Author Topic: Powdercoat Finishes $?  (Read 2231 times)

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Offline thelowmax

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Powdercoat Finishes $?
« on: September 25, 2014, 09:13:36 AM »
Three questions...

So, I want to finish my frame. I have gotten several (4) bids for powdercoating ranging from $600 to $1000+. This seems outrageous to me. Is that the norm?

They say there's a lot of prep involved, and that's why it's so expensive. I'm a painter who specializes in historical restorations, so I know prep and I'm not seeing THAT much. What do they do to "prep" it?

Now, I'm stripping the frame and polishing it to a near mirror finish (chroming it, at $1200-2000, is out) but I still need to topcoat it. Anybody know where I can get a good powdercoat for less than what I paid for my bike? I'm in Boston.
What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)

Offline Mo

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #1 on: September 25, 2014, 09:33:27 AM »
Got quoted for just the frame at $150 including blasting and gloss black here in MI.

Offline calj737

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2014, 09:45:22 AM »
Typically they sandblast and check for rust, etc. Since you've done all the prep, the cost should be much lower. If you're willing to ship the frame, I'm sure there are many places much less expensive. There's a member here, Powderman, that is quite good but I believe he's in TN.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline edwardmorris

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2014, 12:35:05 PM »
+1 for Powderman. And if you don't want to ship it to him, PM him anyway and he'll help you find the best one in your area. He helped me track down the two best in my vicinity. I got the frame and everything that attaches to it for under $400.

Offline Vinhead1957

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2014, 01:12:06 PM »
I got my frame powdercoated for $125
Bradford Ma.  25 miles north of Boston

Offline thelowmax

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2014, 02:12:36 PM »
I got my frame powdercoated for $125
Bradford Ma.  25 miles north of Boston

Now we're talking! $125 seems more realistic. Can you give me some contact info? I really appreciate it.
What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)

Offline thelowmax

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2014, 02:15:26 PM »
Though I would like to talk to Powderman.  :)
What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)

Offline 754

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #7 on: September 25, 2014, 03:04:53 PM »
Wonder where he has been of late...hope all is well..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline martin99

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2014, 03:16:00 PM »
Just curious - as you are a specialist painter, why go with powdercoat? I know it's a big debate you might not want to get into, but with your skills why trust it to someone else?

I have two bikes on the road, both used regularly. One is powdercoated, the other is 2K. I don't really have a preference either way, both finishes are holding up well after six or seven years.
Build threads:
77 750F2 Refresh Project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144075.0
TRIBSA http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,160296.0.html

1977 CB750 F2
1958 Norton Model 99
2011 Triumph Street Triple 675

Offline Vinhead1957

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2014, 03:38:56 PM »

I got my frame powdercoated for $125
Bradford Ma.  25 miles north of Boston

Now we're talking! $125 seems more realistic. Can you give me some contact info? I really appreciate it.

Bradford Finishing and powder coating

2 south st Bradford MA

978 469 9965

It is a little tricky to find but well worth it



Offline RobbyD

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #10 on: September 25, 2014, 03:55:22 PM »
Wow that's insanley high.  I am in a different state but I couldn't imagine prices being that far off

I had my frame, swing arm, top triple and brake caliper done for 300  in candy blue by a local guy. 
« Last Edit: September 25, 2014, 03:58:20 PM by RobbyD »

Offline albertaboy

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #11 on: September 25, 2014, 04:16:32 PM »
Wow, $125.??  :o  Be happy you are not up here.... 

I paid $550 for the frame and parts like swing arm, all brackets, triple tree, both stands, brake arm, chain guard- all needed to be sandblasted. This was a cash deal as long as I didn't ask for a receipt.
1975 CB750K
No where to go and all day to get there.
My build thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=131424.0

Offline calj737

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #12 on: September 25, 2014, 05:17:11 PM »
Wow, $125.??  :o  Be happy you are not up here.... 

