NextDIYikeproj

I have no experience, but try to get hold of an other handlebar in chrome and do a test. Try a number of different methods and see what you find to be the best.

blamester

Hard to tell but it looks like you need to clean or remove more chrome. A lot if work to get that right.
Probably why it was painted in the first place.
I think i would just paint it again to start.
​​​​​​Probably easy enough to get good or decent.
But not perfect.

andresh

Yeah, there is still a bit of chrome where the grips were. I could take that off with a wire brush for drill but maybe I will just sand it and apply lacquer first and see how it goes or paint it metal. I don't need it to be Chrome / gloss looking again.


handlebar

handlebar

blamester

That looks clean. Has it started to rust again.
Brcause it might be ok without paint if its kept inside out of the rain and damp.
If you paint set the bars position first.
Because it will crack the paint if you move it afterwards.

andresh

Yes, I have yet to start with the sandpaper the whole thing but I wanted to know what to do do next because I will paint it right after it.
thanks!

paulb_in_bkln

What's the cost of having them re-chromed? Worth investigating, at least. You're unlikely to get a good durable look with paint. (Unless you go for something completely different, like a shiny red, which could be cool.) The headset is pretty bleak, too.

blamester

Hammerite or similar. Spray can. Hang it up somewhere warm and dry. Let it dry well.

blamester

Check out classic and vintage. Rustoleum paint new thread.

andresh

I'm in Denmark, the cost of anything is "expensive". Re-chroming would cost more than the bicycle so it's not an option.

paulb_in_bkln

Paint it is, then. BTW, are you familiar with the handlebar treatment that Grant Petersen of Rivendell invented, or popularized, at any rate? It wouldn't help with the stem or headset, but cloth tape/string/shellac with or without grips would hide most of the handlebar, and it's a look people notice, favorably. It's comfortable to ride, too.

andresh

yes I thought about that option but it's not the look I want so I will paint it, apply black grips and see how it goes

NextDIYikeproj

there is chrome paint on aerosol can. I’ve never tried and I doubt that its as hard and durable as “real” chrome. But… maby worh a try.

another option is the brushed steel look. That you already achieved. The challenge is to keep it free from rust. Perhaps by grease, like you do with a coal steel frying pan.

andresh

Yeah no "chrome" paint will be as good as real chrome, I'm still wondering if I could apply a clear lacquer to the brushed steel and then just have it metal look with some rust protection but otherwise I will get some silver/metal paint and cover it all.

andresh

So I applied the primer from Spray.Bike, it looks ok but I think I will need two cans of paint and 2 of lacquer to do this job so I ordered more cans.
I saw that Spray.Bike also sells some metal/silver paint so I will use that for the handlebar, we'll see.

NextDIYikeproj

nice! Yes, us beginners need two cans to cover a whole frame. I guess with experience, when you spray more even and effective, you can make it with one. The lacquer should be applied twice with sanding in between. 👍

andresh

yeah, thing is I forgot the fenders!
But I thought one can would be enough to cover the frame twice (as you said with a sanding in between) but to be honest, I don't think you can apply two layers with one can even if you are professional painter. I bought one more can of paint and lacquer so I don't have to think about how much paint is left, if I will cover everything or not and all that. Now I'm sure I have enough.

M Rose

another option would be to “Cold Bluing” or “Rust Blueing” used for gun restoration. It would give that brushed steel look and protect the metal from actually rusting.

NextDIYikeproj

A little Off topic, but since I shared my first videos in my build series, I thought I would share the final one as well! Enjoy!

You Tube