On Jun 21, 2004, at 12:46 AM, Steve Maas wrote:
>
> Recently I was given an HVLP sprayer. Previously, I've painted frames
> by spray can, with good success, but now I'd like to take advantage of
> the greater versatility that this sprayer offers. Problem is, I'm not
> sure what kind of paint to use or where to get it.
>
> I have the following requirements:
>
> 1. Not too difficult to apply successfully.
>
> 2. Reasonably rugged and chip resistant.
>
> 3. Good color selection would be nice, but I'm willing to mix colors,
> if necessary.
>
> 4. Readily available.
I've painted a few frames and steel forks with System Three waterborne epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat and have been very pleased with the results. The paint is much less toxic than those containing isocyanate solvents. It takes some practice to learn how much to thin the primer and paint, how to adjust your spray gun for the paint, etc., but this would hold true for any other paint system too.
This is tough paint! I've put well over 1,000 miles on a bike I painted in February and it still doesn't have any dings or scratches in the paint.
Here's the home page (and you can get a small sample kit for $15): http://www.systemthree.com
I live on the East Coast, and buy quarts from a marine supply outfit
(about $40 per quart, which is enough for about three frames, or two
frames and forks):
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/
Some hobby shops sell small quantities:
http://www.toddsmodels.com/
You can find a few more postings about System Three on the frame
builders forum:
http://catfood.phred.org/
Tony Rentschler
New York, NY