DIY Lug Lining

I'm getting a frame painted, and I've opted to do the lug lining myself, to save money and i think i'll enjoy doing it. Ive done some research and seen some people have gotten some pretty good results with decocolor pens and post pens, especially compared to the lug work on some factor finished frames.. when i paint my lugs i won't be applying clear coat on top, was wondering if anyone else had experience using these pens? Or any other pens? I hear that Posca is water based, will that wear off quickly, i know technically it should but even on their website they say its water resistant, and clear coat is only an added recommendation to prolong the paint, which it would be in any case.

Also, if your reading this thread to learn about budget lugwork, heres a pretty cool link..

http://lovelybike.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/pinstriping-lugs-on-your-bicycle.html

Please share your knowledge and pics!

I've never used these pens you mention. But i achieved good results with Humbrol enamel paint and microbrushes. Very cheap too. I sprayed afterwards with Halford lacquer which is for car bodywork.

Patience is absolutely key and I'm sure that's the same with the pens.

Did you UTFS? I expect there's a thread already.

http://www.velo-heaven.co.uk/products/lug-lining-pen-for-bicycle-frame-rebuilds-restorations

I've used enamel and brush like cardigan and paint pens. I think the paint pen job was better, although when I used a brush I didn't have a work stand and kept getting stuck through the frame...

I went to an artsy shop and asked for a fine white paint marker suitable for metals. Still on!

Thanks for the replies guys, is there a way i can get notified when one of you replies, as i thought no one had reponded! +El_sabor +OneLessCardigan +Scilly.Suffolk

Also do i have to tag you guys names or can you just see it anyway? Im kind of new here.Lug lining pen looks like a great tool, may have to go for that now!
+OneLessCardigan did you get good results with the lacquer? Im scared that it'll run over my new paint job, but i know its a must for putting decals/lug linings on anyway.

is there a way i can get notified when one of you replies

When you reply to a thread, you automatically "follow" it (near the top of the page on the right-hand side, there is a follow/unfollow button): if you click on "following" in the menus at the top and bottom of the page, you will be shown a list of everything you are following and anything with a new reply will be highlighted.

Also do i have to tag you guys names or can you just see it anyway?

If you use the "reply" button at the bottom right of each post, then that person will see it in their following list too.

This also creates a "conversation": if you click on "in reply to" (at the top of a post), you will be shown all the linked posts. Useful in general threads like Current Projects or Bike Porn where several subjects are being discussed at the same time.

Or you can tag someone using +username/@username as you've done above.

Neither are strictly necessary, as each time a thread gets a reply, it is bumped to the top of the forum: from the top or bottom menus, click on "forums", then click on "conversations" on the right-hand side to see all threads with new content.

You can also click on "today" to see everything new, including new users etc.

I'm voting for Humbrol Enamels, I did mine a few years ago and I think it looks ok, just take your time and use a decent quality thin brush. Keep tissue handy to wipe any excess immediately and you'll not need thinners to clean up.

Here's my Holdsworth

Thanks for the info scilly suffolk, very helpful.

Alkali, that looks awesome! It held up great for a few years ago, did you clear coat it?

no coating, just one layer, uncoated

Looks good!

As well as having some tissue handy I had a razor blade to carefully scrape excess away - got to be careful of the original paintwork though.

don't coat it. just keep the pen/paint and touch up once in a while.
consider using nail varnish. they come in all kinds of crazy disco glitter effects and with a handy little brush that might be a good size for lug lining.

I've read, possibly on Classic Lightweights (?) someone describing using long bristled brushes like a signwriter (fine, obv) and a signwriting enamel that can be cleanly removed if you do it straight after making a mistake.

Classic Lightweights someone describing using long bristled brushes like a signwriter

Skully: good recollection

also you could use a lining pen
lining pen available from here
I was after more complex results on a bike for my wife so I had a professional do it.

[shown before clearcoat]
after clearcoat

Hi @BigBlock

Wow^, thought box-lining was a dead art ... you're lucky to have someone who offers it down under.

Yes, thanks for checking classic lightweights. Guess the key quote is

The paint I used was One-shot-enamel and I bought it on line from a company called Paints4u. https://www.paints4u.com/Default.aspx

PS what on earth is that extension on the fork?!

Mount for a snow plough, obvs.

The nail varnish might work but the brush they come with is way too big.

@OneLessCardigan @BigBlock Haha maybe more like a canetoad plough for Oz.

I was guessing maybe some kind of tagalong, but can't see need for front ends if so.

Malvern Star are like the Bates of Oz so it's bound to be something mad good.

Looks to be something like:

http://www.oldbike.eu/museum/1940s/1950s/1950-malvern-star-streamlyne/

the oldbike site copied much from the Australian site (there are some details which are inconsistent with my investigations)
the ladies bike was marketed from 1948 as 'streamlined, glamorous and exciting'
This was the first version, the New Look. It was then marketed as the Streamlyne, then in 1953 as the Coronation, then in 1954 as the Elizabethan (painted red, white and blue), for Queen Elizabeth's visit to Australia.
The full story is at this thread
My 1948 Spearman has similar box-lining and feathers.