i've an old steel ladies racer frame that i'd like to get running for the GF. nothing special; just a run around for town. single speed, etc, etc.... can pick up most bits 2nd hand or from ebay.
it's currently pink. she'd like it to be raw steel. i could sand off the paint, but it'd leave nasty scratches all over it.
i've got the time to do it at the moment. so, nitromors. easy job to do?
anything i should look out for or be aware of?
and once stripped, what should i use to protect the frame from rust?
cheers.
Nitromors is easy enough stuff to use, just have a bowl of waternearby for when you get it on your skin and I would advise wearing specs/goggles to protect eyes.
Use as instructions, I've found using a generous helping dose the job, don't use sparingly, it'll get most of the paint off, sand around welds/dropouts etc to get the rest off, but far quicker than sanding. I've done it both ways and wouldn't ever use sanding again!
Wear a mask, don't get it on your hands, buy several tins of [url= http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_categoryId_165495_productId_210069_langId_-1?cm_mmc=Shopping-_-Google%20Product%20Search-_-Body+Repair%2FOther+Paints-_-Halfords+Clear+Lacquer+Spray+300ml&source=shopping ]clear laquer[/url] and yes, easy enough.
Do it outside with glasses and 2 pairs of marigold gloves if getting really stuck in having to scrub (eg alloy wheel stripping).
Make sure the frame is dry and apply with a brush dabbing it and leave to bubble. Scrape off paint with something like a plastic scraper or old credit card or bit of wood (most plastic used in cards will melt).
Wash with lots of water (neutralises any unused nitromors)
Dry
repeat
Any stubborn bits can be removed with nitromors and wire wool - eg around welds.
When all done wash with lots of water and car soap (not washing up liquid) and treat as soon as you can to prevent rust.
Look for a spray lacquer that can be used directly onto metal. Preferably a PU one as it is tougher than acrylic. In fact I would prioritise a PU lacquer over any other attribute.
Having done a few frames with Nitromorse, my advice - don't bother. 75% is easy, the last 25% is a b*tch.
Find a local company who will acid dip it. £30 is all it cost me last time. Factor in £10-£15 of Nitromorse, and the majority of the day doing it otherwise, it's a complete no brainer.
Other option is a paint removal disk. One should do a frame on a drill, fine sandpaper after to flatten the finish down. A lot quicker & easier.
Get it chemically stripped. Will do a far far better job.
Its going to rust pretty quickly so will need lacquering or at least rubbing over with oil until you do.
I used nitromors to strip a frame once, and found it an easy job. I have an allergy to paying people to do things I can do myself.
I've had a lot of success with Nitromorse and strips of [url= http://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/emery-cloth-sheets/cat830402 ]Emery Cloth[/url]. This takes off the remaining paint that nitromors hasn't got to. Use different grades, start with 80 or 100 grit then progress to 120 grit giving a less scratchy smoother finish to the metal. Hold each end of a strip of emery in each hand and run it back and forth around the frame tube, this acts like a belt sander and makes light work of the paint and gives a good finish.
Look for a spray lacquer that can be used directly onto metal. Preferably a PU one as it is tougher than acrylic. In fact I would prioritise a PU lacquer over any other attribute.
what is PU? can i pick it up at local DIY store, i.e. B&Q or builders merchants?
Polyurethene perhaps. When I have spray painted bikes, Plastikote seems to work well. Perhaps they have a lacquer.