Clear coat over powder coat

[baldylocks]

This may be the wrong place to ask this but it seemed reasonable... Just had a frame powder coated and I want to do some detail work,(outline lugs, etc...) and then clear coat over it. I have a fair amount of experience painting frames so I'm not worried about doing a decent job, but I am looking for warnings, advice, etc..

-Thanks

[Nessism]

Clear spray over powder coat is viable - I read that Spectrum Power Coat does this to seal down decales and such. http://spectrumpowderworks.com/
Just degrease and scuff the surface with scotchbrite first to give the surface some tooth.

[baldylocks]

Clear spray over powder coat is viable - I read that Spectrum Power Coat does this to seal down decales and such. http://spectrumpowderworks.com/
Just degrease and scuff the surface with scotchbrite first to give the surface some tooth.

Decals and a little lug outlining is what I'm doing, so that sounds about right. Thanks.

[Dr.Deltron]

Clear spray over powder coat is viable...
Just degrease and scuff the surface with scotchbrite first to give the surface some tooth.

If you are using something like PPG 2042 clear, you only need to use something like 3M wax & grease remover to clean the frame. Scuffing is not needed. 2042 will adhere without the trouble of scuffing.
If the powder coat is metallic/pearl DEFINETLY DO NOT SCUFF!!!!!!! You will F up the metallic/pearl effect.

[baldylocks]

If the powder coat is metallic/pearl DEFINETLY DO NOT SCUFF!!!!!!! You will F up the metallic/pearl effect.

It's not but I'm still a bit worried about screwing up the finish. I'm waiting to hear back from the powder coater as well, but if I were to use something like a scothbright pad, how much would I want to pt into it? Just very lightly go over the coat correct? When I've painted frames in the past I've used REALLY fine sandpaper before the clear coat. Thanks again.

[SantaHul]

Hi all, I'm just getting back into mtb'ing after not doing it for years. Just bought a Zaskar frame off ebay, professionally painted gloss black. Going to get some decals for it, then clear coat over the top.
Could anybody give me any tips on the best way to do this? Best products and stuff. I was led to believe that you should still rub down a glossed surface and the lacquer would create the gloss effect (although this seemed strange to me).
Any help much appreciated, I'm cacking myself about messing it up.

[Nessism]

Usually you want to remove the shine off the paint before coating to give the fresh paint something to grab on to. There may be specific exceptions to this rule though as Dr. Deltron aludes to.

Regarding spraying clear over an semi-fresh existing finish, you are on shaky ground with that one - the clear may cause the other paint to lift. It really depends on what kind of paint is on there already and how cured it is. Always test on a small area first to see how it goes.

And don't worry about loosing the gloss when sanding the paint, the last coat will shine which is the only thing that matters..

[Dr.Deltron]

1) Usually you want to remove the shine off the paint before coating to give the fresh paint something to grab on to. There may be specific exceptions to this rule though as Dr. Deltron aludes to.

2)Regarding spraying clear over an semi-fresh existing finish, you are on shaky ground with that one - the clear may cause the other paint to lift. It really depends on what kind of paint is on there already and how cured it is. Always test on a small area first to see how it goes.

3)And don't worry about loosing the gloss when sanding the paint, the last coat will shine which is the only thing that matters..

1A) Dr. D is aluding to QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE clear PAINTover POWDERCOAT. Something like PPG 2042.
The 2042 will chemically adhere just fine. Just be sure to use 3M Wax & Grease Remover to thoroughly clean the frame first. And then don't touch it with your fingers, use gloves! And if the powdercoat is pearl/metalic, sanding/Scotchbriting/etc will usually dull the finish in such a way that NO clear coating will fix!!

2A) LAQUER over spray can enamel will make a MESS of your frame! And laquer is not that duable of a finish on a bike. When in doubt, use spray enamel clear.

3A) Refer to the last part of 1A above! And if the final spray of clear has any goobers, then you can work those out with 2000 grit/heavy cut compound/fine cut/3M Finesse/Maguires Gold glaze! And A LOT of elbow grease!

[baldylocks]

Hey thanks for all the help folks! It turned out wonderfully, dupli-color clear effex followed by 6 coats of clear engine enamel...http://flickr.com/photos/baldylocks/sets/72157594303335955/

Sorr, there's about a million pics...

[Dr.Deltron]

Hey thanks for all the help folks! It turned out wonderfully, dupli-color clear effex followed by 6 coats of clear engine enamel..
WOW!!! That DOES look like it turned out well!
That clear effex does have an effect! Some pics it looks dark blue/black and in others it looks purple.
NICE JOB & VERY COOL!

That's what I love about painting my own bikes. When it turns out that well and somebody notices "what a nice bike", you can say "Thank you, I painted it myself.":D
Nothing interests non cyclists like a great paint job.

(but BEWARE!!! now all your friends will want you to paint THEIR bikes!!!):rolleyes:

A+ my friend!!

[baldylocks]

.

(but BEWARE!!! now all your friends will want you to paint THEIR bikes!!!):rolleyes:


Hahaha, I've allready had one of 'em ask.
Thanks again.

[Dr.Deltron]

Hahaha, I've allready had one of 'em ask.
Thanks again.
HA!!! A sign of quality workmanship!

Glad to be of help!:)