Powdercoating Available
May-21st-2004, 12:20 PM
#46
The man behind the mask
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 11,572
wow, I've never seen a mini-bike like that. That is to say I've never done anything like that. Here is what I'm assumng based on what I can see and have heard.
The frame will have to be striped BARE with no rubber or plastic pieces anywhere on it. Anything tha is on the frame will have to withstand 450* heat for about 35-45 minutes.
Yes, powdercoating is IDENTICAL to electro-statical painting. The only difference is in the material used. Powder is actually caly paint that is chopped up and ground into dust. It's just easier to use, store, handle. Yes it does reach EVERYWHERE. You can actually watch the powder hit the surface and it will almost roll into cracks and crevaces.
About the primer I have no experience using it so I will have to say that it is not needed. From what I have learned surface prep is the most important step of coating and I can't imagine a coating going on the metal that will still allow static adhesion for the powder...it is just not logical to me, BUT people do use it so I cant say either way.
Don't worry about durability. I did a valve cover for my turbo pinto about 4 years and even with my really cheap (eastwood) equipment and powders it still looks brand new. No scratches, no fading, nothing. Just super glossy finish. This was the first time I tried to polish a powdercoated piece also and the polishing didn't turn out so hot or I would've put it up on the website. I'm going to re-do it though and should have some pics for you.
Honestly, I'm not equipped to do large items like that unless I went out and spent another $500 or so in equipment. I may do it though since a new speed shop in town is contracting me all of their work and they are requesting I start doing motorcycle frames for them. I may be able to get them to front me the money for the larger cure station so just keep in touch.
The frame will have to be striped BARE with no rubber or plastic pieces anywhere on it. Anything tha is on the frame will have to withstand 450* heat for about 35-45 minutes.
Yes, powdercoating is IDENTICAL to electro-statical painting. The only difference is in the material used. Powder is actually caly paint that is chopped up and ground into dust. It's just easier to use, store, handle. Yes it does reach EVERYWHERE. You can actually watch the powder hit the surface and it will almost roll into cracks and crevaces.
About the primer I have no experience using it so I will have to say that it is not needed. From what I have learned surface prep is the most important step of coating and I can't imagine a coating going on the metal that will still allow static adhesion for the powder...it is just not logical to me, BUT people do use it so I cant say either way.
Don't worry about durability. I did a valve cover for my turbo pinto about 4 years and even with my really cheap (eastwood) equipment and powders it still looks brand new. No scratches, no fading, nothing. Just super glossy finish. This was the first time I tried to polish a powdercoated piece also and the polishing didn't turn out so hot or I would've put it up on the website. I'm going to re-do it though and should have some pics for you.
Honestly, I'm not equipped to do large items like that unless I went out and spent another $500 or so in equipment. I may do it though since a new speed shop in town is contracting me all of their work and they are requesting I start doing motorcycle frames for them. I may be able to get them to front me the money for the larger cure station so just keep in touch.
June-8th-2004, 07:01 AM
#48
The man behind the mask
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Birmingham, AL
Posts: 11,572
I would need to see the frame and how large it is. I haven't done anything that large with the lamp I've got. I'm not exactly sure how well it would cure. Also, the frame would have to be bare metal with no rubber or plastic on it. Everything would have to be sanded and cleaned by hand before any coating could start.
If I had to guess just off my head I'd say around $250+materials. If you can send me some pics detailing the size of the piece and a color from my website I'll get you a better estimate.
If I had to guess just off my head I'd say around $250+materials. If you can send me some pics detailing the size of the piece and a color from my website I'll get you a better estimate.
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