We_are_Stevo
Old School Grand Master
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GT-Steve":uidocz7f said:WD - would all these apply to an Alu frame also?
I have one that's just ano'd, and assume they will media blast, but being retro Alu I don't particularly want it made any weaker...
Make sure beforehand that the coaters' used to dealing with alu - they all use sandblasting to prep for coating and alu disappears faster than a politicians promise at the hands of the wrong people!
Incidentally, if anyone living in or around Norwich wants any plain blasting done I always used Avocet (he's in Earlham near the UEA) for my motorbike parts. He's very good, will prime if required, and did a couple of alloy JMC swinging arms for me so I could colour-match them to the frames.
Back to the topic, most coaters will ask you to degrease the frame (I use Fairy Liquid then dry with a heat-gun) thoroughly, because when they heat the frame to melt the powder any grease leeches out and ruins the finish. Also ask them if they will mask all the threads or if you have to do it first. If you don't you may find you need a tap & die set when you get it back!
If you have a colour in mind ask to see their swatches - they have an amazing range to choose from and should be happy to advise. I just wanted my Explosif blasted and clear-coated and the coater I use in Eastbourne suggested having very fine Metalflake mixed with the clear powder - I wouldn't have thought of it myself but it looks great...
I personally would be reluctant to powder-coat an old (sorry, Retro...) alu frame because the heating process could make it even more brittle than it's already likely to be?