Framebuilders - Powdercoating questions

I have 2 powdercoating questions for those of you with experience in such matters.
1. Is it possible to powdercoat the lugs a different color than the tubing? It seems like, with careful masking, it would be, but I don't know enough about the process to be sure.

2. How thick is a normal layer of powdercoat. Specifically, if I were to powdercoat handlebars, would they still fit in the stem?

You can get powder coat done thickly or lightly. I use powdercoated bars and they fit fine, you're better off removing it at the clamp part though.
You might be able to get contrasting powdercoat, you'd need to get it done all one colour to begin with using a powder that wont remelt, then mask it and do the lugs. Also I think you can get some powdercoat in sheets, that may just be patterned stuff though. If it isn't possible powdercoat makes a pretty good primer for regular paint.

If the shop is good enough, and I mean VERY good,, you can even have your decals powdercoated on. I just went though a powdercoating nightmare, but learned a whole ****ton about the entire process.
Normal powdercoating is about 1.5-2 mil per coat.
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a good shop should be able to mask and do multi color powder jobs w/ no problem. it will take time and this means $$, but you knew that.

Afterthisnap, correct me if Im wrong.. Powdercoating involves electrically charging the frame and then spraying a power that is oppositely charged (kinda like how static makes stiff stick together) then the whole thing is baked and the powder melts and fuses into a hard layer. Its almost like a plastic. nice and durable.

~Steve

Alternatively, you could powdercoat the frame in a single colour, then have a paint sprayer do the lugs afterwards.

a Afterthisnap, correct me if Im wrong.. Powdercoating involves electrically charging the frame and then spraying a power that is oppositely charged (kinda like how static makes stiff stick together) then the whole thing is baked and the powder melts and fuses into a hard layer. Its almost like a plastic. nice and durable.

~Steve

Yep. My new powdercoat is holding up very well. Easily several times as durable as the rattlecan job.

Alternatively, you could powdercoat the frame in a single colour, then have a paint sprayer do the lugs afterwards.

+1!

That's probably your best bet for a clean job!

Once the frame is powdercoated, clean with wax & grease remover. Mask & spray the lugs, add some decals etc. Then spray 2-3 coats of appropriate clear over the whole frame.
Now you have the best of both worlds; Super durable and highly polishable!

Here's a frame I restored with chromed stays and fork. I powdercoated it, then did the red trim with spray lacquer, outlined the lugs and applied new decals. Turned out great.

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Tell me about this bike...how can I get one? :D

i have heard that powder coat is heavier than paint, and i have also heard that steel can rust under a powdercoat. rumors, though that is all.

About how much does it cost to have a frame powder coated?

Thanks

i have heard that powder coat is heavier than paint, and i have also heard that steel can rust under a powdercoat. rumors, though that is all.


Indeed it is, because the powder coat is between three and five times thicker than a usual wet spray finish.

Indeed it does. Steel will rust under a powder coat. Also under wet spray, chrome plate, primer, rustkiller (in the right conditions), your bed, a waxed jacket, the arctic circle or six feet of topsoil. No matter what you do, sooner or later, steel will start to rust. However, you can keep the rate of corrosion approximating zero by good and regualr frame cleaning, inspection and preventative measures. That's the very best way to make sure your frame doesn't start to rust. The colour finish won't stop it if it takes hold, only make it harder to spot until it's very advanced.

Wich lugs are you talking about ? Yes it's possable to do multi-color powdercoat. You have to do it in stages. Start with one color and then to the next. and so on. Tape off in between coats with high temp tape after the bike is cooled.

Powdercoat is generaly 00.10 to .0015 thick. Yes it should fit under normal circumstances with a single stage powdercoat, no more. It must be sandblasted before powdercoat to have good adhistion.

Powder coat will run you about $80 for a really basic job, up to the hundreds for a really pro job. Check out http://spectrumpowderworks.com/
They do amazing stuff with powdercoats. You pay for it, though.
-Sean

Spectrum Quoted 350 for a two color paint job and custom decals on one of my old IFs

spectrum did a fantastic job repairing and powdercoating my 3rensho frame. it wasn't cheap, but it was 110% worth it. (until yellow jersey in madison screwed it up...)

spectrum did a fantastic job repairing and powdercoating my 3rensho frame. it wasn't cheap, but it was 110% worth it. (until yellow jersey in madison screwed it up...)
What did they do? They call themselves a first rate shop. Enquiring minds want to know.

Tim

Where is that powder coating shop in nyc? looks like clean work...