Powder coating VS Painting a frame

[Richard D]

Originally Posted by Tony the torch

Nickel is the only thing that actually looks like nickel.

^^^This^^^

[BobAsh]

like shovithead, I like to control everything. So I made my own powder setup. Actually its very similar to painting with acrylic; actually just the delivery system is different.

[Goldy]

I get a lot of my clients asking the same question...I've gone both ways as far as finishes go and still can't come up with a definite answer to the question. Some of my bikes have very nicely done, very glossy, very tough powder coat. Some, I have cleaned and painted myself. Painting a frame yourself is more time consuming, but much less costly than powder coat. If you are going for a lighter coating, I suppose I would recommend powder, simply because it is easier to keep clean, but if you are going with black, ether paint or powder will do nicely. Another issue that sometimes pops up with powder coat is electrical contact...you must grind the stuff off engine mounts, coil mounts and other electrical connections to prevent mysterious electrical problems (a rotary file in a Dremmel tool works well for this).

[ProSimex]

Rattlecan tremclad semi gloss

[ralphiejantz]

Originally Posted by Skibo

If you're trying to remove powder from an entire part or frame, just take it back to the powder shop. They have the oven required to cook the finish off (just hotter than baking it on). A lot less work than trying to sand/scuff/ chisel (!!!) it off.

Best way to remove powder from a frame is like mentioned above

This is the way I decide what finish I want to go with.

If the bike is a complete full build that is show quality type finish with the paint etc I usually go with powdercoating the frame,
You can have gloss black powdercoated that is just as glossy or more glossy than black paint.

If im doing a build that is a little less of a spit and polish type of build I will go with paint simply because it shows road wear much faster and blends in with the rest of the bike quicker.
(this is like when I do bikes with original paint tins or old paint tins etc.

me personally I like the powdercoating better as it holds up much better than paint does in regards to chips nicks and scratches