850LLD

I was stripping paint from a new bike to repaint but Im really digging how the bike looks stripped to bare metal.

Anyone know how I can just maybe clear coat the metal to keep the look without rusting?

Cyclaholic

I've heard this is good but I have no 1st hand experience with it.

stewardmike03

There is a clear powdercoat. If steel the best advice is a waterless paint. Aluminum isn't as finnicky. Either way surface prep is KEY! You must give the metal a tooth...a surface for the paint to adhere to. Steel looks wicked when emery papered to a brushed finish. I have done a cool effect on aluminum with a thinned candy first then top clear...gives the frame an anodized effect.

Good luck! Show us pics!!!

BobLoblaw

Prep the surface with a wire brush attachment for your power drill, clean it with soap and water and blow-dry it, and then just use a clear enamel. Apply it fast because your bike will start to oxidize within 24 hours. It won't turn orange, but the surface will lose that shine and start to look like corrugated steel.

BL

AngryScientist 

good advice, though i would add sanding to the process. dont skip the soap and water stage. personally i would go degreaser, then soap, then rinse. make sure its bone dry - then clearcoat immediately. get a good quality automotive clearcoat and it should turn out great. pictures!!

850LLD

I think it turned out really good!

850LLD

check it

robotphood

So what did you end up using? How's it holding up?

deathhare

If you used clear enamel and followed the advice of BobLoblaw, it will eventually rust.

If you used the POR-15 stuff it will last forever and never ever rust. Ive used this.

cc700

yeah moisture works its way under enamel paints and powdercoats, but if you treat the metal it will drastically increase the resistance to corrosion.

robotphood

What would you treat the steel with before powdercoating? I live in southern california and barely see rain. The weather is usually dry and moderate most of the year. I never ride in the rain and I keep my bike inside. Is it enough to just treat the inside of the frame and powdercoat outside?

deluxe pc

Whats up guys, new to the forum and wanted to say hello. Im the owner of Deluxe Powder Coating, feel free to hit me up if you have any questions, we do alot of bicycles in our shop and love doing all sorts of funky stuff. Noticed that you guys were talking about clearing over steel, we have done this often. I would def go with a powder coated clear coat, if you apply a liquid clear coat its not as strong and it will chip, if it chips (especially with the steel frame) it will start to flash rust and eventually run a hard rust that will travel over the whole frame under the coat, and you will see it and it will travel fast. Remember that powder coat clears have different gloss levels as well, you can go anywhere from a matt clear (0-5% gloss level) to a glass clear (150% Gloss level) there are many options, heck we can even put pearls and glow in the dark additives in it!! a steel frame that glows blue at night, thats pimp!

oldfolksmashers

Clear powdercoat that glows in the dark? Sign me up!