Carbon Bike Paint

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Permalink Reply by Josh Boggs on February 17, 2010 at 1:03pm

It really depends on if you want to listen to the manufacturer's recommendations or not. First and foremost, I would get in touch with Trek and see if painting your frame will void your warranty. Sometimes, manufacturers have a list of authorized frame painters, whose work will not void said warranty. Since Trek has their own custom painting service, Project One, they may have the capability to paint your frame for you, but more likely than not, it will be a solid color and nothing out of the ordinary, which wouldn't make it all that different, which is the main reason I would customize something in the first place.

If the frame is nearing the end of its warranty's life span, you may want to consider having it painted anyways. There are several reputable frame painters that can customize your frame and make it look amazing. One of the ones I have found is Joe's Bicycle Painting (http://www.joesbicyclepainting.com/painting/). Joe's has done work for Calfee and Kestrel in the past, and I would not hesitate to use them.

Let me know what you figure out and which direction you take. I'd be very interested in seeing what happens with your situation. Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Tom on February 18, 2010 at 4:52pm

Thanks Josh, the frame is over 10 years old, so I am not really concerned about the warranty issue. Joe's has come up in a couple of other discussions I have had about this and I think I am going to give them a call. Thanks again for the input.

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Permalink Reply by Dave-O on February 21, 2010 at 11:10pm

My old job was actually painting frames, and loads of other stuff, mostly helmets, surfboards and snowboards. My advice is to use a person that paints bicycles. Many painters don't have the experience to paint all the tight little places, think chain stay/BB area and seat stay/ seat tube area. A non bicycle person may not understand what happens if they fill the BB with primer, color(s), clear and then more clear coat. Imagine the labor involved in chasing anything with threads on your frame. Let alone when you go to snug your seat binder bolt and a big chunk of paint pops off cause they didn't do it right. AND hey some paints and colors are just plain hard to shoot on itty bitty tubes.

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