Powder Coating

[Rawcas]

Hello all.

I've finally managed to get around to giving my 1994 Carrera a new lease of life, originally posted here:

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... sc&start=0

It's done me proud as a daily commuter but damaged paint, some rust and a need to replace many, many broken and worn out components has lead to me stripping the frame completely in preparation for the winter (or even the rest of this crappy rain soaked summer we are having!) with some nice new shiny bits and pieces to go back on afterwards.

I'm currently trying to get in touch with a couple of local Powder coating companies....is there anything I need to take into consideration regarding prep and stripping back original paint etc. before handing the bike over?

I know it needs to be grease free because of the heat involved but other than that I could do with some advice.

 

[Rampage]

Ignore!

 

[hamster]

It's best to ensure that they have done bikes before, and understand about masking-off threads, brake bosses etc.

Visiting helps you judge the setup - my favourite had several bike frames in the lobby, which was a good sign!

 

[GT-Steve]

most powdercoaters will be able to mix-media blast your frame, but be careful if it's aluminium....


I use nice big washers and though-bolts for the bb shell and headtube. If you have bottle bage bosses, then wind-in some old crappy bolts (not all the way, only 50-75%) as well as the brake bosses, rear mech hanger thread, and any other threads you might want to keep for mudguards and racks etc.

and then speak to the powder coater about the top of the seat tube as they do like to do things diffrerently,I've found, when it comes to this part..

hope that helps?

 

[Rawcas]

Spot on, that's really helpful guys.

Will know more tomorrow when I have a chat with a local company to me.

Will also grab some old bolts to cover the threads as suggested.

 

[We_are_Stevo]

With regard to the fitting of manky old bolts prior to coating...

...they come back all nicely colour-matched!

 

[Rawcas]

Colour coded bolts is a bonus, although I'll be going for some nice ano' bits and pieces to finish the frame.

Just had a good chat with the people local to me as well.

Apparently they do over a 100 frames a year, so plenty of experience and they have all the required bungs and seals for seat tubes and bottom bracket areas etc. £40 to blast clean, prep and then powder coat, bit a of a bargain I reckon....whatever the result I'll post some pics!

 

[Rampage]

What area are you in?

 

[Rawcas]

Northamptonshire

The company I've found is in Corby...they were actually recommended to me by an industrial Powder coater I happen to do business with.

 

[J i m s t e r]

£40 to blast clean, prep and then powder coat, bit a of a bargain I reckon

Indeed. Take their hand off!