How to Paint a Bicycle Frame with Spray Paint

Check out my bicycle framebuilding podcast, Shut Up and Build Bikes: cobraframebuild...
Time to paint my mountain bike frame-with spray paint. I'm calling the theme "Midnight Snake." It's black with salmon and turquoise accents. Watch as I paint the bicycle and then apply a Cobra Frames head badge, too.
I got the paint from Spray.Bike. I'm a big fan of Squid Bikes (www.squidbikes..., and they do all of their wacky paint jobs with Spray.Bike spray paint. So I reached out, and Spray.Bike sent me a few rattle cans for this video. So they're officially the video sponsors; check 'em out: spraybike.us/
Here is the playlist of the whole Hardtail Mountain Bike Frame Build-I'll keep adding to it as we go: • Building a Hardtail MT...
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SHOP MY TOOLS: If you're looking for bicycle framebuilding tools: cobraframebuild....
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[@69sound81]

I just found your channel and I really loved this hardtail mtb series. I'm getting back into bikes after 15 or 17 years. I started racing XC on my last 2 years of elementary, then left it as a fun way to transport myself and have fun on the weekends. About 6 months back i got into refurbishing my old bike. I took it from old and cheap to still old but very capable bike (about entry level to XC to mid tier bike). Now I have ended my process and I need more, I started to get parts to build a new bike (not actually building the frame though). I went for a modern hardtail with bigger fork and big 29" wheels for this new build. I hope I get the courage to try building a steel frame for a gravel/CX bike and then... well, time will tell what will happen then. It is an inspitation for me to see all this, great work

[@dannyr333]

I splattered my clock we made in shol class in 8th grade and I splattered a few of my skateboard... bro this paint job is super awesome... Its priceless to be where you are and making the design yourself this bike color I like 100!!! Dude keep up man Happy 4rth!

[@aocz124]

💯

[@brasstinmancrazy]

you can use a bonding agents that builders use to stick what you'd call dry sheet to walls. once that stuff bonds two things together it ain't coming part and you'll get it flush fitting with the tube. love the paint job, it came out super nice

[@benjaminn8139]

I love the look of those old head badges with the miniature pop rivets on each side, not as practical as epoxy but looks realy good

[@FarmerFpv]

Having the right temperature in the room and warming up the rattle can in hot water helps it flow and lays on smoother. But to have that perfect rattle can paint job nothing beats lots of coats, wet sand and polish. It's not hard to do you just need to be gentle when wet sanding making sure the bike has a nice thick coat all the way around with very very fine wet/dry paper then use mothers polish it will look almost like a paint job sprayed with 2 part in a gun. Or you can buy Napa Auto 2 part rattle can paint which is expensive.

[@randolphpatterson5061]

As regards the pebble coat from the overspray, my own best guess would be to build up a few good coats, and then sand it all down starting with maybe 400 grit, then 600, then 1000 and even perhaps 1500 grit. Then some Meguiar's medium cut cleaner & then swirl remover, and it'll melt eyeballs. Yes, that's a ton of hand work, but it's up to each individual to decide what they want out of the work they put in. BTW, some people will prefer a clear coat instead of rubbing out the color coats. That works, too, and if you have any decals or paint decoration to add, the clear coat will help to get a smooth final finish over decals. I'm here because I'm restoring an old Fuji Sundance, and have a bare frame & fork next to me as I type. You have all the right things going for you, and you have a good attitude, too. Looks like fun! I liked & subscribed.

[@cobraframebuilding]

That sounds like a good method!

[@bipolarbandit6660]

RAD, I am stoked to try this on an older frame. Weeks of looking for the right set-up and now I have it. Thanks for your great idea 👍

[@brandonposer3026]

I've done a few bikes with Spray Bike and you can use parchment paper to rub down the paint. It will help to smooth things out. They recommended that to me. You have to be careful sanding that stuff because it has a tendency to "gum up" a bit from sanding. The real trick is getting close enough to the frame without hitting it with the can or your hand or arm or something so that it doesn't end up rough in the first place. Came out great though!

[@Willy-the-Fire-Putter-Outter]

Great video! I like the pattern you ended up with on the bike! One suggestion in regards to securing the badge to the headset. Instead of double sided tape, I would suggest using 2 resin epoxy. Just score up the bike a tiny bit directly under where the badge would go and score the underside of the badge. Be sure to keep them pressed together as they're drying with some clamps or string and it should be a solid connection with nearly no projection from the frame. Just be sure to wipe up any excess epoxy before it dries up!

