No matter how much care you take of your bike, you’ll inevitably put a chip in its shiny paintwork at some point. Don’t panic, with a small pot of model paint and our how-to guide, you can vanish away those unsightly scars.
This is a general guide to repairing paint chips on all bicycles including Condor framesets.
Our frames are made and painted in small batches. Each paint batch is mixed by hand and as such frames, even from the same year may have slightly different shades. We offer touch up paint for the colours used in the Condor and Brompton bicycle ranges.
1. Check the material
Small chips won’t ruin aluminium or steel frames. They’re unlikely to compromise carbon either. Before starting squeeze the carbon, if it feels squishy contact your bike retailer, there may be structural damage to your carbon frame.
2. Find the right colour
Get a RAL colour chart and try to closely match your frame colour with the chart. You can take this RAL number to a model shop or online store and purchase the paint that will suit. If you require touch up paint for a Condor or Brompton frameset please refer to your bicycle spec sheet if you are unsure of the colour you require.
3. Choose a paint
Our touch up paints are specially formulated to be used on frames. If our colours don't suit. We recommend using an enamel paint rather than acrylic. Enamel paint takes longer to dry but is hard wearing and does not require a base primer.
Tip: If you are unable to find an enamel paint to match your frame, we recommend Humbrol model paints.
4. Clean the area
On metal frames an alcohol such as nail varnish remover will clean away the grease and paint flakes.
If you are repairing a carbon frame you must use Isopropyl Alcohol (available from Maplin) this alcohol won’t degrade plastics like carbon.
5. Be patient. Build up the paint layers gradually
Get a small paint brush and paint a thin layer on to the chip. Condor Touch Up paints are supplied with an integrated brush. Allow it to dry and build up the layers gradually. It must dry between applications. You will need to apply up to five layers.
6. Sand back the paint
Once the paint sits slightly proud of the surrounding area you are now finished with painting. Cut a piece of fine-grade sandpaper (1400 grit and above) into a small square. Wet the paper and work slowly in small circular movements on the paint you have applied. Checking the area to ensure you are not sanding the surrounding area.
7. Polish
When you feel the new paint is flat or flush against the frame, apply a wax polish to the area to bring up the shine.
Tip: If you have a large chip, apply Clear Lacquer after applying and sanding back new paint. It will help improve the appearance of the paint is the damage is large.