Painting over engravings
12-22-22, 11:55 AM
#1
Slowfoot
Thread Starter
Painting over engravings
I'm planning to DIY SprayMax a steel frame. Any ideas on how to keep delicate engraving/stamping on the fork crown from filling with primer and base color - I would like to fill with another color. I considered filling with spackle and then cleaning it out after painting, but maybe not a good idea if the paint forms a tough film that might tear or peel.
12-22-22, 12:04 PM
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I have toyed with the idea of filling with grease but don’t know if that would work.
12-22-22, 12:28 PM
#3
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There’s paintable masking fluid. Randy Jawa has used it before I think.
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1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
12-22-22, 12:52 PM
#4
Senior Member
So, do a test as part of your planning for the painting. You may find your fear of infilling unjustified. You may find there's a time during paint cure when removal CAN be done and may find a time when removal CANNOT be done.
How about masking the engraved and painting it separately, where it can get special attention?
How deep is this engraving? Is it delicate filigree work or is it a deep logo?
How about masking the engraved and painting it separately, where it can get special attention?
How deep is this engraving? Is it delicate filigree work or is it a deep logo?
Last edited by Bad Lag; 12-22-22 at 12:57 PM.
12-22-22, 12:53 PM
#5
Fuji Fan
I wonder if candle wax would work. I worry about being able to get all the residue out afterwards, when you actually want to fill the void.
Maybe some sort of pourable rubber might be an alternative.
Maybe some sort of pourable rubber might be an alternative.
12-22-22, 01:00 PM
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Let's see what you want to preserve.
when new, maybe a thinner coat but OEM paint rooms did not go to great lengths
when new, maybe a thinner coat but OEM paint rooms did not go to great lengths
12-22-22, 01:07 PM
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...on every bike I have ever painted that had pantographed designs on it. the pantographs were deep enough that this was not an issue. The layer of primer and the color coat together, do not fill the engraving. At worst, they might impact the clarity of line, but this has never seemed an issue to me. You do need to be careful doing the contrasting color infill, to get a crisp, clear result. I usually just let the color coat dry and cure, and do this pantograph color as a final step, along with adding the decals/stickers. You fill with color, using a slightly thickened (drier) paint, then use some sort of rag or paper towel dampened with mineral spirits. stiffened with a piece of cardboard cut to the curve of the surface, to do a quick wipe of anything outside the pantograph.
...on every bike I have ever painted that had pantographed designs on it. the pantographs were deep enough that this was not an issue. The layer of primer and the color coat together, do not fill the engraving. At worst, they might impact the clarity of line, but this has never seemed an issue to me. You do need to be careful doing the contrasting color infill, to get a crisp, clear result. I usually just let the color coat dry and cure, and do this pantograph color as a final step, along with adding the decals/stickers. You fill with color, using a slightly thickened (drier) paint, then use some sort of rag or paper towel dampened with mineral spirits. stiffened with a piece of cardboard cut to the curve of the surface, to do a quick wipe of anything outside the pantograph.
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12-22-22, 02:17 PM
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No grease, wax or the like around paint, migrates and leaches. Ideally frames are absolutely oil and grease free. Never framesaver a frame that is to be painted.
Most good painters scrub with acetone or lacquer thinner right before paint. Merz hot tanked his, this can be the most critical step in a top level paint job.
Last edited by merziac; 12-22-22 at 02:22 PM.
12-22-22, 02:28 PM
#9
Slowfoot
Thread Starter
Good thoughts, thanks. I'll post project photos later. A '79 Sannino.
