i read someplace around here on a thread that hand painted is not as much of a theft deterrent as people sometimes think. it won't hide it if your bike has spiffy components.

that being said i think hand painted can look awesome the trick is not to try and make it look like a professional paint job but make it look fun and artistic and unique. when i get around to painting my bmx i plan to use enamel paint pens and draw all over the bike. i plan on the bike as my canvas and to paint it and draw on it to express myself.