[@chrisprice5806]

they make a clear topcoat i would imagine. ive thought about painting this new frame arriving in a couple weeks with a heavy glow in the dark paint with lots of of that dry glow in the dark pigment, and then a hard clear coat

[@faridstein3485]

Hey, just got here from god knows where. I like what you do and your videos are great. I'm sure you'll get popular soon, even in other circles than the framebuilding-world!

[@petergriffiths799]

Thanks for the video series Jo. Really excellent and inspiring. I made my first (and only) frame about 10 years ago with fillets and hand files. I’ve now ordered a tig for version 2.0 ....and beyond!

[@darkworld9850]

8:24 I always find it fascinating that it would be impossible by hand to push so much force inward yet instead you can just rotate that noodle somewhat easily.

[@imanadult7432]

That eyeglass frame and the bike frame... love them!

[@jimgourgoutis]

Cannondale did a really similar splatter paint job on their MTBs circa 1988.

[@cwsgt2806]

Jim Gourgoutis CLAMONT “PROFESSIONAL” track frame built by Geoff Scott, painting by Star Enamelist circa 1978. Extremely rare!

[@keiranmarley4052]

The reason you had that "orange peel" bumpy type effect on the bike once you painted it black is because you didn't sand down the primer as well.

[@matticus6339]

Im wanting to paint my bike. Would you recommend wet sanding after primer with like 1200 grit? Do I also sand the paint in between coats as well to get that smooth look?

[@vincentgrima4555]

@@matticus6339 after every coat whether it is primer or colour you need to sand it, of course you can skip the sanding part but its not good quality. I would suggest with 800grit 1200 is too much. also after you give it the 2nd colour coat. do not sand it , untill you give it the first clear coat. than sand again with 800grit wetsand and give it last clearcoat. Look look shiny asf and look very good too the colours will pop more

[@seanstepherson6138]

You can use silicone to stick it on. We use to use it on our cars for the spinner. So it would hold the Dayton Medalon onto it

[@leestimson12]

There are a lot of adhesives available from the aircraft and automotive industries that are made for metals. They work wonders to stick things together.

[@matthewc7138]

Idunno man. I did this same thing on a steel frame roadbike 15 years ago when I was in college. Followed all the rules. Took off the original paint with jasco (melted my gloves while doing it) cleaned the hell out of the frame, primered it, sanded it, cleaned it, painted it, sanded it, cleaned it, painted again, clearcoated it. The moment the frame lightly touched a bike rack it chipped right off and the primer showed through. I was pretty pissed off.

[@malcolmdastur4411]

Nice idea and looks great. I think if you want to smooth the paint, just spray clear lacquer over the whole bike. Try heating the badge slightly in the vice.

[@mattmatter5643]

Not gonna lie, but the paint looks really cool. Nice job!

[@yaishk]

Damn, love the paintjob on this one!

[@rlovell383]

Oh man we gotta wait to see how you build it??? That frame turned out fantastic. You gave me the motivation to try building my own frame. (actually for my girlfriend)

[@cobraframebuilding]

Give er hell bud!

[@troyzilla1375]

You need to try some 3M PSA, pressure sensitive adhesive, really low profile, and might solve your badge tape issues

[@cobraframebuilding]

Thanks!

[@ulysse7243]

I already imagine that beauty with a carbon orange fork (salsa like) and a sram on it. Orange stem, black bar tape, boy oh boy looking goooood!

[@thelonewolf3515]

A mountainbike with bar tape 😂 this isn't a roadbike 😉

[@ulysse7243]

@@thelonewolf3515 oh.

[@ericarsenault8577]

Great videos man. This frame looks awesome!

[@RewskOnTV]

When spraying your frame with the finish color spray it with a whole can of paint spray it close especially in the tight areas 4-8 inches away if the paint drips let it it’s gonna take some time to dry you can also use a heat gun (light heat) once the paint is completely dry get some sand paper start with 600 grit then work your way up towards 1200 grit you might have to re-coat it, ok so it dry sand sanded with all sanding marked removed you can also use 0000 steel wool clean and dry lay your clear coat use a matte then lay a can of your clear coat re sand drips clear coat again then get the finest grit of sand you can find they make 7000 sometimes hard to find but you will get a clear glossy finish. I been painting everything for about 40 years. Nice Jackson Pollock look you gave you gave that bike

[@Yami-rv4ki]

Thanks for this video! I was planning on exactly this way of painting it except with a white base and neon orange & black splashes.

