When I stripped my Paramount, I figured that a SS brush would be fine, because it would create many small scratches in the metal for the paint to adhere better.

The thing is, I ended up clear powdercoating the frame, so every scratch should have been plain as day, but the clear coat was very forgiving and you can only see very few scratches through it.

Why would you not want to rough up the metal? It would have to be a very deep scratch to actually show though paint.

Most powder coaters sand or media blast the frame before applying the powder coating.

They didn't with mine, because it would have turned the frame a dull gray color. I polished up the frame fairly well and the powdercoating guy said they just rubbed it down with steel wool to clean off the remaining paint and that was it.

I was thinking that this might cause adhesion problems, but so far so good. I live in a dry climate, so I'm not too worried about possible rust issues.

I should have said remove all paint with sanding, stripper, or a combination thereof. Get it all off however you get it off.

I understand it's expensive and much more toxic than other paints. I think it's also very hard to apply, and the many small curves on bike frames makes it even harder. Dupont won't honor their warranty if used on a bicycle.

I never said it would be easy, just beautiful!😁

I wonder if Torelli/Mondonico are the only builders that use Imron paint? I have to believe that they have a deal with DuPont.so they can warranty their paint considering the number of bikes they sell.

[MENTION=250977]Giacomo 1[/MENTION], there were a few makers in the early 80s using it. I can't remember. Trek? And maybe CyclArt, the refinisher?

I think adhesion may have more to do with the chemical reaction between the paint and the steel. That's partly why it's important to remove all oils from the frame with de-natured alcohol prior to spraying.

Your Paramount looks awesome with a clear coat!