Powdercoating Services

[BobA]

People

Does anyone have any particular recommendations on powdercoaters in the South of England, Surrey, Sussex area?

Conversely, if you have any horror stories, or would like to warn me away from any particular companies, I'd like to hear about that too.

I'm only interested in services I can drop a frame off to, I do not want to start posting or using couriers, so they must be in the south east.


Thank you


Bob

[StumpyFingers]

There is (was) a powder coating firm in Norbury near Thornton Heath, I do not know if they are still there but they used to be good and reasonable prices.

[Sohoeasy]

Can't recommend them Bob ,but they are in the right place.
Hane - Unit 12 - Arun Business Park - Shripney Road - Bognor Regis - West Sussex - PO22 9SX
Tel: 01243 830875

[Jenna]

just ask your local one if they acid clean and/or primer, cheap ones dont bother and those that do it properly... do.

[Jenna]

just been reading an interesting report... CAA is now saying that the use of powder coating is prohibited on many structural components due to its ability to mask damage!

the car world has for a long time been debating the pros and cons of it over conventional primer and paint (do a search on TVR chassis rot and you will be horrified!), have to say i dont like it and wouldn't use it on anything other than 'bling' as its a pig to work worth once coated and causes the rust to work from the inside out which is extremal dangerous.

PS. Bob its worth noting that there are two types of powder coating... again both with pros and cons!

[BobA]

Interesting you should mention that about powdercoating on chassis' as I distinctly remember my Dad's Taxi, and most buses etc, have to have their chassis painted silver as part of their annual overhaul. The reason for this, I was told, was that with silver paint, any cracks in the chassis show up easier. Dunno if it's true?!!

Well, trust you to throw a spanner in my works, I thought powdercoating was the ultimate answer, but now you got me thinking. Kitped PM'ed me a while back saying that he had his frame refurbed for quite a good price, and had it media blasted, then painted in two pack.

I need to get my finger out, as I think I'm gonna spruce up my RD03 which has been languishing at the back of a dark garage for years, as a few of us are entering a team for this years HUMM on July 20th, and I think my RD04 may be dead by then!!!


Bob

[Lumiya]

Last ones we did was stripped, sandblasted, etch primed and then dependant on customer was either 2K'd or Coach Enammeled..

[BobA]

Trouble is, I've got zero patience and want everything done, finished, so I'll be the bloke that blocks up all the holes in the engine, then just pushes the whole thing into a lake of white paint!!!!

You have got to sort out that avatar, I preferred the other one SO much more!

[Jenna]

think powder coating became a bit of 'must have' because it was the latest thing more than it was actually any better in a lot of cases!... the only time i really trust it if its done over zinc plating.

bead blast/shot blast/sandblast then acid etch prime (immediately after) and you get as good if not better protection. choice of top coat is an either or as 2k (2pack) sets harder so is more scratch and scuff resistant than acrylic/enamel but its also more likely to chip instead. All our stuff is so far done with coach enamel over an acid etch primer ( I use MIPA) its not a showroom finish but then our bikes/cars are meant to earn their keep.

stripin and rebuilding a bike is fairly easy if you dont go mad... loadsa time before HUMM Bob.

[BobA]

My problem is, I generally like most of my stuff to appear as it was intended, unless it's a recognised improvement. Anoraky I know!!

I'll be doing the RD03 frame as Mr Honda dreamed it up, so it looks like I now have a paint choice to make.

Stripping and rebuilding doesn't really phase me, as I helped out with this a lot in a previous job, albeit in a very "Oily Rag" role (as opposed to a real engineer!). The trouble is, the filthiest bikes I worked on then, were probably cleaner than a day old bike that's been out in the rain. Call me soft, but I JUST HATE grime under my finger nails!

I have a spare set of RD03 panels, so although I'd like to get the bike spic & span for the HUMM, I'm tempted to use my shabby panels for a one-off, fun paint job for the HUMM. Could be a laugh I reckon, and it'll make my hilarious off-road style of crashing stand out even more!!

Watch this space!



Dr Disaster