Whether you’re a cyclist, or just trying to get around town on two wheels, building a bike is always a hassle. It takes at least six hours of time and $50 to complete the process and only then will you be able to ride it.
Building a frame with powder coating can save you time and money in the long run, but there are factors that you need to consider before going through with the process.
Are you looking for a steal of the century? How about the quickest way to build yourself an eye-catching lean, mean racing machine? We’ve rounded up some bulletproof ways that will help save your precious time and money on building that new dream bike.
Takeaway: You may be able to buy prebuilt or quickly hot-plates most of these items; however they are often more expensive than making them with powder coating.
The Parts & Materials Required For Powder Coating
Tools and Equipment:
5″ metal or plastic spoon; gun with powder coating container, 100 count.(1) Fine sandpaper; heat gun; wire brush(2) Paintbrush (optional);
Paint/powder color of your choice (I used flat black for this tutorial); tape measure. Takeaway: Some use mil application but I’ve gotten great results using aerosol cans such as Krylon.
The Steps:
Step-1: Remove any hardware (seatpost, handlebars etc.) and clean components thoroughly with alcohol to remove lubricants. This will help prevent corrosion of the parts later.
When cleaning components be particularly careful not to allow brake pads or cables too close to sharp edges as they can snag on broken paint during sanding or application that requires more specific attention than just a rag roll-around.
Once your frame is dry apply gloss coat of powder then allow to dry thoroughly.
Step -2: Take your spoon and dip it in the powder canister until you are about 4″ deep .(NOTE If you are using aerosol cans paint rags are not an option.)
Spread finish evenly. This can often take some time depending on surface area of your frame, don’t be tempted to make too small a patch or you’ll have trouble reaching areas were there is excess undercoat still left on the surface. Close-up of aluminum spoon with zinc powdered.
Use plunger tool to forcefully push foam against all surfaces so every recess, hole and crevice would be covered.
This will help ensure even coverage later on once you apply primer or paint over it this area may appear uneven than you’d expect but trust me your bike will come out looking smooth as butter!
Note: Once everything has dried use clean microfiber cloths ( provided by Topeak) to buff out excess powder residue. Repeat steps 1-5 on all areas of frame.
Step -3: Remove old tape and carefully remove your outer layer of paint for this step you’ll want it smooth so get rid of any loose debris or dust .
It may help to use an orange stick (clothes hangar holders are great ) dipped in 400 grit sand paper to wipe off the surface as well as a toothpick towards the back if possible.
Step- 4: Once you can see clean lines and no dust I suggest using a wax pot to spread out your semi gloss finish it will be loose and very wet (takes time about 45mins.) Give it plenty of elbow room because this stuff gets chunky in small boxes like mine!
This amazing mixture is made for protecting your car interiors by The Body Shop , its got aluminum oil all mixed up along with other protectants and it dries clear.
So when using underneath powder paint you will almost be unable to tell it is there unless you lick your fingers afterwards which I did (not recommended watch out for that resin residue on the thumbs).
The only downfall this stuff has is it smears like crazy if its too hot or humid, you can buy wax sticks rather than pots but they’re pretty expensive followed by melting temperatures.
Incorporating this into your hard work by using a wax stick to spread it out and then buffing all around once its dry. You can also use a microfiber completely wet although I’d suggest waiting for the semigloss to be fully dried up under heat before applying indoors!
Step-5: Once ready apply 2 layers of clear or semi gloss finish by Topeak protect, heavy check detailing brush , foam detailer/ glass cleaner . This is what’s left of my window guard, waxed along with the rest.
The only extra step I took was to use a turtle shell polishing cloth for better buffing ease this will help eliminate splatter and deposit residue if using it outside/dusty conditions!
Step 6: I hope you can see a positive change in your time it takes to finish touchups. A quick wipe down with micro fiber cloths makes the glass look like new again you could even skip step 3 and 14 if it isn’t raining or dusty.
Hope this tutorial comes in handy to give you another option for finishing off your car’s touch ups which can be tedious but when auto detailers open shops its an awesome job!
