Powder coating.
 

For those of you that have done this, are you happy with the results? I was planning on having a local hot rod shop paint my Serotta but they are closing shop. I can have the frame and fork blasted and a single color for $80. The only downfall that I don’t like is the decals not being under a clear coat.

I’ve had a variety of experiences from fairly awful to really good. My current shop is close by and does terrific work, but they’re expensive (almost $300 for blast and coat). I think you generally get what you pay for. [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] and [MENTION=111144]Andy_K[/MENTION] have had excellent work done by https://groodybros.com in Kansas City.

I've used goody brothers. They do excellent work.

YMMV, depending on the powder coater. Much has been posted on this subject in this forum. My suggestion is to find recommendations from people that have had their frame powder coated

That said, $80 is pretty damn cheap. You can find places that clear coat decals, but that'll set you back a couple of benjamins.

Some will say a Serotta should get wet paint.

Here's a bunch I've had powder coated.

I’ve also used Groody Bros, very pleased. Got blasted, single color, decals with a clear top coat for about $300.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...293d0f857.jpeg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d4efe8e37.jpeg
Before

Those all look great, a buddy that owns a bike shop has used this place several times and they are top notch. I’ve seen example of their work. As far as the Serotta goes a basic bright red powder coat should be fine for an everyday rider.

Damn $80 for blast and coat and you've seen their work and like it? None of our opinions mean anything compared to your eyeballs on frame.

I was pretty shocked at the price having seen several frames that they have done. I was in the process of sandblasting my frame and the nozzle went bad. So new nozzles are going to cost $25, plus all the paint I would’ve had to buy. I don’t have a place to paint anymore and I really didn’t want to be putting a fortune in this frame. I bought the frame for $100, I’ll have $120 in powder coat and decals, $125 in a nice Tricolor group and I already have everything else. Should be a really nice rider when done.

I have had a couple of bikes powder coated by a local guy here in southern Delaware. The first was a 2 stage called Illusion Root beer and it came out spectacular. That was $180, but I had already stripped and sanded the frame/fork out to 1200 grit wet. The second job, also already stripped and sanded, was a single coat called Pumpkin Orange. It came out nice, but not as good as the 2 stage. That was $100 using powder that was already in stock. The hard to get to areas of the frame/fork are a little light in the coverage of the powder. If I have a need to do another re-coat on a bike, I would not hesitate to do powder coat again. For the price and the durability, it works for me.

That prismatic copper one...is that a full Gugie build? What are the braze-ons on the back of the seat tube and the left seat stay?

Yep.

Back of seat tube is a cable stop for a top pull front derailleur, the left seat stays are cable guides for a disk brake.

+1, I paid way more than that, but am pleased with the results. Photos to follow... someday.

My experience mirror's Neal's-- I've had local PC jobs that turned out anywhere from awful to fantastic. One thing I learned is that powder coaters who specialize in cars or other large objects and do fantastic work in that realm, might not know how to do a bike well, so if you're considering having a hot rod shop do the work, ask to see a portfolio of work they've done on bikes!

Hey Neal-- are you referring to Pike in Allston?

Yes! They’ve done three frames for me now.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b58b9354f.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9bb4bf818.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...beaca2ea3.jpeg

Just a few from the barn:

I have had a half dozen bikes powder coated by Doug (Powdercoat Man). He does excellent work and his prices are cheap.

https://www.powdercoatman.com/

I built up a bike for my wife in 2008 and the powdercoat was done by Ken's Powdercoat in Graham Washington it has held up well and looks a good as it did when I got it back.

+1 for Pike
 

I gave a friend of mine an 80's Schwinn Traveler that was sitting in our family cottage's garage for years, because his Bianchi was stolen. Turns out he loved the bike, so he had it powder coated by Pike, in Allston. It came out quite nice. I helped him build up the frame last summer. Here he is, enjoying new ride, sandals and all:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...96c7b368b.jpeg

I'll likely be sending my '85 Trek 470 there soon - the paint's getting pretty rough.

Love that color and your handiwork is beautiful...

I've had bikes PC'ed and liked how they came out. Illusion Cherry is on my list to have done to a bike. I just need to find the frameset first....

'85 Paramount via Seattle Powder Coat (who are very expensive now):

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...bacbb43ba1.jpg

Do you have yours done locally? I wonder if they can match the Schwinn translucent paint.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4c890e810f.jpg

Sloar,
You are even closer to ProKote Indy than I am, so call Dawn and ask her. I have had all of my work done there for about $225 for frame fork and bottle cages. Great looking and quality as well. I currently have some tools there for reconditioning and will post when I get them back. Smiles, MH

Who and where? I'm compiling a list on another thread.

Who did it? I'm compiling a list of powdercoaters on another thread.