I paid $550 for the frame and parts like swing arm, all brackets, triple tree, both stands, brake arm, chain guard- all needed to be sandblasted. This was a cash deal as long as I didn't ask for a receipt.
And that's pretty reasonable, AB. I pay comparable rates for my work but the quality is very, very high.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #13 on: September 25, 2014, 06:21:38 PM »
Wonder where he has been of late...hope all is well..

He's around, I'm shipping him some RD350 parts soon.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline thelowmax

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2014, 07:12:00 AM »

I got my frame powdercoated for $125
Bradford Ma.  25 miles north of Boston

Thanks a lot.

Just curious - as you are a specialist painter, why go with powdercoat? I know it's a big debate you might not want to get into, but with your skills why trust it to someone else?

I have two bikes on the road, both used regularly. One is powdercoated, the other is 2K. I don't really have a preference either way, both finishes are holding up well after six or seven years.

I would powder coat it myself but the frame is too big for any oven I might have to use. I prefer to powder coat it because, I have used spray paints (though not K2. I'll have to check it out) , but have found that clear, on raw metal, still has a tendency to rust. I don't understand why but it's happened several times to me.

Now we're talking! $125 seems more realistic. Can you give me some contact info? I really appreciate it.

Bradford Finishing and powder coating

2 south st Bradford MA

978 469 9965

It is a little tricky to find but well worth it




And just for the record... The company rep  I spoke to about chroming my frame told me that of the $1200-$2000 estimate, 2/3 of that or more is prep. With my frame stripped and polished, the chroming would be around $500. That's pretty good considering the cost compared to powder coating. However, after much thought, I think chrome would be a hassle in the long run, and polishing is cooler anyway. Top coat it is!! Thanks guys!
What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)

Offline 754

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #15 on: September 26, 2014, 08:26:18 AM »
A riding buddy back in the late 70,s nickle plated his  750 frame.. Like his Champion dirt track frame.
 Chrome has higher buildup, and sometimes embrittlement issues.
 Nickle looks a bit mellower, but gets a bit tarnished at times..on a trip to LA he was polishing it often.
 
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline nicks2319

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #16 on: September 26, 2014, 09:52:47 AM »
Just paid $250 for sandblasting and powdercoating for a cb500 frame in Youngstown, OH.

Offline Vinhead1957

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #17 on: September 26, 2014, 01:41:34 PM »
That price was for a prepared frame and swing arm stripped and clean

Offline chewbacca5000

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #18 on: September 26, 2014, 02:03:04 PM »
Powdercoaters do no discount for stripping as they always reblast anyhow.  Some might give a partial discount.  Frames run around $275 blast and coat and swing arm is $75 to $100 blast and coat.  Swing arms are more as they are heavier chunks of steel and take much longer.  Bearings need to be out as the oil turns into a vapor and ruins the finish and makes mess in oven.

At $125 dude probably throws it into a 700 degree burn off oven.  Some say that is not so good for the metal.

I'd say around $350 is a reasonable price.  $125 or $600 is not.


Offline Garage_guy_chris

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #19 on: September 26, 2014, 10:26:43 PM »
I have talked to some shops up here in the great white north and if you want, black or white or some other "common generic color" they will often do it cheaper then doing some custom color where they have to order a specialty powder for your 1 time job....

Overall i have decided to just go with 2K paint on mine, i did 2k (PPG MTK) on my 71 CB450 and its been on the road for 4 years and it still looks good as new.

My biggest logic is if i ever need to do a repair of any kind the paint is much easier to deal with then powder.

But Im also a cheap a$$ and like to do my own work as i dont tend to trust other people with my stuff.
1971 Cb450 Cafe  (on the road)
1974 Cb750 Restomod (on the road)

Offline Sandy

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #20 on: September 27, 2014, 08:40:37 AM »
Howdy all:

I would recommend www.tomscyclerecycling.com which is very near your home.  He has done black and silver on my 1100F and the upper triple tree top from my 1969 SOHC and his price and his work is above excellent.  I recommend him highly.  Go try his website.
JohnD
1982 CBX; 1982 CB1100RC; 1983 CB1100F; 1969 CB750

Offline thelowmax

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #21 on: September 27, 2014, 10:21:53 AM »
I have talked to some shops up here in the great white north and if you want, black or white or some other "common generic color" they will often do it cheaper then doing some custom color where they have to order a specialty powder for your 1 time job....

