Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
I've never had a bike frame powder coated. One of the other posters indicated $75.00 for the job which sounds too good to be true. I'm thinking that by the time I add up stripper, primer, sand paper and paint I'll be at least half way to that $75.00 mark maybe closer. While I consider doing it myself to be a plus, I'll also have to admit that powder coating is definitely going to look more professional. I think that maybe next time around I'll have to try powder coating.
I think what it comes down to with powdercoating is how pretty the frame has to be for your tastes. A professionally done paint job, with catalyzed 2 part paint and clearcoat is gorgeous, long lasting, but pricey.
Powdercoating has a bit more industrial look to it, not quite as smooth and shiny as a good paint job, but a good powdwercoater can get a result that the majority of people couldn't tell apart from paint.
And yes, depending on the market, you can get a frame bead blasted and powedercoated for $75-125. Just be sure the painter has experience with blasting a thin-tube bicycle frames. Some sandblasting can be very aggressive and actually damage the tubes.