How to use the Spray.Bike Frame Builder Prep & Finish products

Frame Builder’s Prep & Finish

Primers, undercoats, metal plating and finishing coats

SprayBike Frame Builder’s Metal Primer – 400 ml

This modern hi-tech anti-corrosive primer is designed for use on any bare metal bicycle frame set prior to painting. Its acrylic base and white colour make it slightly easier to use on steel than Frame Builder's Cold-Zinc.

• Paint colour: white
• Spraying distance: minimum 20 cm
• White acrylic anti-corrosion primer
• Ideal for bicycle frames made of aluminium, steel, stainless steel and titanium
• Provides strong adhesion for Spray.Bike paint
• Recommended number of layers: 1
• Drying time: 20 minutes
• Does not require heat treatment after application

On steel frames, this primer can be used as a hi-tech alternative to Cold-Zinc from Spray.Bike Frame Builder

The Metal Primer from Frame Builder

The Spray.Bike metal primer is a multifunctional, white acrylic product that contains a number of smart ingredients to make it corrosion resistant to prevent rust.
It is designed to be used on framesets made of aluminium, steel, stainless steel or titanium.
Since the paint is acrylic-based, it is fairly easy to use. Keep spray distance of at least 20 cm for this primer, otherwise the paint will drip. As the paint is acrylic-based, mistakes can still be wiped off for some time, until the paint dries permanently.
The white colour is useful, so you can see where you have been! This makes it easier to use on steel than, for example, Frame Builder's Spray.Bike Cold-Zinc. This is because this primer is grey, which can be tricky on a grey frame.

Spray.Bike Frame Builder’s Cold-Zinc – 400ml

Traditionally, steel bikes were galvanised before they were painted; the zinc created a non-corrosive barrier to prevent rust and extend the life of the frame. Spray.Bike Cold-Zinc Primer respects this tradition and offers unmatched corrosion protection on steel frames.

• Paint colour: metallic grey
• Spraying distance: minimum 20 cm
• 95% galvanised zinc primer
• Recommended number of layers: 1
• Drying time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• On steel frames, can be used as a more historically accurate alternative to Frame Builder's Metal Primer

Cold-Zinc primer from Spray.Bike Frame Builder

This cold-zinc primer is 95% galvanised zinc dust with only 5% binder. This high purity allows it to work effectively both as a primer and as an anti-corrosive (rust inhibitor) layer. However, because you are spraying almost pure liquid metal, it can be a bit tricky to use at first.
You need a spraying distance of at least 20 cm. As with all Spray.Bike colour spray cans, the ingredients in this one are in powder form - but they are suspended in liquid, which evaporates on leaving the can. So you spray zinc dust. Because of this, proper distance from the spray surface is very important. Too far away and adhesion is low. Too close and you get liquid zinc everywhere. We recommend first spraying a trial round on a piece of plastic or metal to get the right stroke.
You only need to apply 1 layer. Keep the sprayer vertical so that you maintain a good flow.
Although it is said that this cold-zinc primer should only be used on raw steel, we have heard successful results about using it as a primer for chrome and nickel plating.
You must be careful with this product, though, as it is metal in dust form, which is not safe to breathe in! Wearing a mask is therefore essential.

SprayBike Frame Builder’s Carbon Primer – 400 ml

This carbon primer is specially designed for carbon bike frames, i.e. in raw carbon fibre and resin composite.

• Paint colour: clear
• Spraying distance: minimum 20 cm
• Provides strong adhesion for Spray.Bike paint
• Recommended number of layers: 1
• Drying time: 10-15 minutes
• Does not require heat treatment after application

The Carbon Primer from Frame Builder

Raw carbon fibre, either as a composite or a fabric, is difficult to paint on. The Spray.Bike Carbon Primer is a clever 'etching' primer that dries with a rough external texture that is so thin you can't feel or see it, but allows the paint to adhere to it.
Make sure you spray from at least 20 cm away. 1 coat is enough.
It's a bit strange to use at first, but it's worth it for the results. Initially, it seems to run like water, but then the layer evens out and starts to adhere. This is why we strongly recommend trying it on a piece of plastic or metal first, so you can see how it behaves.
If any drips are visible after drying, lightly sand them away.

