Windridge Coatings
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Paint Chipping
Chipping is a problem with any liquid paint system regardless of who is doing the spraying. It does not matter how skilled the sprayer is, it is the way the paint resin system is formulated in order to be diluted with thinners. We know because we used to wet spray, but we needed something more robust. Powder coating has a reputation of looking like plastic coating e.g. nylon or PVC, nothing could be further from the truth, most people would not be able to tell whether it is powder coated or wet painted, the two look very similar. The reason why powder coating is now used to paint most new bikes is one of economics, it is much faster to apply and requires less coats. A frame can be painted, cured and be ready for assembly in an hour. Powder coating bicycle frames, it is undoubtedly tougher than wet paint when applied properly. At exhibitions we invite potential customers to hit sample panels with a 2-pound hammer, you can imagine how stupid we would look if it chipped in front of an audience. Finally, it is environmentally friendly because powder coating bike frames does not require solvents, which is good for the atmosphere.
Just a final note of caution we are asked to strip and re-powder coat bike frames because they have been stripped but not blasted, this means the frame does not have a good key for the powder coat to adhere to and will chip easily.
Decals
You may also be interested to know Turner bikes and I believe Marin and I no doubt many other manufacturers use Mylar decals which do not need lacquering over the top. If you have problems locating decals you can supply artwork to a local vinyl sign company and they should be able to cut you what you want. Be aware of copyright infringements.
I hope this is useful to you.
Chipping is a problem with any liquid paint system regardless of who is doing the spraying. It does not matter how skilled the sprayer is, it is the way the paint resin system is formulated in order to be diluted with thinners. We know because we used to wet spray, but we needed something more robust. Powder coating has a reputation of looking like plastic coating e.g. nylon or PVC, nothing could be further from the truth, most people would not be able to tell whether it is powder coated or wet painted, the two look very similar. The reason why powder coating is now used to paint most new bikes is one of economics, it is much faster to apply and requires less coats. A frame can be painted, cured and be ready for assembly in an hour. Powder coating bicycle frames, it is undoubtedly tougher than wet paint when applied properly. At exhibitions we invite potential customers to hit sample panels with a 2-pound hammer, you can imagine how stupid we would look if it chipped in front of an audience. Finally, it is environmentally friendly because powder coating bike frames does not require solvents, which is good for the atmosphere.
Just a final note of caution we are asked to strip and re-powder coat bike frames because they have been stripped but not blasted, this means the frame does not have a good key for the powder coat to adhere to and will chip easily.
Decals
You may also be interested to know Turner bikes and I believe Marin and I no doubt many other manufacturers use Mylar decals which do not need lacquering over the top. If you have problems locating decals you can supply artwork to a local vinyl sign company and they should be able to cut you what you want. Be aware of copyright infringements.
I hope this is useful to you.
simples!!!
