DIY: Up cycled Bike

This project took place nearly a year ago. For my 27th birthday I asked Mike to do a fix up job on my bike. My bike was in quite bad disrepair. Unfortunately I wasn't as on it with the 'before' and 'after' photos as I am now so I don't have any pictures of what it looked like prior to its make over. Basically it was a bit rusty, the tyres were tattered, and I had lost the bolts for the front wheel, (below is a picture of a bike in a similar state, although admittedly mine was a little worse). All in all, it needed to a good service and I was inspired by pictures on pinterest to give it a new coat of paint and a basket... or two! 

This was quite a lengthy process, and again I have no photos to show you of the process as I wasn't blogging at the time but its such a beautiful bicycle now I wanted to share it with you. 

1.First of all take the bike to pieces, leaving you with just the frame, photograph as you go to make sure you can get it all back together again.
2.Mask off any stickers, badges that you don't want to be painted but don't come off.
3.Rub down the frame gently with a abrasive pad.
4.In a well ventilated area, where the conditions are dry and warm spray the frame with a primer, I recommend rust-o-lume brand for spray paints.
5.Spray according to the instructions on the can.
6.Leave to dry for 12 hours 
7.Next do the first coat of the colour you have picked, again different spray paints may vary but they always have instructions on the can.
8.You may need to do a few coats and I recommend leaving 12 hour in between each coat, I know, I said it was a lengthy process!
9.Mike sprayed my bike a beautiful green and the wheel trims a contrasting white.
10.Give the wheels a good clean and replace tyres / inner tubes if necessary. Good bike servicing tips can be found on you tube.
11.Final but it all back together, place baskets in place and go for a test ride!!