Stardust Bike spray topcoat for bikes, gloss and matte, high resistance

A bike topcoat is the final, clear coat.

Applied over the base paint, this topcoat can be gloss, satin or matte, and has a dual function :

protection of the paint system* and the frame, against abrasion, shocks, oxidation, UV, and also the aesthetic aspect of glossiness*.

We invite you to read the definition of "paint system" at the bottom of the page to understand the best way to achieve a resistant and long-lasting paint

►TUTORIAL: HOW TO PAINT A BIKE ?

The STARDUST® BIKE spray topcoat range

We offer several choices of bike spray topcoats according to the requirements of each, whether it is for road bikes, cross-country bikes or all-terrain bikes.

The 2K STARDUST BIKES topcoats are two-component* solvent-based spray topcoats, they include a hardener, and are single-use, they allow a thickness and a resistance much higher than the classic 1K topcoats. They are the same as those used in the car / motorcycle world.

A STARDUST® 2K Spray topcoat for bikes cures by chemical polymerization, while a 1K topcoat simply cures by drying and evaporating with air.

Aerosol sprays delivered with round nozzles

Coverage of aerosol can topcoat for a bike

It takes 1 to 2 spray cans to paint a bike frame.
Varnishing with only one aerosol can is possible, as long as you avoid losses during application on the tubular surfaces of the frame.
The liquid content (topcoat + hardener) of a 400 ml aerosol can is 150 ml. The remaining amount is gas.

The mini pot varnish kit with hardener and thinner, for application with a paint gun, is available.

Application of spray can topcoat on a bike

A topcoat is applied either on

• unsanded paint freshly applied (for less than 30 minutes) or

• dry and sanded with P500. If you wish to sand finer, the guarantee of good performance is no longer assured.

A topcoat is always applied in 2 coats, with a certain time interval to allow the first coat to "set" and avoid drips.
The time interval is 7 to 10 minutes ideally, depending on the temperature.
It is not recommended to varnish more than 2 coats during the varnishing process, as this will lower the level of brilliance, rather than increase it.

A Stardust Bike spray can topcoat has a button at its base that must be pressed to impact the aerosol spray : press the red button several times until it is fully depressed, then shake the aerosol spray for 30 seconds. Preferably wait 2 minutes before using.
Use the topcoat within 30 minutes after pressing the button.

Impact resistance and risk of delamination

Stardust Bike 2K topcoats are resistant to everything: water, detergents, chemicals and fuels, scratches and rubbing, they do not yellow.
To resist scratches, a bike topcoat must be either very hard or flexible.
With constant exposure to stone chips, a hard topcoat can break and crack.
To remedy this, Stardust Bike FLEX UHS topcoats contain plasticising and elasticating additives, just like truck bumpers, to absorb impact without breaking.

Delaminations :

No topcoat comes off spontaneously or after a shock. If a delamination occurs, the cause is a bad application :
Either the support is not suitable for this topcoat (plastic, carbon, aluminum...)
Or the topcoat has been applied over a paint or primer not properly sanded.
If the topcoat comes off with the paint, then the adhesion defect is between the paint and the base.

Tip for varnishing technique with an aerosol spray

Apply a gloss coat in a back and forth motion, keeping the spray can 15cm away from the bike frame. Always keep the spray can moving. The key to successful polishing is to apply the maximum amount : too little polish will result in a lackluster or "orange peel" surface, and too much polish will result in drips.
We recommend using our aerosol spray handle available at the bottom of the page.
Do not varnish in wet weather, otherwise the brilliance will be lost during the drying process.
To avoid dust and dirt during drying, choose a day without wind, and wet the floor and the surrounding walls.
Varnish preferably at a temperature of 15 to 25°C.

* Definition of « paint system »

This refers to a process composed of steps and techniques to make up the coating (on a metal, aluminum, carbon bike frame), serving both as a protection of the frame (oxidation) and as an aesthetic and decorative finish.

Exemple : primer + paint + topcoat

We call a « 1K system » all systems involving a base paint + a topcoat.
In contrast, a bicomponent (2K) paint is both the paint and the topcoat, in a single step.

1K systems are used in the world of bike painting as well as in the automotive industry.

In a 1K system :

The base paint is monocomponent (1K)

The topcoat is bicomponent (2K)

The same paints are used and the resistance of the system is ensured by the finishing topcoat.

How do I remove drips from a topcoat ?

If you overloaded or varnished at a too low temperature, the topcoat "slips" and forms drips.
To repair these defects, the drips must be allowed to harden for several days. Then, you can sand with water and a P500 sand paper, using a gentle rotary motion, on the top of the drip. It is important to use a mini wedge, and for this you can use a flat eraser.
Then, varnish the area, or varnish the entire frame, previously cleaned with P500.

Safety :
Flammable and harmful products. Be sure to read the safety data sheets before use.
Always work with sufficient air extraction / circulation and with a paint mask.