Sorry to dig this up, but I need some advice.
I'm currently tearing down the bike to have have it completely repainted - including the frame. Why? Well, I like 'black' better then 'red'.
My question is: How should the frame be handled?
1. strip down the current layer of paint (with sand blasting or not?) and paint it with the new color?
2. strip down the paint and powder coat it?
3. keep current paint and then either powder coat or paint over it?
I have no expertise in this, and I will not paint it myself, I'm just doing some research before doing something I'll regret.
Hope someone who has been through this before me, can answer. Thanks a lot!
My powdercoat guy does ALL the frame cleaning,stripping and ppreperation on my parts & a few frames (most of my frames are chromed).
But heres some advice that I hope will help you out :
No matter what you decide to do (paint or powdercoat) you MUST strip,clean and prep the frame.
Sand or beadblast ALL the OLD paint and surfaces off.
Businesses that do engraving on gravestones can strip your frame in about 20 minutes or you can go to a sandblast/beadblast shop to have it prepped.But YOU MUST Strip the frame down no matter what process you choose for a durable ,clean,long lasting and NEAT Professional finish.
Maybe *IF* you decide to powdercoat it (or paint it)-the place you choose has the facilitys to clean,strip & prep your frame and tins....ask them.Most places offer this as a package in the price offered on the complete job.
Powdercoat is durable and easily taken care of - so it's just a matter of personal preference (soap & water is all you need).
YOU CANNOT POWDERCOAT OVER CURRENT PAINT(I'm not yelling at you-just driving home a point of your inquirie

)
Powdercoat is an electro-static process that adheres to the BARE Metal - so you Must strip the frame have it cleaned w/acid & soap & water.
And New Paint wants a clean & prepped bare surface as well.
So NO MATTER what process or step you decide upon(Paint or Powdercoat) For a professional and clean job:Strip the frame down to bare metal,prep it CLEAN and then paint or powdercoat it.
Vince