How to create a custom paintjob (very detailed)

[burosky]

Originally Posted by gunnd5000

first one screams texas way too much but the head one looks class,could we get some more pictures of that one?

Here's the link to the rest of the pics of that black head racket. In case you are wondering, that is a Microgel Radical Pro.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showp...&postcount=163

Yeah, the first racket does have the colors for Texas but that is really based on the flag of the Philippines. For reference, I added the flag next to "Pilipinas" which is how it is spelled locally.

[craniopath]

I wonder whether any one has used spray bumper paint to paint his/her racquet and to what success. It sounds ideal in theory but

thanks in advance

[burosky]

Originally Posted by craniopath

I wonder whether any one has used spray bumper paint to paint his/her racquet and to what success. It sounds ideal in theory but

thanks in advance

Not sure what difference is between bumper paint and regular automotive paint but I suppose it would. Just make sure to apply primer first before spraying the paint on. Let us know your results.

By the way, to those who might be curious about how my all black Head Microgel Radical Pro plays, it didn't feel any different to me. The only thing I noticed was a couple of paint chips around the throat. I think this may be the result of not allowing each coating of paint to fully dry. When I did this I just let the paint dry overnight then applied the next coat. Next time I do a paint job I will be more patient. I will wait at least 2 - 3 days before applying coats. I wish I had one of those infrared lights that cures the paint.

[tekjukka]

did anyone's racquets smell like paint even weeks after customizing them. or is that only if you used spray paint. did the smell go away?

[Roadway]

Wow, great job! This is exactly what i am looking for!

[Sanavan]

Awesome! I will try on some old racquet I have and will post pictures...

[rincode]

Awesome! Thanks!

[TopspinAce]

Originally Posted by rincode

Awesome! Thanks!

Agreed sir

[subz]

This is a good thread. I have one question, I just got an old iPrestige for 17 dollars and the paint is all chipped and horrible. Can I just spray paint black color over the original paint. Will it stick ?

[burosky]

Originally Posted by subz

This is a good thread. I have one question, I just got an old iPrestige for 17 dollars and the paint is all chipped and horrible. Can I just spray paint black color over the original paint. Will it stick ?

I would guess it will stick. However, your finished paint job will not be smooth because of the chips it already had. Most likely, you will not be happy with the results. I would suggest taking the time to sand the old paint off, spray on some primer, spray on your desired paint color then do several coats of clear coat to protect your paint job. Be liberal with the clear coat. You will be happier when you are done.

Don't forget to show us your finished paint job.

[Hannah19]

This week I'm doing a custom "Stealth" paintjob on a MAX 200G.
I stripped it with a chemical paint remover, sanded it down with 400 sandpaper, sprayed it with matt black heat resistant paint and after 24hours I took out the old paintstripper and heated the frame to cure the paint. Looks awesome!!!
No primer because that did'nt go well with the heat resistant paint.

[diredesire]

Originally Posted by Hannah19

This week I'm doing a custom "Stealth" paintjob on a MAX 200G.
I stripped it with a chemical paint remover, sanded it down with 400 sandpaper, sprayed it with matt black heat resistant paint and after 24hours I took out the old paintstripper and heated the frame to cure the paint. Looks awesome!!!
No primer because that did'nt go well with the heat resistant paint.

I hope that MAX200G was in bad condition to begin with

[Taxvictim]

Thank you to everyone who contributed advice in this thread. I painted one of my racquets to match my wife's BMW. The tips here were very helpful, especially the info about the clear and white water-slide decals.

Here's a thread with many photos: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=428555

[Taxvictim]

In the future, I will skip the sanding and paint removal steps. Just spraying the primer directly on a clean frame should be enough. I say this because I have two new chips in my painted frame, and both chips are deeper than the original paint job. That suggests that I made the surface weaker through sanding and paint removal, even with all the new paint and clear coat.

[cocarrot]

Originally Posted by Taxvictim

In the future, I will skip the sanding and paint removal steps. Just spraying the primer directly on a clean frame should be enough.

Don't recommend that at all, skipping sanding and paint removal will dramatically change the balance of any frame. Spraying a few coats of primer, colour and clear coat is like adding extra weight to the head of a frame. You just need to do the sanding and paint removal very carefully if you are willing to keep the specs of the racket after you are finished with your custom paintjob. Sic!

[scotus]

Originally Posted by Taxvictim

In the future, I will skip the sanding and paint removal steps. Just spraying the primer directly on a clean frame should be enough. I say this because I have two new chips in my painted frame, and both chips are deeper than the original paint job. That suggests that I made the surface weaker through sanding and paint removal, even with all the new paint and clear coat.

Have you actually tried spraying primer directly over a clean frame?

I am asking because I have heard the primer would not stick very well.

If primer does adhere to the clear coat, then that would be far more convenient, especially if one does not mind a slightly heavier frame.

[markjmccormick]

do you think any local hardware or paint stores will do this?

[burosky]

Originally Posted by scotus

Have you actually tried spraying primer directly over a clean frame?

I am asking because I have heard the primer would not stick very well.

If primer does adhere to the clear coat, then that would be far more convenient, especially if one does not mind a slightly heavier frame.

Just thought I'd share. Since I'm not concerned about altering the specs of the racket I'm working on, I didn't bother with removing the existing paintjob. Before spraying the primer though I sprayed it with paint adhesive first. I got that advise from a guy in the auto paint shop where I got my paint. The primer and paint I've sprayed on seems to be holding up really well. I am now done with the painting. Nothing fancy though. I'm in the process of deciding what graphics, logos and labels to add to it before applying the clear coat. By the way, I experimented a little bit by using rubberized undercoating to the hoop of the frame. It resulted in a textured rubberized finish. With the clear coat I'm sure it will lose the rubberized feel. As usual I will post pics when I am done.

[MilkBender]

is it just me or does paint stripping take forever? I'm using the steel wool and it's been 3 hours, the paint on the middle of the head is not coming off at all

[burosky]

Here are pics of my latest paint job. The previous one I had was an all black Microgel Radical Pro. That was from a pair that I used in the past. This is the other that I just finished. As I stated from my previous post, the textured rubberized finish from the rubberized undercoating would probably lose the rubberized feel. Unfortunately, my guess was right.