Originally Posted by
u235
If it takes 3 cans of each paint, primer and clear coat to do a bike frame you have an EXTREMELY large frame. One can can do multiple coats.
If you've done painting and familar with and understand the full prep (98% of the work), you can get a decent quality job with rattle cans. No match for a proper powder coat but can still be good. You can pick up a can, wipe of dirt and paint it to. It is up to your expectations.
A frame takes more than 1 can & multiple coats means 2 cans is pretty easy to get in to if you are patient and consistant. The 3rd is because you will run out mid job & the hardware store won't have anymore in stock. So, still, subtract a can each for the return receipt & you're still into the job $75 plus miscellaneous.
The whole "drop-off, pick up" aspect of powder makes labor considerations a no brainer. It would just cost too, too many more dollars in my time value alone to do a rattle-can job at home. Let alone the quality of the final product done by professionals would be head & shoulders above. Worth considering.