So sorry to read this sad news. OCBC has painted many ghost bikes, several for
Sylvia Bingham, whose parents are a real inspiration for how to deal with deep sadness most proactively.
Take your time, and use good paint, and several coats. Glossy is nice. A rushed sloppy job looks like a bike stolen by clueless kids.
Choose a non-cloth seat that will take paint well.
Take the pedals off, or the chain, and probably lock it (as inconspicuously as possible) or it will get stolen eventually. We replace Sylvia's ghost bike each year before the anniversary of her death, when her parents come to town and organize a ride to the site.
Lay the bike on one side, let dry, then do the other. There will be lots of overspray. I have painted the bike in the street near the site, which made a reverse-image bike on the roadway, perhaps a bit too scary.
My condolences to your friends,
Jim
Jim Sheehan
Executive Director
Ohio City Bicycle Co-op
1840 Columbus Rd
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
216 830 2667OhioCityCycles.org