SprayBike Frame Builder Smoothing Putty – 400 ml

This thick cover-all putty is perfect for refurbishing frames. You cover small blemishes such as scratches, rust damage and stickers with it.

• Paint colour: grey
• Spraying distance: at least 20 cm
• Especially for steel, aluminium and even carbon parts
• Recommended minimum layer: one
• Easy to sand
• Requires no heat treatment after application

The Smoothing Putty from Spray.Bike Frame Builder

This thick cover-all putty is perfect for chipped bicycle frames. It can be used to cover small spots, including scratches, rust damage and stickers. Keep the can at least 20 cm away from the surface when spraying. The putty can be easily sanded dry. Recommended minimum layer: one.
Note: If you are using Frame Builder's Cold-Zinc or Metal Primer, primer first and then apply this putty.

The Frame Builder’s Metal Plating

The paints in the Spray.Bike Metal Plating range contain a high metal content. For this reason, we strongly recommend using a mouth and nose mask when using these products.
If you are spraying on a raw surface, use the appropriate primer first (depending on the frame, see above).
As with our other colours, the Metal Plating range can be sprayed directly onto existing paint. However, pay attention to the spraying distance (at least 20 cm), which is further away than the Spray.Bike solid colours. You can cover an entire frame and fork with 1 spray can.
The paint dries hard with a light satin finish and will not rub off. You may want to use Frame Builder's Transparent Finish to protect the paint from weathering.

Spray.Bike Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish – Satin/Gloss – 400ml

Spray.Bike kleuren zijn mat. Deze transparante acrylafwerking voegt een satijn of glanzende toplaag toe.Spray.Bike colours are matt. This transparent acrylic finish adds a satin or glossy top coat.

• Paint colour: clear
• Spraying distance: minimum 20 cm
• Especially for steel, aluminium and carbon parts
• Recommended minimum layer: one
• One layer: satin / two or more layers: glossy
• Drying time between coats: 2 hours / complete curing: at least 24 hours
• Does not require heat treatment after application

Spray.Bike Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish – Matte – 400ml

This transparent acrylic finish adds a matt top coat. Ideal for use on Spray.Bike colours. Also ideal for converting existing gloss finishes to a matt finish.

• Paint colour: clear (note: is glossy when first used but dries matt quickly)
• Spraying distance: minimum 20 cm
• Especially for steel, aluminium and carbon parts
• Recommended minimum layer: one
• Drying time between coats: 2 hours / complete curing: minimum 24 hours
• Does not require heat treatment after application

The Spray.Bike Frame Builder’s Transparent Finish

There are two versions of the Transparent Finish. For the satin/gloss version, one coat gives a satin finish, two or more coats give a glossy finish. The matt version adds a matt top coat and can be used on top of Spray.Bike colours to keep them matt, or on top of any glossy finish to make it matt. Note, with the matt version, the finish appears glossy at first, but don't worry - it dries very quickly and then becomes matt on its own.
Make sure the undercoat is completely dry before applying the finish. Shake the spray can well and keep the can at least 20 cm away from the surface, keeping your hand/arm moving at all times.
Recommended minimum layer: one.
Drying time between coats: 2 hours / full cure: minimum 24 hours.

Spray.Bike Frame Builder’s Top Wax – 400 ml

This water-based finishing wax is suitable for all bikes.

• Paint colour: clear
• Instructions for spraying: do not spray directly onto the frame. Instead, spray onto a paper towel or lint-free cloth and apply gently.
• Creates an invisible, micro-thin protective barrier for all painted metal, carbon or even wooden frames
• Does not shine on matt paint, so perfect for all Spray.Bike colours
• Contains Carnauba wax
• Reapply regularly, especially after cleaning

The Top Wax from Frame Builder

Top Wax is suitable for all bikes. As a high-quality water-based topcoat wax, it creates an invisible, micro-thin protective barrier for all painted metal, carbon or even wooden frames. It does not create gloss on matt paint, so it is perfect for all Spray.Bike colours.
Do not spray directly onto the frame. Instead, spray on a paper towel or lint-free cloth and apply gently.
You should reapply the top wax regularly, especially after cleaning your bike.