Is it possible to paint a bike without complete disassembly ?

And above all, let's be clear, it is not advisable to repaint your bike without dismantling it. No specialist who applies Stardust Bike paints for their customers would dream of painting a bike without completely disassembling the various components. It is the same for a motorcycle for example, for simple reasons: some areas are difficult to access and must be painted: sometimes it is just impossible.
Similarly, to paint correctly it is advisable to hang the pieces in a certain position to be able to paint them with a spray gun.

Be aware that we won't be discussing the 'brush' option here as of course only a spray paint, spray gun or airbrush can do a decent job.
The work will begin with the preparation with a complete degreasing and scouring with a good washing and brushing in the corners of the frame. Then we will have to do some sanding. This is mandatory if you want the paint to adhere. For this, you don't have to use the classic abrasive sheets, because it will be much faster and more practical to use abrasive sponges : flexible and effective, they allow you to scratch and create grip in the smallest corners.

Masking and marouflage to paint a bike without disassembling it

After removing the saddle, and the troublesome equipment, take some paint masking tape and a little patience, hoping you won't spend more time doing this "hiding" job , only to dismantle the different parts.
Cover the smallest area to be hidden with application and precision, because the sprayed paint seeps everywhere. Don't worry, paint adhesives come off easily and without leaving any glue (provided you don't leave them exposed to heat).

The "masking" consists of covering an entire area with a light plastic film: this is what we will do with the wheels by wrapping the complete wheel with a tight film.

Finally, you will be ready to repaint the bike without having taken it apart: hang your bike at a height of 1.5 m from the ground, so you can spin it, instead of circling around it. Be sure to set the paint spray tip to "aim well" and not waste paint. As a bicycle is made up of thin tubular surfaces, it will be necessary to keep the wrist "mounted on a ball joint", that is to say flexible and mobile, by passing 2 to 4 thin layers in each part of the frame. Thanks to the spray gun and a little skill, you can cover and reach even the most accessible areas.

Painting bicycle rims

Yes, it is possible to repaint bicycle rims and even spokes without removing the tire. Without removing the tire, which we will have previously masked with an adhesive, we will obtain a paint that does not come off. Provided that a thin coat of primer has been used and a thin coat of paint has been applied (avoid thick coats which are more easily subject to detachment and cracks).
We recommend keeping the gun stationary, and spraying at two different angles, rotating the wheel at an even speed. Do not paint on the adhesives, but stop just before so that the paint does not form a thickening on the end, but rather forms a gradient.

Tips for hardware

Is it more interesting to choose a small spray gun to paint a bike? In truth no, because “who can do more, can do less! ". That is to say, the only advantage of a mini-pistol is to be able to pass in tight places and to be a little more maneuverable. Know that with a standard size gun, you can do this job very well with as much precision. The advantage of the big gun is to be able to apply all the products, primers, varnishes, paints, for which the small gun is often not well suited.
When to remove the adhesives? Wait until the paint or varnish is tacky, but not fully cured, as in this case they can become very difficult to remove.

Stardust Spray Bike
Bike paint for spraygun
Bike paint primer and filler
Special varnish for bike paint
Bike paint tools and accessories
Special effects for bike paint

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