Re: [CR] paint colors for old frames (was re: Argos)

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

References: <7b8a4.147511d5.39452d17@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2010 13:30:36 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Anthony Taylor" <ajft1942@yahoo.com>
To: FujiFish1@aol.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <7b8a4.147511d5.39452d17@aol.com>
Cc: chasds@mindspring.com
Subject: Re: [CR] paint colors for old frames (was re: Argos)


In England in the late '50s and '60s pastel colors were very popular. I am refurbishing a '55 Hetchins which was pastel blue with off-white contrasts and red lug lining. Although this is not my 1st choice, I am maintaining the original color scheme. The only thing I pray for is that lilac does not come back!! I can tolerate pink or even salmon pink, but not lilac. One of our club hot-shots had a lilac Hetchins. Ugh!

Tony Taylor Manchester NH

________________________________ From: "FujiFish1@aol.com" <FujiFish1@aol.com> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Cc: chasds@mindspring.com Sent: Sat, June 12, 2010 2:33:59 PM Subject: Re: [CR] paint colors for old frames (was re: Argos)

But what to do if authenticity means using a signature color like  Bianchi celeste, or Torpado "true" celeste (as in "sky" blue)?  There are  many others that are lighter like this.  But maybe you are referring  to old English bikes only, and my experience is lacking there.

Ciao, Mark Agree Southfield, Michigan, USA ~ ~ ~

Date:  Sat, 12 Jun 2010 08:11:34 -0700 From: "Charles Andrews"  <chasds@mindspring.com> Subject: [CR] paint colors for old frames  (was re: Argos) To: _classicrendezvous@bikelist.org_ (mailto:classicrendezvous@bikelist.org)

This  thread about Argos, for some reason, reminded me of a conversation I had some  years ago at a Cirque, with Alexander von Tutschek..it was quite  enlightening.  We were discussing issues with repainting frames, while on  a ride, and Alexander opined as how in his experience, old frames look much  better in dark colors when they're repainted.  That the plausible  authenticity of any repaint is enhanced somehow by using dark colors rather  than lighter ones. 

This would be especially true if, for  instance, you were repainting a UK bike in that lovely soft black that you see  on, say, the occasional Mercian or Bob Jackson.  If this particular paint  color/style is done right, it'd be genuinely difficult to tell if the finish  was original or a repaint--although not impossible, of course.   

The general idea is valid for most any style of frame, from any  source.

I've since followed Alexander's advice on three or four frames,  with excellent results.  The frames give off a plausible authenticity  that they probably would not if they were painted in a lighter color.  Oddly, even when it's fairly obvious that the paint is new, the darker color,  somehow, projects a more authentic look.  I expect this is what Alexander  was referring to. I think it's also the case that darker colors are less  revealing of the differences between original paint and new paint...

At  any rate, worth considering the next time you're repainting something, if  authenticity is a criterion for satisfaction.

Charles Andrews
Los  Angeles