How To Choose The Best Custom Paint For A Bicycle


For those who only take their bike out once in a while for a spin around the neighborhood, bicycle custom paint jobs may never have crossed their minds. However, there are many people who ride their bikes competitively or as their main method of transportation and are therefore very particular about the way the bike looks. When thinking about getting custom paint for a bike, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
If someone decides to paint their bike themselves, they need to do a bit of research before going out to purchase paint. The type of paint that is used on a bicycle varies depending on the material it is made from, such as aluminum or steel. Even those who want to do the painting themselves may want to consult with a professional for advice on the type of paint that will be best for their particular bike.

Yellow paint color is another popular color for bicycles.
Once they know what type of paint they need, bicycle owners have another important decision on their hands. They will find that most shades are available in both wet, glossy finishes and matte finishes. The decision is really a matter of personal preference, but it is a good idea to ask for samples of finished products to see how the color will look on a whole bike rather than just on a color swatch.
Those who decide to go with a professional for the entire project will have some additional choices to make. For example, they may hear professional bicycle painters talk about two stage systems versus three stage systems. If this seems confusing, simply keep in mind that the three-stage system is typically reserved for those who want custom designs or decals on their bikes.

The look of sophisticated paint color.
When making the final decision between doing the job at home and going to a professional, cost is the deciding factor for most people. A custom paint job can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the complexity of the job. Those who are inexperienced in bicycle painting should keep in in mind that the cost of correcting their mistakes might be more than the cost of a professional paint job.
Bicycle custom paint jobs may not be as common as custom paint on cars or motorcycles, but they are a very popular trend in the biking world. Those who want to paint their own bikes should do the proper research to make sure they are using the right kind of paint for their bike. Those who have never painted a bike before should think about seeking help from a professional in the field.
Photo Credits
All photos in this page are courtesy by the following authors:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freddy/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kgsbikes/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/salim/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trommetter/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bike/

