Im looking to give my road bicycle a new paint job, any advice on what type of spray paint to use?

im thinking a flat color, i want it durable obviously and to not scratch off.

Use a good automotive lacquer from the car parts store. Wheel lacquers are also incredibly tough but they may not come in a flat finish. Those are by far the best choice for what comes premixed in a spray can. Another cool alternative is something like the Hammerite paint....it dries to a textured crackle-ish surface like what you see on old woodshop power equipment. It comes in lots of colors and you can find it at most hardware stores. There are also some epoxy spray paints, but they usually come in 2 or 3 blah colors and in a glossy finish....they're very durable, though. Be sure to use a good clearcoat over the paint, and make sure it's compatible with the paint you use.

Plug all frame openings and holes before you spray. Paint bolt heads separately and put them back in the frame later. And no matter what the instructions on the can say, be sure to let everything dry for several days (a week isn't overkill) before you assemble anything...can't stress that enough, especially this time of year.

Keeping the finish on the metal takes some good prepwork on your part with sanding/brushing, and the correct primer. An automotive paint store can help you pick the best stuff. It's a lot of work, but if you take your time and use good products you can end up with a great paint job for not too much money. Depending on what you use and what supplies/tools you already have, you can do the job for $20-$50 easily. Have fun with it! :o)

If you are intent on doing it yourself, use automotive lacquer- a good brand is Duplicolor.

As you are preparing the frame keep in mind that paint won't fill scratches and nicks so good preparation is important. I suggest, if the frame is steel that you have it sandblasted or if it is aluminum that you have it shell-blasted to remove ALL the paint, then use a can of sandable primer over the bare metal- if you do a search in the discover section of Y!A there are many explanations of what to do.

HOWEVER, you will find it faster, cheaper, and better if you take the bare frame to a body shop, choose your color, and have them do it.

I've tried spray paints on bikes before. Once I even used primer first. It has scratched up very easily. My friends have had frames powder coated (costs about $75) and that has been very durable.

ask the ppl at trek bike shop