PAINTING THE LUGS

Once you are satisfied that the color coat is good enough, it is time to consider the second color, if one is to be used.  In the case of the Peugeot PX10, the Nervex Professional lugs were often painted a color that would set them off.  Since I really wanted the white frame with black lug work, that is how I went even though the white is the most difficult color coat of all to apply.

Do not attempt to apply a second color until the main color coat has had a really good chance to dry.  You will need to wipe some of the second color off from time to time and often times a bit of solvent on the rag will help to remove unwanted paint.  If the color coat has not had enough time to dry, the solvent dampened rag will damage the color coat.  Let it dry for a week or so and then have a go at your second color.

There are many things to consider when painting a second color and you had better be sure that you want that second color.  Applying a second color is not nearly as mistake forgiving as applying a single color.  That said, you will almost always have the opportunity to fix any boo-boos.  But fixing is a bit more difficult or perhaps just more time consuming would be a better way of putting it.

Start by putting the 1" tapered brush away.  You will not need it again - if all goes well!  Select a few smaller, soft brushes to work with.  I use anything from a 1/2" artist's brush down to ones that are much much smaller.  The half inch brush will work for a large surface such as the lug or seat stay top but anytime you work near edges, you will likely need a smaller paint applicator.  The 1/4" artists brush sees lots of detail action when applying a second coat.

If you decide on a third color, such as one might use to outline lugs, you will need a very small and tapered short hair detail brush.  I agonized over the application of a third color when deciding how to complete the PX10 paint job.  I finally decided that I did not want to have pin stripping outlining the lugs.  This decision was a result of research.  Though I did see some PX10's with gold outlines around the lug work, most were unlined.

When painting the lugs a contrasting color, you absolutely must work towards the drop-off edge.  If you don't, the paint will run onto the surface that you do not want the second color to appear on.  If the paint does get on a surface that you don't want covered, use a soft cloth to wipe it off immediately!  And try again.  You will see that you will have time to repair little boo-boos as you go.  However, once the paint starts to dry - forget it.

Starting from the center, work towards the drop off edges and try to apply the paint as evenly as you can.  This should prove to be much easier to do since you will be working with smaller surfaces.  Again, you will understand what this means as you carefully apply the second color to the areas deemed worthy.  And the rule about not fussing still applies.  If you notice a missed spot later on, leave it and recoat after the paint has dried.  Late touch ups usually don't end up looking all that great.

Even though the black used to paint the lugs is a really good covering color, there might still be a certain amount of see through.  If so, just sand lightly and apply another color coat.  It is unlikely that you will need to apply a third but do so if it is warranted.  Again, take the finished frame set into the sunlight and inspect carefully.  If satisfied you are ready for either color number three or art work application.

Outline the lug work with a narrow strip of paint is a challenge but more than with-in the grasp of most people.  The lug edges will help to guide your paint application efforts.  The paint being applied is minimal and usually very easy to wipe off and do over as you go.  And the results will look absolutely great if done correctly.

Do not worry if the paint strip is not perfect.  Few vintage road bicycles had perfect pin striping outlining the lugs.  Just do you best and keep in mind that it is only paint and can be covered over if you really don't like the results.

Now I really had a tough time deciding to paint a third color on the PX10.  As mentioned, I am not sure that the lug work was actually outlined with gold paint.  Additionally, I am an older fellow and my vision is not what it used to be.  The first few attempts to apply the striping were failures simply because I could not see what I was doing.  This was no big deal and I simply wiped the gold paint off carefully and tried again.  Finally, I brought a magnifying glass with a built in light to town from my summer cottage, hoping that it would help with this find detail work.

I know that you are thinking - aha, a special and expensive tool.  Actually, the light/magnifying glass combination cost me two dollars at a yard sale and even though I didn't need it immediately, I figured that it might come in handy one day.

With paint application complete, it is time to turn one's attention to art work if any.  Art work, in the form of stickers, decals or rub-on transfers is the finishing touch to your Street Restored paint job.  Art work can be made at home using special paper, computer and color printer.  The shy is the limit when making your own art but there are hazards in doing so.  There are also speciality firms that are into reproducing art for bicycles and this is the route I went when finding acceptable art for my PX10.  And speaking of that old Peugeot.  Have a look at how it turned out...

SIXTIES SOMETHING PEUGEOT PX10