I'd like to get my Wife's spare frame done as a present for Christmas but further investigation has thrown up a few more questions.
A local company offers polyester and epoxy polyester powder coating, does any one know what the difference is?
Any other pointers on what I should look out for and experiences of prices would be appreciated.
Thanks
Hmm,
It is hard to get round the marketing when it comes to chemistry in coatings.
I gather that epoxy polyester is slightly more durable* than polyester but that is a general assumption and it would depend on the actual resin used. I know plenty of companies but a tiny amount of one chemistry resin into formulations so that they can get the name on the tin as it sounds good.
*durability is the stability towards UV light and weathering. As long as the coating is specified for outdoor use it will be fine on a bike. High durability coatings are specified for things permanently outside in sunny places - not the UK - and not bikes.
I'd check the prices - but I would have thought a polyester coating would be fine - I'm sure that is what mine is and it is the one used for general pupose.
See if the company has decent samples to look at the colours. RAL cards etc. are ok (looking online is fairly useless as it depends on your monitor) but actually seing a pipe coated is much better.
Make sure they are going to clean your frame up and remove the old paint as well as masking all the threads.
Do not go for epoxy polyester, these are for indoor use, as the epoxy content causes poor UV resistance. Pure polyester is what you want.
Where are you based if north east go to bettablast in shiremoor had my stumpy done and it is spot on. Excellent choice of colours and they clean the old paint etc and then powder coat with lacquer to finish. Cost £50 for a three piece frame in one colour would be more if you want rear triangle different colour
I have had a few done recently and although I cant tell what type of powder they used I can give you some guidance.
First get the frame chemically stripped. I pay £15 and its normally done next day. I was told to avoid media blasting as it can remove material.
Next get a scotchbrite pad and rub it all over to remove any scratches or imperfections. http://www.freemansupply.com/ScotchBriteIndustr.htm I use the maroon one.
Then find a powdercoater and ask them how to treat the threads and internal faces of seat post tube and headset faces. The powdercoater I use just wipes the powder out before baking but some want them masked.
Specify your finish level. Some powdercoaters we use only really do industrial stuff so don't try and achieve a high gloss even with a gloss paint. The one I use said he uses a different quality paint to get a really high deep gloss.
I pay between £15 for a hard tail & £20 for a full suspension frame.
I'm in the West Midlands and can give the details of the companies if your local.
Andy
Many thanks for the useful info.
I'm in Hampshire if anyone has any recommendations for companies in the area.
Hey sorry for the slight highjack but ill have that number andy i'm based in west brom,could be usefull.