How To Use Spray Bike
Spray.Bike is a groundbreaking range of bicycle-specific colour coating designed for both amateur and professional use.
Spray.Bike paint is a dry matte powder-coating that doesn’t drip, dribble or misbehave in any way.
It’s revolutionary in its ease of application and quality of finish, making it perfect for customising, repairing and restoring.
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Solid colours tech spec
- Highly pigmented acrylic paint compound
- Dry-fall powder coating
- Non-drip, non-dribble formula
- No primer required
- Suitable for steel, aluminium and carbon surfaces
- Permanent and resilient: UV-resistant and weather-resistant
- Deep matte colours
- Easily-achieved fading, stenciling and blending effects (see below)
- Requires no post-application equipment or heat treatment
- 400ml and 200ml options
- 1 x 400ml can will cover a frame and fork in a single coat
- Minimum recommended coats: one
Instructions for use
- Ensure surface is clean and dry
- Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye/face protection
- Always paint in an open space in the open air
- Shake can for at least 3 minutes before use
- Test spray for 2-3 seconds prior to application
- Optimal temperature for spraying: 20-25°C. Do not use Spray.Bike if the temperature is below 10°C or above 35°C, or if relative humidity is above 75%
- Always spray with the can in a vertical position, otherwise the paint might ‘spit’ unevenly
- Solid colours: spray surface from a distance of 5-12 cm
- Pocket Clears, Frame Builder’s Smoothing Putty, Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish, Frame Builder’s Cold-Zinc, Frame Builder’s Metal Primer, Frame Builder’s Carbon Primer, Frame Builder’s Metal Plating: spray surface from a distance of at least 20 cm
- Keirin Flake: spray surface from a distance of at least 30 cm
- Frame Builder’s Top Wax: Spray onto a paper towel or soft lint-free cloth and apply gently
- When spraying, keep hand moving at all times
- Allow to dry before adding 2nd coat (touch dry: 10 minutes, complete cure: 2 hours)
- At end, turn can upside down and spray for 2 seconds before storing
- Protect can from sunlight and temperatures exceeding 50°C/122°F
- For a satin or gloss top-coat, finish with Spray.Bike Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish – Satin/Gloss. For a matte top-coat, finish with the Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish – Matte
- For ongoing protection (whether the finish is matte, satin or gloss), regularly apply the Frame Builder’s Top Wax
| Spray distance | |
| All solid colours | 5-12 cm |
| Pocket Clears Frame Builder’s Cold-Zinc Frame Builder’s Metal Primer Frame Builder’s Carbon Primer Frame Builder’s Smoothing Putty Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish |
at least 20 cm |
| Keirin Collection | at least 30 cm |
| Frame Builder’s Top Wax | spray onto paper towel or lint-free cloth and apply gently |
Prep – What To Use Before Painting
Spray.Bike paint will adhere to most raw metal and painted surfaces without any major pre-prep. However, if painting onto a fresh-from-the-factory painted bike with a high gloss finish, rub down the frame with a very fine sandpaper or an abrasive cloth, just to give the surface a little ‘bite’ for the paint to sit on.
Always ensure that all surfaces are completely clean and grease free. Any micro-film left from degreasers or cleaning products can create a barrier preventing Spray.Bike from adhering properly.
A pure medical alcohol is recommended for the ultimate pre-paint cleaner – but do make sure all residue is removed with absorbent kitchen paper.
NEVER use acetone or a product containing acetone, as this is guaranteed to weaken Spray.Bike, it being one of the ingredients of the paint.
WHAT TO USE BEFORE PAINTING |
|
Primer |
use on bare(i.e.unpainted) metal or carbon before painting Metal Primer: all metal Cold Zinc: steel only Carbon Primer: carbon fiber |
Smoothing Putty |
use on old painted frames to cover rust damage, scratches, stickers, etc… before re-painting |
Spraying
It’s essential that you understand and follow the spray distances. These are the distances from the can in your hand to the metal being sprayed. They vary depending on the product:
- Solid colours (BLB, Pop, Historic, Vintage, Fluorescent, Pocket Solids): 5-12 cm
As Spray.Bike cans are pressurised, there’s an optimum distance at which the paint is effective on leaving the nozzle: 5-12 centimetres. In this ‘window’ the paint is semi-wet and the pigment is perfectly primed to do its job properly. Under 5 centimetres, faults can occur. After 12 or 14 centimetres the paint will have turned into a dry powder dust with little adhesion at all.. - Pocket Clears, Frame Builder’s Smoothing Putty, Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish, Frame Builder’s Cold-Zinc, Frame Builder’s Metal Primer, Frame Builder’s Carbon Primer: at least 20 cm
- Keirin Flake and Keirin Sunlight: at least 30 cm
- Frame Builder’s Top Wax: Spray onto a paper towel or soft lint-free cloth and apply gently.
