smurray

I have a steel frame/fork I'm going to get powder coated. The previous owner did a piss poor job powder coating it so I'm having it redone. So far I've found two shops in me general area that seem to have adequate experience powder coating bike frames. One place will charge $175 and that includes medial blasting the frame/fork to remove the old finish, pew treating the frame to protect it, and then applying the finish. The other shop will charge $100 but he said eh doesn't do the stripping himself. He sends the frame to someone else who uses a chemical stripping process as opposed to a media blast. He also makes no mention of any sort of pre treating process, though to be honest I'm not exactly sure what that does anyway.

I guess I'm looking for opinions on both whether a chemical strip process or a media blast would be a better match for my specific needs. Also does it sound like the first shop is worth the extra $75. If anyone can let me know specific questions I should ask either place to find out whether they're likely to do a good job I would appreciate it. I know very little about the powder coating process.

JohnDThompson 

I imagine either would be fine. The "pre-treatment" is likely something like phosphate etching to inhibit rust formation under the powder coat.

fietsbob

Unless the process has changed,
For powder coating metal surface has to be 100% oil free , so blasting and then powder coating is a 1-2

while hanging, project, .. since touching the bare metal leaves oil from your hands ..


perhaps a lower cost if the actual paint is not needing blasting off , IDK.. ask the company..

smurray

You are correct. I asked for clarification and they said they do a chemical strip and then sand blast.

Andrew R Stewart 

I would choose the paint shop with all steps in house, assuming their paint results are acceptible. Andy.

rydabent

IMO I would be very leery of chemical stripping. There are welding relief holes in frames, and the stripping chemical could get in them. You probably wouldnt be able to get it out, and I would think that over time it would damage the inside of the frame.