Please note: given the imminent closing of my local makerspace, I cannot take on new powdercoating jobs until I’ve secured a new space, probably sometime after the New Year. – Dan, 10/05/2017
As one of my various side gigs, I do custom powder-coating of bike frames; not fine art or show-quality finishes, just solid, durable powder.
I can coat steel or aluminum (technically, I could probably do titanium, but few people want to coat their titanium frames.) Carbon fiber and unobtainium alloys are out of the question.
Generally, it’s best to have your preferred mechanic strip all of the components off before sending the frame to me; if necessary, I will do disassembly at my hourly rate, but I don’t do reassembly without significant bribery.
The job includes stripping the frame to bare metal, hitting it with an abrasive blaster and a wash, then laying down a double coat of powder to ensure durability and good powder coverage. Also included is a frame prep pass after coating; I’ll go through and run taps through all the threaded fittings, face the head tube, and chase-and-face the bottom bracket.
The fork is included in the base price; other parts, such as recumbent seat frames, handlebars, risers, etc., can be done at additional charge. Note that I can also coat metal fenders such as those sold by Velo-Orange, so fenders color-matched to your frame are an option as well.
I’m happy to use any standard RAL colors, most Pantone colors, or most of the powders offered on the prismaticpowders.com or caswellplating.com websites. I’m also willing to try some of the more exotic effects, such as candy coats, textured coats, or metallics; if it’s something with which I’m not familiar, I’ll do a prototype piece first for cost of materials, so we can make sure it’s what you want before taking the plunge on your entire frame.
My basic price list is as follows:
- Traditional (non-suspended) frame and fork: $200
- Recumbent bike (stick frame) frame and fork: $250
- Recumbent bike (space frame) frame and fork: $300
- Recumbent trike frame: $300
- Tandem (non-suspended) frame and fork: $300
Add-ons:
- Fenders: $50
- Other components: varies, let’s talk. Some parts may not wear well, but I’m always willing to give it a whirl, and I will cut you a good deal for experimental stuff.
- Hourly rate for disassembly or other extra work: $50
- Chrome stripping up-charge: $50 and up, depending on how much chrome I need to strip.
- World-weary repartee and advice: free, and worth every penny you pay for it.
Anything weird or not listed: ask.
In addition, you’ll be on the hook for materials (usually $25-$30) and 7% sales tax (gotta keep PA and Allegheny County happy).
I will collect a deposit of 50% when I take receipt of the frame, and 50% upon completion.
Bike-PGH members get a 10% discount. Also, I’ll knock off another 10% if you strip the frame down to bare metal before getting it to me. (I’ll still need to blast the frame to ensure cleanliness and good adhesion, but I’m always happy to spend less time peeling off old paint or powder.)