Spray.Bike cans must always be held vertically while spraying. When the can is horizontal, the gas propellant rather than the paint is driven into the nozzle, creating a high-pressure paint spit that will land unevenly as lumps.
Always move your hand continuously while spraying, as this ensures an even coating. Touch-ups can always be done later – don’t over-apply the paint in a single coat.
If re-using the paint after storage, test spray first. If the paint seems to splatter, replace the nozzle as the existing one is probably clogged.
Polishing
For best results, always polish Spray.Bike solid colours with kitchen paper or a lint-free soft cloth. A gentle pressure and polish action will compact the paint’s surface for greater strength. This is best done before the paint has completely cured, so polish within two hours of spraying.
Be more careful where colours meet in order to avoid physically forcing colours to bleed.
Drying
For best results, don’t be impatient! Although the coating does seem to dry rapidly (touch dry in a few seconds), it’s always best to let the paint completely dry over a 12 hour period before re-building the bike.
Dealing with problems
Getting areas where the paint has landed as a powder (and has a rougher surface) will happen – but this is easily solved. Leave the paint to completely dry, then using a soft cloth rub gently to smooth the surface.
If you do make a mistake (e.g. put colour in the wrong place or over-apply the product), wait for the spray to completely dry (max 2 hours). Then using a very fine sandpaper or other abrasive material, slowly rub away the paint. Don’t use a traditional solvent paint remover though as it will damage the acrylic compound in Spray.Bike and you’ll end up making more mess.
Remember that the spray distance for the solid colours is 5-12 cm, whereas the spray distance for the Pocket Clears, Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish, Frame Builder’s Smoothing Putty, Frame Builder’s Cold-Zinc, Frame Builder’s Metal Primer, Frame Builder’s Carbon Primer and the Frame Builder’s Metal Plating range is at least 20 cm. For the Keirin Collection, it’s at least 30 cm.
The Frame Builder’s Top Wax shouldn’t be sprayed directly onto the frame. Instead, spray onto a paper towel or soft lint-free cloth and apply gently.
Dealing with stickers and decals
| Old stickers that you can’t remove and want to paint over: | cover with the Frame Builder’s Smoothing Putty before you paint |
| Old decals that you want to paint over: | just paint over them |
| New stickers or decals: | set on top of your new paint-job and then seal with the Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish |
Note: in vary rare circumstances, the acetone in the Transparent Finish can affect the ink in a decal or sticker. To check this, spray a small amount of Transparent Finish onto a test decal/sticker. If it melts the ink or the ink runs, you’ll have to place the actual decal/sticker over the Transparent Finish on your frameset.
Be aware that the Matte Transparent Finish adds an opaque textured layer when sprayed onto a clear surface, so don’t spray onto stickers or decals with a transparent backing – unless you want that transparent backing to have a frosted, opaque effect.
Using the Fluros
Because of the reflective pearlescent particles, the fluro colours are slightly grainier than the other ranges.
Rubbing down about an hour after painting with a soft cloth is highly recommended.
Using the Pocket Clears
These are perfect for creating a glaze on raw metal tubing, subtly changing a base colour, fades and shades (see blending below).
Remember that although the spray distance for the solid colours is 5-12 cm, for these Pocket Clears, because they contain the Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish, the spray distance is at least 20 cm.
Using the Keirin Collection
The Flake range consists of 6 coloured metal flake options in our Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish. They can be used over Spray.Bike colours to provide an amazing glitter finish – or even used over factory paint to add a unique sparkle effect to the frame.
All colours can be overlaid to create specific colour flake mixes.
2 coats recommended.
Remember that the spray distance is much further than all our other products: at least 30 cm.
Masking and stenciling
If using masking techniques (with, say, masking tape) or stenciling after an initial coat, always wait 20 minutes before adding masking or a stencil to make sure the paint is dry enough not to be pulled away on removal.
Masking can sometimes create lines where paint has built up against the edge of the mask: again wait 20 minutes so as not to pull that build-up away on removal of the stencil/mask.
