Topic: Any of y'all ever powder coat your own frame?

[Patrick]

I'm thinking of doing it, but I was wondering if anybody has come up with a low-cost heating source to cure the paint? I suppose I could build a kiln in the back yard, but that probably wouldn't go well with the neighbors, much less the lovely and effervescent ball-and-chain.

Thanks,

Patrick

[Terry in Australia]

Best of luck mate, but I think it's probably cheaper and easer to get it done professionally. Also, powder coat is a bastard to get off, so if you stuff it up, you're gonna regret it for a long time..............Cheers, Terry.

[750goes]

You need an over or kiln I believe with 200 celcius for however long to bake the powder coating - take it to a professional - no environmental issues for you and if they mess it up, they get to do it again .and for the cost- shop around till you can find one at the right price for your budget..

[supersport_CB400F]

I had all the black metal parts (28 or so) blasted and done for 180 quid, I don’t think I could buy a big oven for that amount let alone the blasting equipment.

[jrrobertsjr]

Frame???

Heck I even had my tank powder coated.

The tanks was 30 bucks vs. 300 to have it painted.

The tank badges were powdered and then I took a flat file and removed the powder on the top edge.

I'm not building any show bike but powder was the best choice for me.

Johnny out.

[gtyler5]

jr, that is looking like a show bike to me, that looks really sharp! nice work.

[cbjunkie]

love the wiring diagram!!

[RRRToolSolutions]

I've had at least 10 frames powdercoated in the last 5 years. It is some major tough stuff and when done right, all kind of finishes can be achieved. I've seen sparkle (like metal flake), wrinkle finish, flat, and high gloss. The quality of powder and the oven make all the difference. The part has to be completely free of all oils and grease, the powder put on sparingly, and the cure done in the oven for the right time and temperature. My coater washes everything in acetone and then bakes the parts before ever starting with the powder. Even then, we've had a couple of parts run and orange-peel from contamination. There are some aluminum parts and areas around weld that just keep oozing grease and oil if not completely clean. Paint is more forgiving in that area.

Having said all I did about the cautions, when right - you can enjoy years of worry-free coating that should stand-up to rocks, fuel, and fading.

Here's 4 different frameswith high-gloss powder.

[bill440cars]

            Ilbikes,
                      the bikes, you are building, are totally awesome! Was the 1st one a Kaw? I was noticing
            the swingarm on that one cause it's quite impressive!

                                                        Later on, Bill

[RRRToolSolutions]

Bill, call me Gordon - That 1st pic is my 1974 H2B 750 drag bike with a braced/extended 3" over stock swingarm which has been hard-chromed - no polish, the 2nd is my 1974 H2B 750 restoration, the 3rd is the CB750 I just finished, and the last one is my 1975 H2C 750 restoration. I like powdercoat. It's tough and after the time and expense of restoring these old bikes - I like the idea of powdercoat as a finish that will long outlast me. My son or grandkids can sell these things long after I'm gone - the powdercoat should still be shining......

 

 

[Patrick]

I was asking because I'm starting to powder coat a bunch of my smaller parts - brake calipers, pedals, brake brace bar, et. - and they look so nice afterward that I would really like to do the whole frame. I use a toaster oven to cure the small stuff. I've heard of using heat lamps to cure a large object, like a frame, but I don't know anybody whose actually done it so I don't know how well - or if - that works.

I could pay someone to powder coat my frame for me, but most of the fun I get from this avocation is doing everything myself. My cycle will never win any shows, but it looks pretty darn good, if I do say so myself, and it's all my work. 

Maybe I could stack a bunch of cinderblocks around a campfire....

Thanks for all the responses.

Patrick

[mb3000gt]

have any pics of the parts you coated yourself? i've been considering getting a powder gun. doing large parts, like a frame, seems like it would be too much trouble. some use IR heat lamps, but they only do a section at a time requiring you to constantly reposition the lamp. let us know what you find.