Powdercoat vs 2-pack....

Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Hi all, what are the pro's and con's of the different paint finishes available professionally?

I've had a few bits (tank etc) sprayed up by an automotive repair shop in the past and they used 2-pack acrylic and I've been really pleased with the results, but people often seem to advise powdercoat for bike parts, why is this?

I'm looking at getting quite a few bits sprayed up so wanted to get the best results. I'm quite friendly with the repair shop guys though and get a good rate, my tank for example was £30 inc. paint.

Most parts are alloy, and would be amongst other things-

Top yoke, main frame, swing arm, clip-ons, fairing brace, fork lowers, wheels.

Cheers for any help Thumbs Up

Jebus · Brolly Dolly Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Karma :

erm i say its because powder coating is cheap and give a good finish, 2 pak paint is better i would say, if its good stuff it rock hard and never goes dull and dont chip that easy
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murphyD · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 May 2006 Karma :

Hi , my hubby runs a powder-coat & spraying business so here is his opinion..

hi, powder coating is very fashionable in the bike world at the moment, but for no good reason. powder coating is a tough & reasonably good looking finish for certain applications, however the drawbacks far outway the advantages i;e powder coating is not resistant to most chemicals (if you spill petrol on it, it will melt it) you can;t buff or cut/polish it like you can with a 2 pack and if it chips the weather/moisture can get under it & chase & then the coating will come off in sheets, I would only really recomend using it on frames & brackets or foot peg hangers etc because they are more industrial parts & wont chip etc the way your tin wear will. 2 pack is also very tough & durable, will give a far better finish & is what I would always go for on tin wear (especially for the prices you are talking about).powder coatig is cheaper than wet spraying, maybe this is something to do with it's popularity!
hope this helps. Thumbs Up

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Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Ah great, I thought powdercoat may have been better!

Looks like my local boys will be getting a few more bits to spray for me. It's quite good really as they charge me their usual garage rates at about £35 an hour, so having 5 things to spray shouldn't be 5 times more expensive if you see.

I do all the preperation for them though which helps, last time I even made little stands for everything so they could just plonk it down and get on with spraying.

Out of interest is 2-pack a one coat job or do you layer it up? I presume there is a primer on bare metal first.

paulthewitt · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2004 Karma :

cant beat tupac!

https://www.vanderzande.com/1971/tupac.jpg Laughing

i'll get my coat. and sorry i have no idea how to help with your choice! Rolling Eyes

murphyD · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 May 2006 Karma :

In answer to your question

Generaly with 2-pack you would always put on an undercoat to give the best surface to your top coat.
But matalics would be base coat then lacquer & pearls can be 3 or 4 coat systems..
The best finish is in the preparation!!
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Johnny GSX-R · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Karma :

Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Will 2-pack be resistant to higher temperatures? I'm looking at getting some engine casings and brake calipers done too but am worried about the heat being generated.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Check out the spec sheets for the paint, they will usually have the temperature range marked on them.

You usually need a specialist high temperature paint for callipers and suchlike though. That said, pretty sure the stuff they used at my Dads work used to go in an oven to cure.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Gazdaman · I did a trackday!!! Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Karma :

I was very happy with my frame after I got it powdercoated.

It was much better than the factory finish on it. Never seen 2-pack though.

Gaz

Delvard · Traffic Copper Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Karma :

Just as a point of interest I had my Brake Calipers powdercoated about 6 months and they are still looking great. No marks, drop out etc at all.
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