Bicycle Mechanics - painting over powdercoat?

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jdaun
10-04-07, 06:49 PM
Newbie poster here. I realize that frame painting has been covered in many threads, however I'm looking for specific advice from anyone who has experience painting over powdercoat.

The bike is steel frame, with a white powdercoat finish. Finish is in excellent condition - but shows dirt way too easily. So I want to spraypaint over in a darker color, probably just black. I'm open to unconventional finishes like chalkboard paint, grill paint, etc ... but only if someone has experience that they're very durable when used over powdercoat.

So, questions are - has anyone successfully spray painted over powdercoat? If so, how did you prep the powdercoat for painting? What brand of paint did you use? Technique? Number of coats? I know there are spraypaints formulated specifically for painting plastics, should I be looking at those since powdercoat is plastic?

Looking for advice from those who've had success with this.

Thanks much!

Nessism
10-04-07, 11:19 PM
You can use liquid paint over powder. Instead of doing the whole frame I suggest adding some sort of accent.

I don't think any special process needs to take place for power coat vs. regular paint. Scuff the surface with 400 grit sandpaper, mask and spray. Oh, add a couple of degreasing steps as well. Best paint to use is automotive paint. You might want to search out posts by Dr. Deltron for tons of tips on painting frames.

Good luck.
thequickfix
10-05-07, 12:21 AM
I have painted accents on powdercoated frames a couple of times. Here's an example where the frame is powdercoated blue and I painted the lugs black.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/550537608_b4f20b775a_o.jpg
I just did a bit of sanding and masking and did several coats using gloss rustoleum (I think) and clearcoat. Be sure to let each coat dry completely before doing any sanding or another coat. Also, use long, smooth passes, laying down a light layer of paint each time so that it won't pool and drip.

For your situation, I wouldn't really recommend spraypainting. Regardless of the brand and technique, the paint is going to chip, and if you're painting black over white the chips are really going to show. You might be better off just having it powedercoated again.