sandpaper

[TokenFreak]

 

thanks and then after applying the decals spray laquer over the whole frame??

 

yes but you will have a ridge around the decals. so i would suggest to spray 2 liberal coats, let it dry completely then flat it around those areas lightly using 1500 and then clearcoat is again unless you go the vinyl stencil route i use to spray the "decals" on

 

[TokenFreak]

 

How smooth could you get an aluminium frame to clearcoat for a natural finish?

 

depends on how much time and elbow grease you are prepared to put into it. You can get it super smooth for a chrome finish if you want.

 

[XTC OKE]

I am gonna use vinyl's so must I use laquer??

[TokenFreak]

if you want a glossy finish yes if not then dont. Or get some matt additive to add to the clearcoat to still have a protective layer but with a matt finish

[XTC OKE]

 

if you want a glossy finish yes if not then dont. Or get some matt additive to add to the clearcoat to still have a protective layer but with a matt finish

 

thanks matte is what I want

 

[Dirtbreath]

I have a powder coated frame that has gone dull. Can I give it new life or start from scratch. Tried to buff it at one of those fancy car places but didnt work. The only thing that gets the bike shiny is Mr Min but that doesnt last long.

[TokenFreak]

 

I have a powder coated frame that has gone dull. Can I give it new life or start from scratch. Tried to buff it at one of those fancy car places but didnt work. The only thing that gets the bike shiny is Mr Min but that doesnt last long.

 

powder coating is rubbish. well thats my opinion. you will need to start from scratch as very little paint will actually stick to the powder coating. Best is to have it sand or bead blasted and paint it.

 

[Dirtbreath]

My question refers specifically to the original question of sandpaper. Can you use a fine water paper with Sunlight? If you can get raw ali to look like chrome.

 

If I get to the stage of redoing I dont think I will be stuffing around myself. Have a compressor and all that but dont think I would want to experiment with my frame.

[TokenFreak]

 

My question refers specifically to the original question of sandpaper. Can you use a fine water paper with Sunlight? If you can get raw ali to look like chrome.

 

If I get to the stage of redoing I dont think I will be stuffing around myself. Have a compressor and all that but dont think I would want to experiment with my frame.

 

 nah there is not much you can do to bring out the shine again on the powdercoating. Maybe try flatting it with 4000 and soapy water and then buff it with 3M Perfect It II polish and a polish machine. Try it on a small area first tho

 

[Dirtbreath]

My question refers specifically to the original question of sandpaper. Can you use a fine water paper with Sunlight? If you can get raw ali to look like chrome.

 

If I get to the stage of redoing I dont think I will be stuffing around myself. Have a compressor and all that but dont think I would want to experiment with my frame.

 nah there is not much you can do to bring out the shine again on the powdercoating. Maybe try flatting it with 4000 and soapy water and then buff it with 3M Perfect It II polish and a polish machine. Try it on a small area first tho

Thanks but that seems like too much PT for something that should really be covered in mud. I'll just make sure its dirty so I dont notice.

[TokenFreak]

 

My question refers specifically to the original question of sandpaper. Can you use a fine water paper with Sunlight? If you can get raw ali to look like chrome.

 

If I get to the stage of redoing I dont think I will be stuffing around myself. Have a compressor and all that but dont think I would want to experiment with my frame.

 

 nah there is not much you can do to bring out the shine again on the powdercoating. Maybe try flatting it with 4000 and soapy water and then buff it with 3M Perfect It II polish and a polish machine. Try it on a small area first tho

Thanks but that seems like too much PT for something that should really be covered in mud. I'll just make sure its dirty so I dont notice.

 

 

  Totaly agree

 

[Rockid]

 

 

powder coating is rubbish. well thats my opinion. you will need to start from scratch as very little paint will actually stick to the powder coating. Best is to have it sand or bead blasted and paint it.

 

It seems most custom framebuilders are moving to powder coated frames, often multilayered. 

I have found powder coating to be incredibly tough. For a mtb it is definitely the best option.  We had a nice steel mtb frame powder coated and it is almost impossible to scratch or chip.  Repainted frames in my experience scratch very easy. well thats my opinion.

[Dirtbreath]

I dont think the powder chips it is however softer than paint and scratches easier. It also seems to suffer from UV degradation and goes dull. My frame is black so it is probably more susceptible to fade but it seems more pronounced than a paint finsh. Dirtbreath2008-10-08 02:55:08

[Thug]

My Santa Cruz is powdercoated and given the choice of purchasing a new frame, I definitely wouldn't purchase another powdercoated frame.

 

The finish scratches easily and also the lustre of the frame disappears quickly.

 

I'm giving serious thought to getting the frame sandblasted , polished and then finished off with a clearcoat.

 

[Dirtbreath]

Thug, I have checked about redoing my frame and have been advised that sand blasting is a definite no no. They can chemically remove the powder coat and then you sand the left over bits.

[Thug]

Is the sand too abrasive for the aluminium ?