[joe c]

i just got my frame back from the sand blaster and its going in to get welded up and braced. anyone have any opinions on powder coating vs painting a race frame?? i wanted to powder coat, but was told its not so great becasue of its hardness and when it comes time to grind, weld, repair etc....its a real bitch to get it off and retouch it. but i like the toughness of it. i can also paint myself. i do prefer the powder coating though.

anyone?? anyone??


jc

 

[Thunderbolt]

I would go with paint.With the powder coat it will be harder to detect any cracks that may develop.Also you will need to remove the powder coat wherever the frame is bolted together and for your ground.Anywhere that the powder coat is removed moisture can get between the metal and powder coat,then rust where you can,t see.

 

[joe c]

thanks for the thought.


jc

 

[rd400guy2002]

I think that you're doing the right thing by painting. Powder Coat is expnesive and if you ever do need to do frame work on the bike you need to chip that crap off, where you weld. With painting just use a good sealer before your shoot your base coat. That will keep the frame protected, for years to come. Consider also using expoy primmer, just because that crap is harder then crap to sand, and very chip resistant. Good Luck!
-Matt

 

[Thunderbolt]

Sounds like you are talking about alot of CRAP!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

 

[rd400guy2002]

Yeah painting a high quality pro paint job takes a lot of different chemicals, supplies, and mostly time. You'd be amazed at how much stuff I use just to paint a car.
-Matt

 

[joe c]

i have a fuji hvlp setup and there are tons of places around to buy paint. i think i'll give it a whirl. the powder coating benefit is that i dont have to do it.

the laquers i shoot with my sprayer are pretty toxic. i dont have anywhere near the environment i should have for spraying the stuff i do. and i know it can be smelled for probably a block or 2. its good to have understanding and passive neighbors!

jc

 

[rd400guy2002]

Just wear a good mask or a FAS (Fresh air System). I paint at night because You can't see the cloud rolling out of the paint booth exhaust fans as bad. Plus the neighboors are sleeping. Just be smart and careful painting. Those fumes are nasty!

 

[joe c]

eh....i spray this shit all of the time. they dont know the difference between cat laq and paint. im going to paint it.

thanks again

jc

 

[rd400guy2002]

Take some pictures! Whats colours you using?
-matt

 

[Britbiker]

Safe rules of thumb
Race Bike..... Paint
Show bike..... Chrome
Regular Bike...Powercoat
Chopper........All kinds of diffrent paint
Rat Bike.......Rust and Grease

 

[joe c]

right now most of what i spray is cat laq/ con var. i experiment with paints and other types of varnish occasionally. paint is alot easier to use than furniture grade cat laq. so many things can affect the finish. humidity, air density, pressure, viscosity etc....its like my own little 2stroke.

jc

 

[Britbiker]

The secret to painting is in the prep work. It's gotta be clean, and oil free. Another tip,if you have used any kind of silicone spray in the same building in the last month or so, don't bother painting, that stuff stays in the air forever.

 

[joe c]

do you think piles of saw dust in every concievable corner will be a problem?? thats a joke.

jc

 

[rd400guy2002]

Saw dust....nahhhh thats where my favorite phrase can come in handy. "You'll be able to rub that out" <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

 

[Britbiker]

Not a problem, it gives the finish that "stucco" look