Powder coat, Polish, or paint?

[rcookscowen]

So...

I've stripped my delta v back to metal... But, what now?

Would you...

Polish it? And if so, how, and would u lacquer it?
Paint it,... I've got a compressor, so self done
Powder coat it... There's a local place, but fear may be more than the bikes worth!? Anyone any idea of costs ?

Thanks for any opinions or advice.....

 

[saccades]

Paint is less durable unless you go the full 2 pack automotive stuff in an oven.

Powdercoat should be cheap if you get it put in with another job (which limits your colours) and its tough.

Personally I don't like polished (Powdercoated my chrome bike).

 

[Relliott6879]

Powder coating isn't particularly dear, I've just had a load of car bits done for £60, but I believe you need to be careful about the heat levels if it's a heat-treated aluminium frame. I saw a thread discussing it the other day but I can't remember if it was on here or Singletrack World.

 

[RickTheUncivil]

expect to pay around £50 for a powdercoat job, maybe less if you have done all the prep but who can say. Lots have done it and pretty much always its ace. tip- protect the threads!

lots of threads on here about how to polish, search around, lots of useful tips. Probably dont need to lacquer but wax seems to help protect the finish.

Paint is paint, if you know what you are doing then you should get a decent finish, but as above might be a bit less durable than the alternatives.

what other kit you thinking about? any colour ideas?

 

[rcookscowen]

Re:

Powder coating sounds tempting then... Howe do I protect the threads? Colour wise, not over fussy really, so if they have something nice going in maybe I can jump in!

Want to keep the head shock in, I know it's credo, but want to keep it in... Then xt gear throughout and some retro mavic rims and hubs.. I'm struggling to find a full v900 decal set at the moment...found cannondale ones but not v900....

 

[saccades]

Re:

If the powdercoaters are used to threads, they'll have a tape, you'll just have to point out the bits to cover, also remember the headset cups will need masking too.

Everything will have to come off the bike as it's cooked at over 200 degrees or sommat.

 

[rcookscowen]

Re:

Cool thanks a lot. There's a place local I'll pay them a visit see what they say....cups are out already as one was damaged anyway

 

[saccades]

Re:

It's actually an good idea to stick the damaged cups back (and bolts into threads like bottle cage ones) as they stop the powdercoat going where you don't want it and you don't have to bother about them getting destroyed by the heat

 

[rcookscowen]

good idea... ta..