Powdercoat - the poll

[Jonny69]

It's similar to powder coat, it's the method of applying the coating to the subject that's different. Ever seen film of car manufacture where the bodies are immersed in tanks of liquid and come out painted? That's EPD. It's a bit like electroplating except instead of the source of the plating being one of the electrodes, the coating particles are suspended in the liquid medium. Thickness of the coating is controlled by the current used.

That’s really interesting. Not come across that before

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrophoretic_deposition

 

[winjohn]

That’s really interesting. Not come across that before

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrophoretic_deposition

I have come across it three times in the last year.
First was a Genesis Equilibrim 725 steel frame, then my Spa Audax, again 725 steel, then on my Temple Cycles 525 steel. It does seem to give a very durable finish.

 

[LondonClassic]

First time I saw electrophoretic paint was on this Cinelli:

https://www.cinellibicycles.co.uk/shop/bikes-frames/hobootleg-red-bike/

Looks similar to powdercoat but as its immersed its covered inside and out - should make it very robust as a corrosion barrier. I think it falls under the banner of 'paint'.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

The Spa frame finish is lovely.

 

[3wheeler7]

Never, ever, should powder coat be applied to bare metal. Sandblast/shotblast, clean & degrease, etch prime then powder coat.
Check first with your intended powder coater what process they follow.

 

[3wheeler7]

Going back to the late 90s, all the blue on my Greeves was done for £20! It was as tough as old boots.

 

[Canuk]

Off to the powder coaters this morning to try a match and finish for the famous Bianchi blue

 

[wynne]

This is a powder coat fade. I think it's quite tricky to get right so not sure many places can be bothered doing it.

 

[pwebb]

as per first few posts, preparation is everything. Frame needs to be dipped to remove all of the corrosion and gronk within the frame and not just on the outside, sand/shot blasted to get it perfectly clean and only then powder coated. Many processes involve 2 x powder coat and baking to add a transparent layer on the outside for extra shine and resilience. A good shop will also ensure all of the various threads and holes are properly protected so they don't get powder into them. I have chatted to the folks that do mine and they hate doing modern frames and motor bike frames for the latter reason - i.e. there are many more holes and fittings to cover than on an old steel bike frame that doesn't have so many apertures and extra bits bolted on.
Durability wise, powder coat wins hands down over enamel and it is also far easier to clean- generally just needing a wipe.
Drawbacks are the lack of arty options, fades etc and the fact that done badly it can look lumpy and frankly awful. As with anything, get reviews before you pick the people to do the work and also talk to them about what options and processes they are going to use. I would not be able to afford to do the restorations I do without the cost effective nature of powder coating either, since painting the frames would be prohibitively expensive and mean I would lose a shed load of money on every one, versus just about scraping even if I am lucky.

 

[canny colin]

Any recommendations , for powder coaters in the north east of england . Trikes are very awkward to transport and expensive to stove enamel .