unhappy with powder coat

[dirtbikr99]

I had my 99 cr250 frame, swingarm, and subframe powder coated. I had it coated candy red. The total cost was $390.00 I love the look of it, in that aspact Im very happy. But Im unhappy with the durability. Iv heard so many good things about powder coating but my frame has chipped in a few places already. I havent even rode the bike yet, whats going to happen when a 450 big bore roosts me will the powder coat chip off all over? Have other people had similar results? Do diffrent colors have better durability then others? Should I question the place who powdercoated my frame about this?
Thanks guys, I with I had just put the money into my suspention.

 

[durrtygurl]

heck yes

I had mine done about four months ago... and it turned out beautiful.. since then unfortunately i laid mine over fliped it and fell a couple of times and i dont even have a scratch.. if you want i can get you the info where i had it done, they ended up doin mine for free because the paint and prep guys were in an internal war.... it took them three friggen months to get it done... and that in my opinion is bull sh*t.
so they called me and said they would do my next one for cost...
just let me know... :ride:

 

[wirefryer#85]

Powdercoat is only as good as the shop thats doing it. PERIOD! :|

I have had work done on decorative and accent steelwork I've built that fell off after a month of sitting in the corner waiting to be installed. That'll tick ya' off!

Sounds like you got raped by a " I watch American Chopper on TV and I can do that" kinda shop, they're everywere!

A good coat outfit will have a prep/work area that an organ transplant could be performed on without fear of infection!!!

Prep should be ruthless in getting rid of all surface crud that will interfere with the baking process.

If they do not have a digital control system on their oven, turn around and walk away.

I work with a bunch of 'Duners' and they like coat for the durability and far lower cost versus chrome.

Ironicly, visiting a good chrome shop will make you want to get a shower and a tetnus shot after you leave :whoa:

Sounds like the prep wasn't good, a surface contaminant was present during application, or voltage was not good in the gun.

And the stuff WILL peel off like you won't believe, espescially after a little moisture gets under it. Take up D-Gurl on her offer and cut your losses, why take it back so they can F it up again.

Luck!
Tim

 

[Treejumper]

I agree, sounds like a bad prep job. Powdercoating is pretty durable but will still chip, etc. Its not invisible like people think. If the surface wasnt cleaned properly you can peel it off like rubber cement. If dont right its hard to chisel off. Its also possible that they put it on too thick.

 

[Ol'89r]

But Im unhappy with the durability. Iv heard so many good things about powder coating but my frame has chipped in a few places already. I havent even rode the bike yet, Should I question the place who powdercoated my frame about this?
QUOTE]


Did they sandblast the frame before powder coating? Powder coating works better if you have a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Like others have said, prep is everything.

Also, when assembling a powder coated frame, you have to take a sharp object or grinder and remove the paint under all of the bolt and nut seating surfaces. If you tighten all of your frame bolts without removing the powder coat underneath, it will chip the paint due to it being so thick. It also gets into bolt and stud holes. If you take the time to remove the paint and drill out all of the bolt and stud holes it will eliminate that problem.

Just my $ .02

 

[durrtygurl]

in reference to : "Did they sandblast the frame before powder coating? Powder coating works better if you have a rough surface for the paint to adhere to. Like others have said, prep is everything."

I blasted my own frame and plugged all the wholes and removed my gears myself... it does a world of good to have that done... and they cant rape you on it...

 

[evenslower]

Agree with prep comments. Do you know if they used a burn-off oven to make sure there was no oil,grease,etc left on the frame?

 

[powdercoater]

Take it back and question them about it. See if they will refund your money or do it again.

 

[dirtbikr99]

sorry, I have been very busy with college classes as well as athletics. I would like to take the frame back to the place however, there is limited riding time left before the winter. I have about 30 minutes riding time on the frame. The sides of the frame where my boots rub against is already wearing through and has a chip on one side. Does black powdercoat hold up better in situations like this? Im going to put up a picture when i get home tonight.

 

[powdercoater]

Any color should hold up better if the metal is prepped and and the powder is cured right. I have hit parts with a hammer after I did them and nothing happened to the coating, but the metal underneath was dented. I guess the only thing to do is take this situation as a learning experience for next time.