Painting a Specialized M2 team frame MMC and paint peel...

[masha]

I'm planning on restoring an early '90s team frame - its MMC and I've heard there were problems getting paint to stick to Metal Matrix Composite in the early days (reflected in the condition of the frame I have). I usually powder-coat my steel frames in solid primary colours these days, but being alloy am always weary of doing this especially to heat treated frames because of the re- heating process etc.

Due to the totally different construction used in MMC construction (AL and AL02) welds etc my questions to anyone that knows are:
- can M2 frames be safely powder-coated, and will the powder actually take to the frame long term?
- what is the best paint method and should I consider an etch primer prior to painting, or what is the best technique without costing the earth or wrecking this ex-team bike.

When completed - It will be a shelf queen (as I have another production M2 Team built up and running I have no intention of painting), and I will be asking Gill to do me all the original vinyl decals which is pretty easy as they are all plain yellow vinyl, for this project.

any advice appreciated.

 

[itscervo]

If you go down the route of wet paint always use a self etch primer, if you have to go premixed always make sure it is within the use by date, if theres no date do not buy it.

 

[masha]

Re:

thank thats handy advice appreciated

 

[Gaddmeister]

Re:

I bought an M2 that had been powdercoated and after its 5th ride, it cracked at the seat tube. Could be age, notorious for cracking there or the powder coat. I have the later M2 that is beefed up with gussets and a larger seat tube diameter. I hasten to add; it has original paint