just say no to powder if you are looking to it as a cost savings measure. There is good powder coating, but it is not cheap when done right. I have chemically stripped a number of powdercoated frames, even had one done when I was very poor ($40. was the cost in 1986) the chemistry and physics of powdercoating is the problem, it will thin out at any sharp edge, lug, braze-on seat post lug, head tube, dropouts. If a radius on all of those zones it will be more durable, if a multistep powder job, it will also help as each layer will build, but detail will get buried. Wet paint will also do this but the mechanics is not as severe, and localized film building is much easier.

Not all powdercoating is the same property wise either, and most cannot spec it out or evaluate the spec to determine durability and suitability. I have spec'ed it out before, moat powdercoating is slightly porus! Not the film but the micro bubbles in the film.

Dr, Deltron can probably speak to witnessing this also, strip a PC'd steel frame and rust will be found often, it will not show on the surface often but rust never sleeps.

No bondo under powdercoating either, bondo?! yes, bondo is many a frame maker's friend, many bikes have gaps in the braze without.