[@brasstinmancrazy]

please build iso mounts tool jigs for front and back now that anvil has stopped. love your pod cast, really appreciate it

[@flashkan]

@cobra framebuilding This is the first video I have seen of yours, cool stuff. If you plan to use those badges and jig more, take 2 pieces of flat edge metal stock and screw them to either side of the jig, a hair farther apart than the badge width. This will keep the badge in place as you tighten. As long as the bars are thinner that the amount the round bar sticks out, it shouldn't need removed for final press. Actually, just checked the date and this is a couple years old, but leaving it here since I typed it and in case this wasn't resolved.

[@chriscross5689]

After the primer, 800 grit wet and dry. Then after your black base coats are done, 800 wet and dry. That'll give you a smooth ass finish. Smooths out the speckle overspray you mentioned. See ETOE videos for inspiration.

[@hotspotmemer6613]

MAN , I just love your creativity .......!

[@leonmorgan1158]

Paint looks great

[@FullKarenMusic]

If you had the right tube size you could etch several at once onto a tube and then cut them apart.

[@allenstark6713]

You could attach the badge before your last coat of paint, silicon around, tape off the face and apply your final coat.

[@nikolaosnikolakakis7854]

very good method!!! you gave me an idea for a bike paint!! perfect work!!!

[@unbike8377]

I have made it for my cycle thanks bro. From India

[@34Kuro]

I loved this channel and this guy right on from the first moment I stumbled upon

[@_3j3v]

I enjoyed watching this video, your great work 🌹

[@andrewhernandez1275]

Could you test a spray adhesive for the head badge? Maybe a flex seal or other types, I think some type of resin/epoxy would work well but if there's a spray you don't have to mix with a stick I think would be best

[@trevormartin698]

Just stumbled across the channel. Definitely tuning in moving forward. Love what you're doing here. Stay punk xoxo.

[@cobraframebuilding]

Will do!

[@RewskOnTV]

Considered using Montana Colors spray paint? I’ve shot bike frames with a pro-sprayer for 30 years with a pro-spray gun I had a few cans leftover from a graffiti piece I did I’m impressed I put the gun away and discovered those spray cans are amazing

[@ricardocornejo9492]

Looks lika a tribe called quest custom, i love it

[@vincentpulizzi6934]

Try a little of metal JB weld to stick your head badge.

[@h.kaiser8354]

Hello, I followed your KZbin series with great interest. At the same time I built a very similar bike frame. The two could be siblings. I've already driven mine, what has become of yours? I think we all want some pictures of your finished bike.

[@benc8386]

The paint job came out amazing! Agree you want a head badge but bad luck that you ended up covering up one of the best bits of the splatter pattern.

[@ductrung3993]

what's your take on Spray vs typical Powercoat?

[@miguelmatos4320]

You could make two tiny holes on each side of the badge and use extra small screws to secure it to the frame just like how its done with old bicycles

[@patrickrenschler]

looks great, I remember seeing RJ the Bike Guy use 'shoe glue' (whatever that is) to mount head badges and that seemed to work for him, maybe worth looking into

[@cobraframebuilding]

Good tip!

[@trivijaynetam2301]

Which paint do you use plz reply

[@leonbroekx]

Love the paint job.

[@cobraframebuilding]

Thanks!

[@jennifervanegas8856]

How many bottles of black color did u use for ur frame? please. Thank you !

[@AtikMahmudAbir]

Which colour is best for colouring in frame?

[@jonthornton8714]

I really enjoyed your MTB build series. Thanks for taking the time to publish it. I look forward to seeing your frame built up into a complete bike.

[@marcosmalvidochapela307]

Waooooo. It's fantastic. Very nice. Would it be necessary to varnish after the work shown?

[@Manwichman]

Coat j.b. weld on the badge and clamp it and voila! Cool vid man. Use jb weld tho edit:no paint or spray under the badge area

[@andrewndreuw7927]

Which type of color

[@juice6703]

What Are Those Paint Name?

[@_3j3v]

Can I find another clip on your channel that does this again?

[@TimmiMontreal]

for your headbadge, use transparent silicone sealant

[@257SailajaTera-dm4qx]

Is that second colour bluish green

[@f4025]

What are the exact name of the colors from spraybike?

