Brian Baylis wrote about: "...these struggles with circumstances and tying to find people to fill the void of too few painters in the business. Things will change for the better before long, and I'm looking forward to it."
I appreciate Brian's positive and hopeful attitude. It's an encouragement. Also his wry humor:
"Heck, you could go into business like me; only losing a little bit on each job. That way it will take a long time to get to the poor house. ;-)"
Reminds me of my boss's saying that if ever he won the lottery it would not change his lifestyle; he would continue in the contracting business until he LOST IT ALL!
I've been wondering lately how good modern paints really are, in the context of bicycles. Are they really superior, or are they just compromises made in an effort to reduce cost and time, and liability for chemical companies? It's probably a question with no clear answer because every system has its strengths and weaknesses. My only point of practical experience is in preferring good old nasty enamel for interior shelving and cabinets, because the modern latex, acrylic, whatever, that I've tried have resulted in softer, stickier, more permeable finishes. Cost and environmental issues to one side, would baked enamel be deemed the best for bikes? What about lacquer? In hobby work I've had some fair results with it, and I knew a guy who restored old Hudson autos who did some impressive lacquer paint jobs. It seems to go on thin and dry quickly.
Brian wrote: "Someone mentioned applying multiple coats of primer on frames. Not common as far as I know. I never use more than one coat of primer, and that I reduce to thin out, which is not how it's normally used on automobiles."
At the risk of controversy, I mention the following paint process shown on the Bob Jackson website for resprays:
1. Light Burn (To get rid of oil). 2. Shot Blast. 3. Etching Primer/ Rust Inhibitor. 4. Anti-chip Primer. 5. First Color Coat. 6. Second Color Coat 7. Optional Third Color Coat. 8. First Lacquer Coat. 9. Transfers/ Lug Lining/ Pin Striping. 10. Second Lacquer Coat. 11. Third Lacquer Coat. 12. Optional Additional Lacquer Coats.
Each coat of paint or lacquer is followed by oven baking and hand rubbing.
I don't know, but sounds pretty thorough. Comments?
John Hurley
Stirring the Paint Pot in
Austin, Texas, USA