Leave for at least 2 hours to dry, and remove excess colour coat by rubbing down with a soft cloth.
Blending
Use the Pocket Clears for blending as they can produce rapid and unusual colour change when used in conjunction with (i.e. on top of) solid colours (especially Fluro Clears on top of solid Fluro colours).
The Pocket Clears are a solid pigment with a transparent base layer, so the final colour is based on the combination of solid/clear used, e.g. Fluro Yellow Clear on top of a blue will become a green.
Use on junctions where 2 dramatic colours meet to create a fade. Give it a bit of practice for great results.
Note: with the Pocket Clears, spray the surface from a distance of at least 20 cm.
What to use after paiting
WHAT TO USE AFTER PAINTING |
|
Transparent Finish – Satin/Gloss |
use to create a satin or gloss finish after painting |
Transparent Finish – Matte |
use to create a matte finish after painting |
Top Wax |
apply regularly for ongoing protection (whether or not the finish is matte, satin or gloss) |
– Transparent Finish –
Spray.Bike colours are matte.
There are two versions of the Transparent Finish. With the satin/gloss version, one coat gives a satin finish, two or more coats give a gloss finish. The matte version adds a matte top-coat, and can be used on top of Spray.Bike colours to keep them matte, or on top of any gloss finish to turn it matte. Note that with the matte version, the finish appears to be glossy when first applied but don’t worry – it dries completely matte very quickly.
Make sure the paint is completely dry before applying the finish. Shake can well. Hold the can at least 20 cm away from the surface and waft gently, keeping your hand/arm moving at all times. Recommended minimum coat: one.
Drying time between coats: 2 hours / full cure: at least 24 hours.
With new stickers or decals, set on top of your new paint-job and then seal with the Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish. Note though that in vary rare circumstances, the acetone in the Transparent Finish can affect the ink in a decal or sticker. To check this, spray a small amount of Transparent Finish onto a test decal/sticker. If it melts the ink or the ink runs, you’ll have to place the actual decal/sticker over the Transparent Finish on your frameset.
Be aware also that the Matte Transparent Finish adds an opaque textured layer when sprayed onto a clear surface, so don’t spray onto stickers or decals with a transparent backing – unless you want that transparent backing to have a frosted, opaque effect.
Spray.Bike Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish – Satin/Gloss – 400ml – link –
Spray.Bike colours are matte. This acrylic Transparent Finish dds a satin or gloss topcoat.
- Product colour: clear
- Spray distance: at least 20 cm
- Ιdeal for steel, aluminium and carbon parts
- Recommended minimum coat: one
- One coat: satin / two or more coats: gloss
- Drying time between coats: 2 hours / full cure: at least 24 hours
- Requires no post-application heat treatment
Spray.Bike Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish – Matte – 400ml – link –
This acrylic Transparent Finish adds a matte top-coat. Ideal for use on top of Spray.Bike colours. Also ideal for turning any existing gloss finish into a matte finish.
- Product colour: clear (note: is gloss when first applied but quickly dries matte)
- Spray distance: at least 20 cm
- Ιdeal for steel, aluminium and carbon parts
- Recommended minimum coat: one
- Drying time between coats: 2 hours / full cure: at least 24 hours
- Requires no post-application heat treatment
– Top Wax –
This water-based finishing wax is suitable for all bikes.
- Product colour: clear
- Spray instructions: Do not spray directly onto the frame. Instead, spray onto a paper towel or lint-free cloth and apply gently.
- Creates an invisible micro-thin protective barrier for all painted metal, carbon or even wood frames
- Doesn’t create shine on matte paintwork, so perfect for all Spray.Bike colours
- Contains Carnauba wax
- Re-apply regularly, especially after cleaning
The Top Wax is suitable for all bikes. As a high performance water-based finishing wax, it creates an invisible micro-thin protective barrier for all painted metal, carbon or even wood frames. It doesn’t create shine on matte paintwork, so it’s perfect for all Spray.Bike colours.
Don’t spray directly onto the frame. Instead, spray onto a paper towel or lint-free cloth and apply gently.
You should re-apply the top wax regularly, especially after cleaning your bike.
Storage
Spray.Bike paint lasts in its can for up to 10 years.
Store upright and below 50°C so it will always be there for scratches and touch-ups.
Inspiration
Need some inspiration before you start?
Click here for pics of the fantastic things people are doing with Spray.Bike all round the world
