To powdercoat or paint?

[The Malcolm]

I have been building up two Cannondales for my two sons. The frame on one is really needing repainted as it has that horrible aluminium corrosion and is blistered below the paint. I have had three bikes powder coated in the past and been pleased with the result. I am sliding towards getting them re-spayed with more traditional paint. Part of me is thinking that the powder coating is not reversible, whereas it ordinary paint is easier to change. But ordinary paint is not as durable for and they are for two boys.

What's are your thoughts?

 

[lewisfoto]

Re:

As far as I am aware powder coating can be stripped.

Usually i tend toward painting because it is thinner and shows off details in the frame like the lug work. On the other hand I like powder coating on aluminum frames because it goes on a little thicker and hides some of the clumzy welding (although Cannondale has smooth welds)

which ever you choose don't have an aluminum frame media blasted, the metal is too thin and it can be damaged.

 

[legrandefromage]

Be very careful with Cannondales and stripping prior to paint/ powder. Their tubing can be scarily thin and can be holed by media blasting.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

If you're happy with previous powdercoats then why not go that route again?
It's cheaper than paint for one, and probably more durable.

I'd opt for paint if you want multicolours or fancy fades, or if the frame has details you want to keep clean ie lugs etc

 

[frank.youngman]

Re:

I have powder coated a couple of Cannondales over the last 18 months.The first was bought shot blasted,the second had been chemically stripped.What has impressed me with powder coating is its ability to resist stone chips in particular and also minor scratches.

My only caveat is results vary according to the powder coater you use.My first attempt was my Orange Clockwork and the first coater made such a poor job that the second coater had to shot blast off the first attempt,however the second attempt has been brilliant.In similar vein my first Cannondale looked really good,but in practice suffered from bits of powder coat flaking off around the seat post and both front and rear drop outs.The second Cannondale went to a different coater and was of the same high standard as the Orange.

I have retired my first Cannondale briefly and replaced it with a new frame and forks,bought off Ebay for the pricely sum of £28 and described as newly painted.This has the same Pure Orange powder coat as the orange and is of similarly high quality.

The recommended or not paint thread should point you in the right direction.

 

[The Malcolm]

Re:

My hesitation with powder coating is that he last frame I had done was not as well done as the first two. Two were Cannondales and one was a steel frame.

I know powder coating can be taken off but it is quite difficult to deal with if not well applied and as some people have noted there is not much metal to play with on the frame. Last frame I had to get the bottom bracket re-threaded and the crown race repaired. This probably more down to the blasting than the application.

I am only going with solid colours so I am sure I could get an appealing colour from the powder coater.

I thought it would be interesting to hear peoples view on the subject.

 

[DougieF]

I am about to start a new project, P7 Build, and will need to either get the frame powder coated or painted, but i cant decide.

I've painted some bikes in the past, and had great results, but don't find the paint very durable. So was thinking about powder coating for my new project?

 

[mrdryskull]

Re:

Booooo powdercoat,,melting ugly plastic,,,,nothing looks as good as beautiful paint under a clearcoat.but,I am a painter

 

[BikerB]

Re: Re:

Booooo powdercoat,,melting ugly plastic,,,,nothing looks as good as beautiful paint under a clearcoat.but,I am a painter

That bike stand looks a sturdy bit of kit..paint looks good also..