Finishing options for steel frames

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Steady rider
Posts: 2749
Joined: 4 Jan 2009, 4:31pm

Finishing options for steel frames

Post by Steady rider »

I have two old frames and both have in the past been hand painted. One has a serious rust patch and needs attention.

I am thinking about either painting or powder coating. What would provide the best job, paint probably the lowest cost option and powder coating quoted as £40. How long a powder coating finish will last I don't know.

Any advice on either option very welcome. I did think about Hammerite paint but not sure this will be a good choice.
Jdsk
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Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: Finishing options for steel frames

Post by Jdsk »

Recent discussion of powder coating, including the importance of preparation:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=148491

Jonathan
pwa
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Joined: 2 Oct 2011, 8:55pm

Re: Finishing options for steel frames

Post by pwa »

I did Hammerite a frameset I used for commuting, but it didn't prove to be as durable as I had hoped. Perhaps my prep was at fault. but the Hammerite itself didn't seem very hard. The only good thing was that touching up didn't have colour match issues.
Jamesh
Posts: 2963
Joined: 2 Jan 2017, 5:56pm

Re: Finishing options for steel frames

Post by Jamesh »

Power coating will last the longest tbh. But it doesn't look as crisp as a good paint job.

2 pack epoxy would be my second choice

Hammerite would follow just above spray cans!!

Cheers James
mattsccm
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Joined: 28 Nov 2009, 9:44pm

Re: Finishing options for steel frames

Post by mattsccm »

Galvanize it!
peetee
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Location: Upon a lumpy, scarred granite massif.

Re: Finishing options for steel frames

Post by peetee »

Preparation is key to a durable finish with any type of paint. I have had good results with Hammerite, sanding and cleaning the original enamel paint first.
I also had a frame enamelled in full, after which I added contrasting car spray paint on some tubes then had it clear coated. Five years later it’s perfectly fine having suffered no ill effects from the different paint compositions.
The older I get the more I’m inclined to act my shoe size, not my age.
Steady rider
Posts: 2749
Joined: 4 Jan 2009, 4:31pm

Re: Finishing options for steel frames

Post by Steady rider »

Thank you for all the advice.

I am thinking of addressing the rusted portion, to save a strip down and have it done quickly.

See how long it lasts and keep an eye out for a another bike.
Jamesh
Posts: 2963
Joined: 2 Jan 2017, 5:56pm

Re: Finishing options for steel frames

Post by Jamesh »

Look for some rust treatment, then a zinc primer and finally top coat.

Cheers James
mr riff raff
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Joined: 4 Aug 2007, 8:00pm

Re: Finishing options for steel frames

Post by mr riff raff »

Duct tape!

Looks like carbon from a distance.
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