Overall i have decided to just go with 2K paint on mine, i did 2k (PPG MTK) on my 71 CB450 and its been on the road for 4 years and it still looks good as new.

My biggest logic is if i ever need to do a repair of any kind the paint is much easier to deal with then powder.

But Im also a cheap a$$ and like to do my own work as i dont tend to trust other people with my stuff.

I'm actually thinking the same as you. Chrome is out. After seeing a pipe with a ding at the bend that had become crusty and rusty, I thought about not only the look of the finish but the ability to repair it if compromised. And with all the variables of powder coating, from prep to cost, I am leaning toward the 2k as well. I think I feel better about painting it myself and possibly messing it up, than paying for anything less than perfect. Though with the 2k, the cost and repercussions will be minimal. You see, I too am a cheap a$$ and am proud of it. Expensive doesn't always mean the best for me and my MO.

That's it. I have made my decision. Mirror polished frame with 2k clear coat.

Thanks for the help everybody. I'll post pics as I go.
What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)

Offline thelowmax

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #22 on: September 29, 2014, 03:17:28 PM »
So, one more thing... I have discovered a powder coating shop recently opened right near me. They do nice work, with a lot of variety, and a reasonable price, $75 an hour. Unfortunately, they informed me of something I had some suspicions about but never asked. They say that, even though the metal is mirror polished, the process (electricity,powder,heat?), will discolor the metal and give it a darker patina. Anybody ever clear powder coat bare metal?
What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)

Offline calj737

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #23 on: September 29, 2014, 04:10:05 PM »
They should not meet to heat your frame any higher than 400 degrees. At that heat, your frame should not discolor. Stainless, yes, it will turn a light "gold" tint with heating during the powder coat or ceramic coating process. But your frame is a different metal altogether and if they are not an industrial coater, than they should be able to limit their ovens to a much lower temp.

If you're overly concerned, try a test piece like your side stand or center stand. They're slightly different metals, but the effects to them should be similar to your frame.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline tomk1960

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Re: Powdercoat Finishes $?
« Reply #24 on: September 29, 2014, 08:18:44 PM »
Howdy all:

I would recommend www.tomscyclerecycling.com which is very near your home.  He has done black and silver on my 1100F and the upper triple tree top from my 1969 SOHC and his price and his work is above excellent.  I recommend him highly.  Go try his website.

Thanks so much for such a great recommendation.  Unfortunately, frames are the one thing I don't do.  My blast cabinet and oven aren't quite big enough to accomodate a full frame, but I sent a PM to the OP for a shop in the area that does great work on MC frames.

Regarding price - $600-$1000 is outrageous, especially since a lot of the prep work will be done in this particular case.  On the other hand, anyone charging $125 to blast and PC isn't making much money.  It takes a good blaster 1-2 hours just to blast a frame.  Then it has to be washed and outgassed before zinc primer, color coat, and clear coat.  Most old frames have some rust, so even after blasting, a coat of zinc primer is highly recommended.  The clearcoat isn't a must, but it adds a nice depth to the color.

A good shop that does the job right (blasting included) will get at least $250 and upwards of $400.  Some will probably do the swingarm and center stand as well.  I'm not saying that the guys paying $125 got a bad job, but being a powder coater myself, I can't imagine taking the time to do a job like that properly for such a low price.  It really is a LOT of work.

Tom
« Last Edit: September 29, 2014, 08:20:31 PM by tomk1960 »
2001 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic
1984 VF1000F Interceptor
1983 CB1100F Super Sport
1983 VF750F Interceptor
1982 CB900F Super Sport
1978 GL1000
1977 GL1000
1974 CB750 Four

www.tomscyclerecycling.com