CycleSamms

Does anyone have strong opinions on the durability of these finishes (he said, cringing for the onslaught to come)? I've heard that powder coating is more durable, but some people still prefer liquid colors. For what reasons could that be? Personally, I like chips with salsa, not in my paintjob.

Thanks,

CycleSamms

Trogon

I've done two custom powder coats (Spectrum, Colorado Springs) and have been pretty satisfied with the results.

Upside - the finish is solid like that on your kitchen appliances. It does chip, but takes a lot more of a hit.

Downside - limited colors -wet paint is pretty much infinite. Powder coating, less so.

All depends on how exotic a paint job you want.

Trev Doyle

My advice is to go to DeKerfs website, they have a big write up about the pro and cons of each paint process. And they have a few cool looking bikes in their gallery. I think it's just DeKerf.com.

CycleSamms

Thanks.

I was thinking that powder coating had no drawbacks, but I guess I was misled. I do like the flexibility that liquid coat paintjobs CAN provide (for example, check out picture gallery for Landshark cycles at www.landsharkbicycles.com). I don't know if I'd go THAT "custom" because I'd be completely paranoid about scratching the paintjob.

CycleSamms

Thylacine

Well, nothing has 'no' drawbacks, rather, each has it's pros and cons. Powder Coating has many, many more colours and affects than it used to have too, so that's something to keep in mind. If you go to www.spectrumpowderworks.com you'll get a good idea about what's possible. These guys are probably the best powdercoaters out there, and they do most of my frames for US customers.

The biggest disadvatage of powder really, is that it has a much thicker film thickness than wet paint, meaning it's no good really for lugs, showing off nice TIG welds etc. Also, if you want wild fades, masks, pearls etc, powder probably isn't the best choice, although there are some compelling example on Spectrums website.

seely

I recently got my frame powdercoated, and if you go to a really good shop, it will look as good as wet paint. I didn't think it was possible, but its a lot cheaper and more enviromentally concious than wet paint, and more durable as well. If its done right the lug detail will still be excellent, and again, if its done right metallics turn out amazing. Definately get a clearcoat with the job though, it adds a lot of depth to the finish.

Heres some pics. This was $80 incl' sandblasting and prep, powdercoat and clearcoat. The color is Blue Startlight with a metallic flake that turns brilliant shades in sunlight.

Don Cook

Here's another powder coated restoration.

SAB

Powdercoating is fine for most jobs, especially with simple fades or solid colors. It's long-lasting and durable. However if you want more complex patters/fades or specialty jobs, such as pearl or (my favorite) candy-coating liquid is the way to go!