanging in the rafters.

[@BrentonChan]

That's a killer paint job! Can't wait to see this bike in an upcoming video.

[@casualguy3938]

Great video but would love to see the bike more. Especially outside in the sun or at least in better lighting.

[@jayswitzer9871]

you're not the only person that notices that they focus on themselves and not the subject.

[@casualguy3938]

@@jayswitzer9871 I appreciate the tutorial and the information on the paints, but that color looks sweet. Too bad we have to go to other sites to see it more fully.

[@krzyryry8382]

Drives race cars. Rides bike on public roads... But painting her bike scares her??? Lol looks like you had absolutely nothing to be afraid of. You did a fantastic job!! Great video

[@tankprohp]

When using spray cans, lighter coats are your key to success, also heat gun is very useful to dry those coats ever so slightly as you go

[@User19667]

This is actually very great for my bike.And i really like to decorate my bike since i first brought it! Very nice toturial!

[@emilpalicpic7878]

I dont know why but if i see Manon on thumbnail. I automatically press the video

[@andrebartels1690]

That frame looks delicious. Regarding that you're a beginner and that you used aerosol cans, it turned out so much nicer than I ever thought it might be possible.

[@kevinthomson6324]

Turned out awesome! Very nice of the pros to give you/us some good tips

[@MrBoggins1234]

The perfect lockdown project, thanks Manon.

[@Turbo329]

You can let the bike cure for a week then get the ‘orange peel’ out with very fine grit wet sand paper. Compound and buff then your shine will look showroom.

[@andyg9991]

Totally agree Turbo. Once that orange peel is gone, that frame is going to look awesome! I actually have the same track bike. Might be time for a change of colour :-)

[@swifty0000007]

I love painting my own bikes and would recommend it. I also do restorations. I would advise using rubber gloves while sanding, cleaning or painting as any grease from your hands will cause a reaction. Did Manon only use one can of colour and one can of clearcoat?

[@weareautumnclothing]

my question too....how many cans of paint and clearcoat were needed?

[@soccerchamp0511]

Your description of it looking "delicious" is right on! Beautiful!!!

[@latitudeash]

Love that colour. It’s blue…it’s green, it’s black and it’s burgundy… wow…. You have a new bike for every shade of day 👍🏼

[@willba4]

to make it look even more fancy, to a wet sand to remove the orange peel of the paint! will make it look super glossy. looks amazing though!

[@desertsurfer3095]

0:51 the cameraman was already inside

[@pranavm.9513]

its for better transitions bud

[@metalheadmalta]

Painted my old Raleigh Chiltern (pre-1980), totally stripped it back to steel which was the hardest bit, then spray painted it matt black over the primer. After a number of coats, I loved the matt-black finish, and left it that color. This paint is on another level altogether though. Beautiful!

[@fajnalowiec]

pretty impressed if you did it for the first time. Congrats. Looks fabulous!

[@freewheels7544]

I will alaways get vietnam war flash backs on mannon griping the bike stand on bare paint from now on , thx gcn

[@c0989]

"Here is my lovely frame" just as the camera pans onto her bottom!

[@beaterbikechannel2538]

I see what you did there! 7:45 very "arty"

[@Kingtrollface259]

Done a few now ,been a painter for 20 years, my current bike is up for a respray ,it's a full suspension, I'm upgrading all the bearings ,changing the pedals ,bars and steering stem . The colour scheme will be gloss/satin/matt black with carbon and red graphics, red stem,pedals,dust caps ,break callipers ,being disk brakes I'm doing the wheels satin black ,should look cool when it's done and has everything on it

[@82frankthetank]

What an incredibly gorgeous paint job. I'd rock that.