Powder Coating- Four Questions/ How About One!!

I went into my first Powder Coating shop yesterday. The owner seemed nice enough. He has owned PC shops for several years and is basically a classic car guy who was intrigued that I have a Norton in need of powder. I was really surprised by the variety of blacks to choose from. I left with a brochure and a couple of question for you boys and girls.

How did you choose your powder coater?


What media should I request to remove the paint and prep the frame?
(I understand all mounting surfaces need to be free of powder and I am aware of the Old Brit's page.)

Which black did you choose for your frame?
Cardnial offers seven blacks of intrest; 10%,20%,40%,50%,60%,80%, and 90% in a gloss and Ultra Smooth Gloss.

Which silver or chrome did you chose for the rest of the items?
I guess most are a two part process and need a clear over the top.

Re: Powder Coating- Four Questions

My powder coater guy used 'Liquid Black' on my frame and 'Chrome' on the tree parts and the front fender bridge. He also let me come into the shop when he had finished blasting the parts and I helped the painter put on plastic circles to block off the parts I didn't want coated. They had all sizes of circles, so make a list of what and where you want them. Much better than putting on nuts/bolts/washers like the old britts article. He also did work for the Defense Dept and dipped it in some phosphate solution before coating. He said that would stop any rust from creeping under any coat if it got scratched. I just have to believe him, I don't know. I don't think it matters what medium is used to blast the parts being powder coated, but if you blast other items, like the crank cases with glass, you will have to polish it with a stainless brush to bring back some of the shine, otherwise it looks like plastic. I got a good deal with mine, but it is still going to cost about $400-500 to do it at best. Make sure you have everything ready, it is expensive to re-do little parts.

Dave
69S

Re: Powder Coating- Four Questions

Thanks Dave,
I remember reading about your experience. I asked how he protected areas and he pointed to a roll of high temp tape. He doesn’t have the fancy circles. I know there are several other PC in the San Francisco Bay Area and I am hoping a recommendations comes along. Or perhaps someone wants to recycle their bolt blanking set?

The most improved is looking a little grim for you today. At least another S is in the lead!
Gary

Re: Powder Coating- Four Questions

Interesting the guy doesn't have the circles. My guy had rolls and rolls of all different diameters. Sheets of it too we could cut to special shapes like the area around the gearbox adjuster, swing arm spindle, etc. I did get a whole set of nuts/bolts/washers and came in with them and they didn't want me putting them on because of the grease, he said even new bolts have oils in them and will bleed all over the painted frame when heated and mess up the p/c. To do it right that way, you would have to blast the parts, put the nuts/bolts on and blast them again to clean the nuts and bolts. You can buy the UNC nuts/bolts/washers for a whole bunch less than OB is selling that kit for at your local hardware store.

Yes, it looks like Dave M is going to run away with it. Maybe I could have won most original parts?

Dave
69S