The Proteus Framebuilding Book - Proteus Bicycles

a similar method. At- this point it's best to spray the insides ofthe other chain and seat stays. Then turn the frame to each anglespraying those parts of the stays that become visible. Overlapeach pass by about 507o. Be careful not to spray any area too muchmore than another. You might want to deliberately miss some sectionssuch as the dropout on some passes. The most important thingto realize is the necessity of an even coat and the advantage ofsystematically covering each area of the frame. Common sense shouldprovide you with the actual order and rate of application. Initiallyit's best to apply too little paint and gradually open up your volumeas you get the feel of it. Generally you'll sweep over eachspot 2-3 times before the paint begins to flow out, which is whenyou know you've applied the proper thickness. Too little paint looksdull, the proper thickness flows out and looks wet and shiny, and toomuch paint runs and sags. Applying primers is good practice fortopcoats as both dull spots and runs can generally be sanded orscuffed to a smooth finish suitable for applying the topcoat. Withthe topcoat more care is required as the frame cannot be sanded afterwards.As you paint you'll be manipulating the frame's position withthe "stick" you've placed through the head tube. Care should betaken not to miss the following areas: bridges, especially the topof the brake bridge, the undersides of the top and down tubes, andthe sides of the seat tube facing the head tube. Of course afteryou've gotten a full wet coat over the entire frame you should conductcareful visual search of the frame turning it to various anglesand running your eyes down each tube or around each triangle asdescribed in the sanding section. It's also usually a wise idea to