[@thedood3604]

do you think one can of that spray paint is enough for two coats? How many cans did you use?

[@dockpigmon2195]

Smooth through wet sanding

[@warrenzausa3145]

Is it ok i used a enamel paint as base coat for my bicycle frame then gonna use spray paint later on? ☺

[@YT_Itsanime]

What paint did you use to flick it on the frame?

[@okreidieh]

Hi , can you tell us which colors you used from their collection? I am doing a similar project that requires fluro paint on top of a black base layer but they told me the fluro paint won't look good on black and should be laid down on a white coat. Did you use a different color/ non fluro colors?

[@Human_Evolution-]

Silicon caulking around that emblem.

[@AJ-jb4ly]

Is that acrylic paint? Being spread out in the frame?

[@tubelamp85]

Hello bro... it is doff black or glossy black? And...do you use clearcoat for finishing? Thanks bro

[@newboysgeneration6198]

*The paint is stunning....u did a great job man..😍😍😍 i will do it..To my bike too*

[@paulgeorge9949]

When u trying to bend the face plate in the vice put a thin piece of rubber to hold the plate in place

[@gabrielmercado357]

Do you use regular black or matte black?

[@prosuge7]

Cool vid bro. Love that head badge! Maybe try some JB weld it’ll never come off.

[@nedzkernangamueda1682]

How many cans did you use

[@davidlenneberg4303]

Are you putting a clear coat on ? It’s looking great 👍

[@cobraframebuilding]

I think I'll leave the finish like this.

[@gh0stedone472]

Looks like a bowling alley 😂

[@wayneteague9266]

Same for carbon bike as well...?

[@MK-yq5qj]

Nice work Joe! But why not glueing the badge on the head tube? I am using car screen glue for it, (it’s easy to remove with a heatgun:)

[@cobraframebuilding]

That's not a bad idea!

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Very nice looking bike frame

[@cobraframebuilding]

Thanks!

[@imadlaaouini9268]

Can you please tell me what that name is?

[@soccerchamp0511]

The paint on the head tube looks awesome!!! . . . now let me cover it with an ugly badge.

[@cobraframebuilding]

Ouch, bud

[@soccerchamp0511]

@@cobraframebuilding I'm just saying, the paint really did look awesome, so why cover it up?

[@darthjarjar2742]

I was thinking about doing this but I'm too terrified I would mess something up

[@cyruspaul6483]

Haha... Me too

[@duanedaylebaliatan5209]

Super glue for headtube?

[@slinkytreekreeper]

Sweet frame. The paint didn't go down smooth because you gotta sand with wet and dry paper between layers. Takes time but is the only way and your frame deserves it.

[@htdima8314]

Its shool paint???

[@TheJeremy92888]

3M makes a super thin strong double sided tape that we use for stainless steel on aircraft galleys

[@melvindervishaj2703]

What kind of colour are those

[@jptrainor]

Spray single stage clear coat (for auto touch up) uses a spray blending solvent to smooth out over spray. Does the bike spray vendor have something similar?

[@cobraframebuilding]

I don't know much about the Spray.Bike clear.

[@zynius]

Spray.Bike says you should polish for a better finish. Basically wait an hour of so after spraying the color, then take a cloth and smooth out the paint. Then put as much clear you want on it, and if you get an orange peel effect, polish it down with sandpaper.

[@nathanpoole6342]

Use thinner material for your badge or use brass

[@Nigga_tdm]

which spray paint ur using

[@coryyork9029]

This might have been asked already, but how many cans of paint did it take to finish the top coat? Looking to paint my cross bike but don't want to run out. Thanks!

[@cobraframebuilding]

Just one can of the black. Could maybe have used two cans.

[@notgump1312]

what if you welded the badge on before painting, and then taped it off when you go to throw color onto the frame?

[@cobraframebuilding]

You can do that for sure. Some folks do. If I were to do that, I would silver braze it on rather than welding for a cleaner look, but either could work.

[@joshuacarreon2714]

How much a frame like that?

[@burgerzz09s51]

How much cans do you need to paint a bike

[@sylwesterkrech8278]

Can the same process be repeated on an aluminum frame??

[@joell439]

Looks super awesome !!!!

[@heyimamaker]

Is it possible to use little rivets to hold the head badges on?

[@cobraframebuilding]

Yeah, for sure

[@michellemelville2555]

How can I get a bike

[@ashadedreflection4486]

I like that noisy lil cluster!