[Closed] Dip, Strip, Polish and Laquer?

Motor re-spray shop? Sandblaster will have the paint off in no time!

An alloy wheel refurb place might do it. Theres one in Leeds which gets decent reviews... can't remember the name of it though!

Thanks for the replies folks.

So is there not a bike frame specific company that does this?

Consider not bothering with the clearcoat. A highly, or even slightly polished frame is very durable. Even if you do get marks, they can be quickly and easily polished out with a cloth. Aluminium won't corrode like steel, so the finish doesn't need a protective coating.

+1 what threefish has said, i've seen his and it looks great raw

Whatever you do don't sandblast!! It'll take you backwards and make more work of the polishing. Google metal finishers in your area but it is a simple process and can be very satisfying. Whether to clearcoat or not is up to you pros and cons are that a protected frame will have less lustre but will require less maintenance though eventually the clearcoat will chip and look shit. A bare frame will need a rub every now and again but will give the best finish. Be aware that if your in a muddy gritty area is doesn't take long to take the sheen off. Aluminium won't corrode but it will oxidise so will require some attention. For a real hassle free finish you can get some shiney shiney powdercoats these days. Google image chrome powdercoat.

Aluminium won't corrode but it will oxidise so will require some attention.

It oxidises all it's going to within minutes of being exposed. There is little or no normal oxidation beyond that.

i've been looking for the same thing, with out much luck.
found lots of industrial shot blasters, i want to leave it raw so am a little concerned about how it'll will effect the aluminum finish.
had a steel frame shot blasted and it left a very fine rough finish on the frame. this didn't matter as i was getting the frame power coated and gave a good surface for the pc to stick to.

i've nitromosed a frame but would like to avoid doing it again... 😥

Thanks YoKaiser, I'll investigate. Wow, chrome powdercoat does look good 🙂 I presume this is even more durable than a polished frame?

Hmmmm, might change tack here. Anyone recommend a good powdercoaters?

good powdercoaters?

Tripple S in Bingley

Thanks Teeto 🙂 that looks bang on!!

Second Triple-S although I'm picking a frame up from Creative Colourings in Sowerby Bridge this week who seem to be excellent VFM on the face of it. Hopefully the job will be as good as the price!

It oxidises all it's going to within minutes of being exposed. There is little or no normal oxidation beyond that

Empirically I'd say this is not the case, I guess I'm talking about aluminium alloys rather than pure aluminium. I have saw plenty furry frames and crowns. If they didn't require protection why would manufacturers lacquer them at all?

Two of mine polished and non lacquered
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Empirically I'd say this is not the case, I guess I'm talking about aluminium alloys rather than pure aluminium.

Most/all bike frames are an alloy, I think. I'm onto my third stripped frame and have not suffered any considerable oxidation. One frame was highly polished, one just brushed with wire wool and one, the current frame, somewhere in between. As with most polished finishes, there is a certain amount of dulling, which, I agree in the case of metals, is partially due to oxidisation; however, this is so insignificant that it is a non-consideration, in my opinion.

I have never, ever witnessed deterioration beyond minor dulling, and certainly never any furring.

I would suggest that manufacturers apply a clearcoat mainly for cosmetic effect (including protecting decals) and to maintain an even finish that can also be easily cleaned. Water/sweat spots are a little harder to remove on a raw frame and scuffs need slightly different attention.