If you’re ever getting a frame repaired, repainted or custom made and you’re told it’s “in paint” you can usually be prepared to wait. It’s as if scheduling and planning are of no interest to the painters. I think it’s for two reasons: The painters never have to answer the phone, and they may be suffering the cumulative effects of all those volatile chemicals.

But here’s D’s frame “in paint.”

The white is the base coat and the butterflies are masking the white from the light blue to dark blue fade that will be applied from the tape back. The front will be totally masked off in paper first.

When the masking is removed the butterflies will form a jagged break from the white to the blue fade. This portrays her dream of riding through a swarm(?) of butterflies, and wouldn’t that be a happy sight?

Then D will hand paint some detail on the butterflies, the frame will be clearcoated, and it will be ready to build up. Parts kit will be Ultegra SL.