Types Of Powder Coating
Choosing the right type of powder coating for your project is essential. Not all powder coatings creat equal, and each has advantages and disadvantages. For example, semi-wet powder coating is less prone to chipping than other powder coatings. Still, it can be more difficult to apply due to its sensitivity to humidity levels and temperature changes.
It’s important to consider the type of powder coating that is best suit for your needs before starting the application process. There are three types of powder coating – Wet, Dry, and Semi-Wet. Semi-wet powder coating is a hybrid type less prone to chipping but can be more difficult to apply due to its sensitivity to humidity and temperature changes. A semi-wet powder coating is a great option if you’re looking for a durable finish with low viscosity.
History And General Uses
Powder coating use for years to protect the metal from other elements and wear and tear. It can apply in various ways, including spray painting and dipping.
This coating offers a long-lasting finish that’s resistant to corrosion and scratches. Powder coatings also commonly use on automobiles, furniture, and appliances. So, powder coating is the perfect option if you’re looking for a durable finish that can stand up to the test of time.
Properties Of Powder Coating
Powder coating is a great option for those looking for a durable finish on their equipment. Not only is it resistant to corrosion and abrasion, but it also has a high resistance to thermal shock.
This means you can coat your metal surface with just two coats and get a long-lasting finish. Additionally, powder coating is a great option for outdoor applications.
It has a low moisture absorption rate, so it won’t corrode even in moist environments. Check out our blog post if you’re unsure about powder coating and want to learn more about its properties.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which Type of Paint Is Used for Powder Coating Bikes?
Undefined paint.
2. Does It Matter What Kind of Paint You Use When Powder Coating Bikes?
When powder coating bikes, the paint used will determine how long the coating lasts. Generally speaking, using an automotive paint will result in a longer lasting finish than using a house paint.
3. What Is the Best Way to Clean Up After You’ve Finished Coating Your Bike Frame With Your Chosen Paint System?
The best way to clean up after you’ve finished coating your bike frame with your chosen paint system is to wash it down with a pressure washer.
This helps remove any overspray from the frame and prevents any small particles of paint from sticking to the frame or becoming embedded in the foam padding.
4. Does It Matter What Kind of Paint You Use When Powder Coating Bikes?
The type of paint you use when powder coating bikes can make a big difference in the final product. There are many types of paints, so it is important to know which one is best for your project.
5. What Are The Benefits Of Powder Coating?
Powder coating is coating a metal or plastic part with a powder. Its benefits include corrosion resistance, improved appearance and finish, better weldability, and longer-lasting parts. Powder coating is also known for its environmentally friendly features as it does not produce emissions during manufacturing.
6. How Often Should I Clean My Equipment After Using Powder Coating On A Project?
After using powder coating on a project, cleaning the equipment as soon as possible is important to avoid any build-up and corrosion. Cleaning your equipment with a safe and non-corrosive cleaner like acetone or denatured alcohol is the best way. Be careful not to breathe in the fumes, and be sure to read up on how to clean your equipment before you start. If you have questions about cleaning your equipment, don’t hesitate to ask a professional powder coating contractor.
7. How Do I Prepare My Substrate For Powder Coating?
If you’re planning on powder coating your project, you must do your research first. Many different types of powders can use for coating, so it’s important to choose the one best suited for the surface you’re coating. Before painting, you’ll also need to clean and dry the surface you want to powder coat. This will help achieve a better finish by increasing adhesion between the paint and the substrate. Some common ways to prep your substrate for powder coating are sanding, priming, and tagging.
8. How Can I Prevent Powder Coating From Causing Any Damage To My Project?
Prevent Powder Coating from causing any damage to your project by following these simple safety guidelines:
- Always work in a well-ventilated area, as powder coatings can cause severe respiratory problems if inhaled.
- Make sure your surfaces are clean and free of oils or residues before powder coating. This will help to prevent the powder from sticking to the surface and forming a build-up.
- Wear safety goggles and a breathing mask when working with powders, as they can contain hazardous chemicals like lead and chromium.
Conclusion
I hope now you know powder coating.
