How to Paint a Bicycle

Determine what color or colors you want your bicycle to be. Choose based on the personality or particular desires of the rider. Buy paint based on that decision.

Wash your bicycle and sand the frame carefully and completely. You want a smooth and clean surface so that the paint will adhere well to the metal surface.

Dismantle the bicycle as much as you can. Remove wheels, brakes, gear elements and anything else that you don't want painted. As an option, you can cover the not-to-be-painted areas with masking tape to protect them.

Apply rust-proof paint in broad strokes, if using a brush. If using an airbrush, apply the paint in broad sweeps, so as not to have globs of paint or drippings on the frame.

Smooth out any irregularities in the painted surface, and let dry. If you want a deeper coating, get the bike wet and carefully sand the surface again, then add another coat of paint in the same way. Let dry.