Originally Posted by joshuastar
good info, thanks!
is it easier to strip powdercoat later on than to mask? for instance, if i want the lugs to be polished steel, or if i want polished steel bands, or stripes on the tubes.
From what I've read powdercoat is pretty much a "one time" deal. Because getting that stuff off is very difficult.
Polished steel bands? Chromed lugs? Chroming is expensive. If you're going to get fancy it could cost you as much as a new bike. Here's are two links with pricelists for paintjobs from respectable dudes.
http://www.cyclart.com/refinish1.html http://www.bikyle.com/Repaints.htm