How To Paint Your Own Bike

I've pined after pretty vintage bikes but never come across one with quite the shape I loved until recently. I was on a quest to bring home something old and beautiful when I ran across a purple and white 1960's Hiawatha with the most charming headlights and original stickers. It was in working shape but needed a little TLC so I brought it home to see what I could do.

A little elbow grease and a few cans of spray paint later and I now have a shiny new bike!

Giving your bike a makeover can feel intimidating but I'm here to share a few things I learned along the way that will help you end up with something you can be proud to ride down the street.

Supplies: You'll need a bike, hehe, a sandpaper block in a medium-light grade, painter's tape, a wrench, a screw driver or two depending on your bike screws, scissors (optional), a big box to flatten out and use to protect your surface, primer spray paint, spray paint in choice of color(s), wash rag, painters mask (not shown) and eye goggles (optional). 1. Take lots of detail shots of your bike before you take it apart so you can see how things fit back together when you get to that step. I didn't remember if the bike rack legs went on the inside or outside of the bike frame so I was glad I could refer back to my photos. 2. I also drew a little picture of my bike on another piece of paper and laid out all the screws I took out on the bike part where they belonged. I suggest numbering the steps you took the bike apart in as well so you can put it back together faster. Once your bike is in pieces, lightly sand the parts you want to paint. I chose to paint my fenders but not my handlebar and pedals. I set aside my seat and taped everything I couldn't physically remove from the frame such as the gear and pedals (they were stuck on!), the handlebars, and the chain. 3. Next I used a wet cloth to wipe down each piece to remove dust and previously sanded paint fragments and let it dry. Then I applied three thin coats of primer spray paint following the manufacturer's instructions to allow 10 minutes of dry time between each coat. Once I had the primer on, I let it dry overnight to set. Then I applied three thin coats of my top coat of spray paint making sure to let one side dry before doing the other side. Again, follow the directions on your can and don't over spray because you'll have ugly drips and want to curse. Let it set again for 24 hours and then add two coats of polyurethane spray paint to seal it. Put it back together following your photos in reverse order and you're done!

Note: If you find a bike with a lot of rust you'll need to use a power sander or rust remover before painting. As always, safety first!

I chose not to reattach the headlight portion of my bike because it wasn't taking the new spray paint and was too rusted to reattach without it looking terrible. I like the new shape that I got because of it being off but I'm saving it just in case. I also added a basket to the front. I found it at a major hobby store and just tied it to the handlebars with twine. Zip ties are an option if you can find them in clear but I liked the aesthetic of twine better. It's more for decoration than utility anyway. If you have to store your bike in the elements you'll want to consider something that won't wear out quickly such as a wicker or wire basket.My next plans for this bike are to add reflectors for night riding and get a new brown leather seat cover and new handle covers. I might even need to add some tassels!

I hope this gives some of you courage to tackle your own bike makeover! -Rachel

Comments

[Freya]

I need to do this with mine!

[Janice Kuhn]

thank you for this post! i have an original Schwinn back from when they still made them in chicago that ive been wanted to fix up for a while. this is very helpful!!

[Mrs. Baker]

that color is perfect!

http://babybakerlove.blogspot.com/

[Philothea]

That's such a pretty color! Love the flowers to!
http://faithfashionfun.blogspot.com/

[Leigh]

Oh wow! This is amazing! Such a great idea! Now I just need to find me a vintage bike ;) The results look wonderful though!

[silversnows]

Literally perfect timing! My bike just got stolen, and, as I'm unable to afford a new one right now, I've decided to restore an old one from a friend: I'm painting it this weekend!

[Katarzyna B.]

Nice bike. I will use your idea with my old bike. :)

[Lara]

that's so cool! such a nice colour too, wish i had a bike like that!

http://bravebrunette.blogspot.com

[Sarah]

This is amazing!! Rachel is so clever and never ceases to amaze me with her ideas!
I don't think she could have picked a more perfect colour as well!

[Emma]

Excellent DIY - time to buy a second hand bike and make it look this pretty!! Better learn how to ride one too!

[Stephanie May*]

Rachel, this is gorgeous!! I can't believe the transformation - I definitely have to do this!

Love,
Stephanie May*

http://www.maydae.com

[Anna Lee McFadden]

This is an incredible tutorial! I have a pretty mint green bike, but would love to change mine to a kelly green!
~Anna Lee McFadden
http://thesquirrelnextdoor.blogspot.com/

[Margherita]

My bike is definitely in need of a makeover but I'm not sure I'll be able to this on my own. Might need my bf help!

[Johanna]

What a cute makeover for a bike! And a brown leather seat cover would fit perfectly with the new color!
I'm afraid my poor bike has to wait 'til next spring to get a makeover because being pregnant seven month now I don't really ride my bike anymore since I had some dangerous situations and I really don't want to endanger my baby and me...so, I hope I'll remember this post next year!

http://higgledypiggledywonderland.wordpress.com/

[Rachael]

Defo a scary project but the end result looks AMAZING! Rx

[Danette]

That is a pretty pretty pretty bike!

[Michelle]

Love the results! I would totally do this with 1. If i had a bike and 2. If i knew how to ride one. Hehe

My blog: acolorfulcreation.blogspot.com

[Michelle]

Love the result! I would totally do this with 1. If i had a bike and 2. If i knew how to ride one. Hehe

My blog: acolorfulcreation.blogspot.com

[Heather]

So pretty! Who knew it would be that easy??
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/

[Daisy Nguyen]

LOVE the new look - the minty green is so FRESH and fun!

XOXO
-Daisy Nguyen from PS BANANAS fashion blog:
http://psbananas.com