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Repainting bicycle frames and forks
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has had good experiences with a company that can do a professional paint job on an old CCM bike. The original finish has been removed by hand sanding and the present paint job has been done, with what might be charitably described as "great enthusiasm." Powder coating might be one option, but you lose the historic look. Some people tie the bike to a tree and aim the Tremclad spray bomb in the general direction, hopefully avoiding small children and pets. In some few cases though, a proper paint restoration could be considered, though the cost is likely far more than the value of the bike. Any thoughts and recommendations greatly appreciated. --David Webb
Bicycle Specialties in Toronto, builder of Mariposa road bikes started by the late Mike Barry, paints frames and does restorations. They did a beautiful job painting a Flyer for me in CCM Sapphire Blue. If you want pin stripes, however, best take the painted frame to a professional striper, or stripe it yourself using masking tape.
Last I checked it was $600 for a frame in one colour, including stripping to bare metal. Fenders, masking off plated areas, etc. are extra. Unless you ok losing money on a bike, obviously you'd have to bring them only valuable bikes. They are prepping my Doc Morton racer and 1899 McBurney-Beattie for black paint right now.
Most paints available now are nothing like what was used by CCM to paint bicycles. The 2 problems are the look of the finished paint job and the pigments used in the paint. The almost universal base coat/clear coat finishes used by shops now are way too glossy. In order to come closer to what was done in the past you would have to use an alkyd enamel. One Shot striping enamel is a good choice and can be bought at dealers in larger cities. Hollandlac from "Fine Paints of Europe" may be another choice but is harder to source. These paints can be put in spray cans.
Thanks for the information! It will give me some options to consider. --David