Remember those painters in your life that make you look like a superstar. Stop treating them like your cousin that you took to the prom. These folks aren't just subcontractors. They're your dancing partner. No more "Best in Paint" awards going to the name on the down tube when that's not who squirted the paint. Don't expect Hallmark to have a card yet and don't send flowers because they don't do well in the fumes. Hook up your Tyvek suited brothers and sisters up with candy, chocolates, cookies, beer, or vice du jour. Most importantly recognize the fact that without their craft nobody would be buying yours and thank these people accordingly.
Paint is a big part of the process for us. I find it the place where a frame becomes a bicycle. I also believe it to be very rewarding as it's the final realization of a plan.
Sure it's one thing to take a small piece of steel plate, file it to shape and braze it onto either side of the seat lug so that the seat stays fit properly, but honestly no one will ever see and few will ever realize it.
Paint is where it all comes together and creates a whole object. We really enjoy meeting with the painter and discussing various options, colors, and approaches for finishes and final effects.
It's fun and tasty - like icing on a cake.
We've been fortunate enough to work with a couple of different painters and are appreciative for what they bring to the table and how our stuff looks when they're finished.
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