Topic: Paint vs. Powdercoating the frame

[Bokeh]

Lookin for a little advise.  Finally ready to start stripping the frame and smoothing out the welds.  Already talked to a powdercoating company here, but wanted to see if anyone had some advice.  The bike will be ridden frequently.  I was wondering which would be more beneficial Powedercoating the frame or painting it and covering with a clear-coat.  I thought maybe the clear coat would allow me to buff out rock scratches etc. where if the powdercoat gets chipped/scratched I'm not sure how easily that could be fixed. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Powder is more durable. My coater also did a clear coat.

[BobbyR]

With a 7 buck can of Rustoleum glass black enamel you can get a nice hard finish that will touch up very easily.

[Bokeh]

Thanks for the replies.  I want to have it done by a pro as I want to get a black finish but with a pearlescent gold flake.  I asked about a clear coat with the company I talked to and they stated they didn't do that.  I had seen a company online that does do the clear coat over the powder coat. 

Thanks!

[chewbacca5000]

Thanks for the replies.  I want to have it done by a pro as I want to get a black finish but with a pearlescent gold flake.  I asked about a clear coat with the company I talked to and they stated they didn't do that.  I had seen a company online that does do the clear coat over the powder coat. 

Thanks!

Flake, candy and metallic can be difficult without expensive equipment so alot of PCers try to stay away from it.

[Retro Rocket]

Thanks for the replies.  I want to have it done by a pro as I want to get a black finish but with a pearlescent gold flake.  I asked about a clear coat with the company I talked to and they stated they didn't do that.  I had seen a company online that does do the clear coat over the powder coat. 

Thanks!

Flake, candy and metallic can be difficult without expensive equipment so alot of PCers try to stay away from it.

The ones that usually do the custom powder finishes usually specialize in it, I have one local to me... Don't get a normal old industrial powder coaters to do custom finishes.

[chewbacca5000]

I have the equipment to do custom power. Candy and metal flake.  I don't want to mess with pearl as many are not 100% happy with it.

If any of you guys want some small stuff done in something cool like a silver vein or bonded silver metal flake let me know.  I am looking to build up my custom powder collection.  I'd be happy to do up a box for you for the cost of 1 lbs + 1lb to build up my supply of powder.

Not interested in gloss black, but tuscan or satin black would be fine.

Google up silver vein powder and you will see some really cool pics.  This stuff is perfect for brackets and top clamps.

[nixon]

imho paint. its durable, good finish and doesnt chip or crack as much.
its easy to repaint if need be and doesnt trap water and rust underneath
do like powder coating on my outdoor laundry rack though

[Bokeh]

Thanks for the replies.  Gateway powdercoating here does Flake and Pearlescent.  However they dont do a clear coat.  Also, since I have cut off the rear frame crossmember/seat stay and will be having it re-welded and a new shock tower bolt fabbed and welded,  I will be sanding out all the welds and smoothing out the frame before finishing it.  If I have it painted at least I can use a little filler to make it really smooth.  Still weighing the two paths but leaning towards paint.  I had some bad experiences with powdercoating on a CJ-7 I had.  Granted they were ordered parts powder coated probably in China (LOL)  but as soon as a little moisture got behind the powder coat, it all came off like paper (after a few years).  But my main concern has been repair.  I want the bike to show well but I will be riding it all the time thus scratches and nicks will have to be dealt with.  Thats why I figured paint plus clear coat would allow me to buff out some scrathces and touch up some others. 

Chewbacca.  Thanks for the offer but I dont want to deal with shipping.  BTW I checked out the thread you attached.  Nice work!!  Did you ever finish all the tanks you had?  Great info as well.  I would love to learn painting as well.  I have a compressor and a gravity feed sprayer,  but this project cant wait for me to learn that yet.  If/when I give it a go I will definitely be going back to that thread for help.

[BobbyR]

I have the equipment to do custom power. Candy and metal flake.  I don't want to mess with pearl as many are not 100% happy with it.

If any of you guys want some small stuff done in something cool like a silver vein or bonded silver metal flake let me know.  I am looking to build up my custom powder collection.  I'd be happy to do up a box for you for the cost of 1 lbs + 1lb to build up my supply of powder.

Not interested in gloss black, but tuscan or satin black would be fine.

Google up silver vein powder and you will see some really cool pics.  This stuff is perfect for brackets and top clamps.

I was wondering. Does powder coat resist brake fluid? I think if you remove the rubber parts the heat should not be as issue. A satin black would look more original.

[chewbacca5000]

I have the equipment to do custom power. Candy and metal flake.  I don't want to mess with pearl as many are not 100% happy with it.

If any of you guys want some small stuff done in something cool like a silver vein or bonded silver metal flake let me know.  I am looking to build up my custom powder collection.  I'd be happy to do up a box for you for the cost of 1 lbs + 1lb to build up my supply of powder.

Not interested in gloss black, but tuscan or satin black would be fine.

Google up silver vein powder and you will see some really cool pics.  This stuff is perfect for brackets and top clamps.

I was wondering. Does powder coat resist brake fluid? I think if you remove the rubber parts the heat should not be as issue. A satin black would look more original.

It has alot more resistance to anything that comes out of a spray can.  When you cure powder it cross-links the polymer molecules to made a very strong chemical resistant bond.  Satin probably does look more original.  I like some of the more exotic stuff as just plain black gets boring.