sp00ki

for some reason (probably boredom), i've decided to give my rainbike (an old nishiki conversion) an overhaul. new honjos, new bottom bracket, aeroheads, etc.
The paint is in relatively good condition, save a few scratches and dings here and there.
I was considering getting a can of auto clearcoat and giving it a few layers (mostly for looks, partly to prevent any further chipping, etc).

1) is rattle can clearcoat any good?
2) is there a particular brand that works well?

K_phomma

1. I would guess that the more expensive ones are quality.
2. I would try DuPont or Krylon

lstiffler

i've used it several times. sometimes it will look a little yellow until it dries. don't worry it will come out clear.

Ep3licious

if i may put my 2cents in, i would highly recommend the duplicolor wheel clear coat. looks good and easier to come out with good results. ive tried both and i must say the wheel clear coat is much easier to apply evenly. for some reason everytime i use auto clear coat in a can it comes out hazy.

chase.

i've used the duplicolor system on several projects, including painting some bikes. one of the more important things you should do (aside from proper prep and intermediate steps) is using a clear that's the same brand as the color coats— if you don't, the paint may react in a way you didn't anticipate.

some paint suppliers will mix pigments in a spray can for you, but you can't always find that.

robbiedob

+2 on DupliColor Clear.

mikebern

Dupont does make acrylic and enamel (i think) in a rattle can. most likely only available only through an autobody supply company or online. but it will be MUCH better than any crap you buy from autozone. still never gonna be as good as the actual clear used for HVLP guns.

chase.

the above is what i had mentioned earlier. also certain sikkens and ppg colours, usually sold in aerosol or liquid form (for spray guns) as touch-up paint for european cars.

since you're in philadelphia, stop by a few paint shops and chat with them. you might run into a shop guy who you can pay on the side to shoot your frame after hours if you do the stripping and prep yourself (which comprises the majority of the labor cost if the shop does it). you may have to choose from whatever colours they have on hand.

puppiesyayyyy

You might wanna try Montana Spray Paint, im pretty sure they make a clear coat, and its probably the best spray clear you can get. Youd have to try an art store because they dont carry it in department stores

sp00ki

in the event they make both, is acrylic or enamel a better bet?

that's not a bad idea (though i won't be doing any stripping; i want the clearcoat over the existing paint).

Straws

+3

I know it's not possible this time of year, but when I painted a frame back in August I'd leave it out on my porch to basically bake the paint onto the frame

mikebern

I think enamel is better. i work at a body shop and im pretty sure the dupont/nason clear we use is enamel. i could be wrong and im sure if i am someone will correct me.

loser

Tremclad mate clear: https://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...n/DSC00194.jpg

chase.

enamel will likely hold up better. lacquer is also good but operates a little differently— it off-gases quite a bit more, so you have to spray thinner and take more time between coats. i don't know how well lacquer works for aerosol delivery.

akaio

Is it really better paint? Or is it just marketed as higher end to a more boutique wannabe graffiti market?

And yes, do not use acrylic for a bike if you can help it. Enamel is better. I am actually trying out using a white epoxy paint coated with enamel clear coat.

operator

Graffitti market? Wtf? Is the vandalizing of property so popular that spray paint can be marketed directly for these people?