2k vs Cellulose vs Rest Of The World

[cinqmars2]

Hello, long time stalker of the forum but this is my first post.

I've been researching the usage of 2k paints versus other kinds and I'm in a situation where I just need to hear some direct advice.

I've recently started restoring and building up vintage bicycles to sell, I've always worked on bikes and when it comes to paint have always made do with rattle can rubbish. Now, I'm looking to fix up and sell these bikes so I'm going to need a far better finish than I can get from the cans, ideally a 2k finish.

The problem with bicycles is that the frame has a lot of metal components bolted directly to it, bottom bracket, brakes, seat, seat clamp, dropouts and cables running along it too, suffice to say a thin paint won't do hold up when you're assembling a bike, so before you can even ride it, the paint's chipping off...not great.

I live in a residential industrial site (converted units to make homes) in North London. There is a small unit for rent, about 30ft sq. that I am thinking of taking on to convert to a spray booth.

As there are people living in the area, I wouldn't have thought spraying 2k would be a great idea, or even if it's legal, although I am willing to take all precautionary measures I can if that's my only hope of a good finish.

What paint was used before 2k came about? Was it leaded?
Can I get tough results from cellulose (Infared lamps etc)?
Are there other options that would give my tough paint without Isocyanates or an oven?

I know this is a lot to answer but I'm finding it very difficult to get solid answers related directly to bicycle paints and I think this is the place I'll get the best information.

Any advice would be MASSIVELY appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[steveo3002]

id be asking around if you can get a good deal at either a bodyshop that will paint them or a powder coating firm

celly doesnt really compare to 2k if its baked or not , that just speeds up the drying side of things

there are some recent non iso 2k paints around now but they dont sound too good

id imagine if its close to housing you will get in trouble spraying anything ...all paints have a strong smell

 

[norsa]

as steveo. If you are registering for spraying for business, within a unit, you will be subject to HSE and all its various offshoots which believe me get rather tedious in things you would not even consider. For example "disposal of waste thinners", "storage of explosive liquids".The list goes on, ask Langy as ive been out of the business since 2000. You may get away with not registering but for a short while only.
On the plus side, 2k is the best you can get with the exception of powder of course and as there are lots of crevices and angles on a bike frame, you will be less prone to dry lines as you would with celly once you've mastered flash off periods/angles etc.
Nick

 

[DuncanM]

Would they have originally been painted with enamels? If so, any reason why you aren't considering them?

 

[danelectro]

I'm with these guys.....why not strike up a deal with a local bodyshop, you'll get A1 results without the outlay......And you'll be doing a favour to local business.

 

[cinqmars2]

Thanks guys, yeah it's looking like it's just out of the question to do it myself. The only problem is that it's a relatively small amount of paint for a bike frame and I'd be looking for different colours fo each bike, could end up quite costly through a bodyshop!

Might see if they'll give me a job

Thanks again, it's good to have these things confirmed.

Oh and in regards to the enamel, doesn't it need cooking on...?

 

[awemawson]

Quick story: There is a paint shop spraying cars on a very small scale at the back of a repair garage at the end of our field. Been spraying cellulose for years with no problems - had extractor fans filters - no complaints. When he had to go 2K they insisted on new extraction, taller chimney, etc. Complaints from local houses as new chimney is far more obvious than previous one being bright new galvanised rather than drab old stuff. Falls foul of local council reg planning, and now has to close business down. Very sad. And the old extractors made more noise than the new ones !!!!