Paint- whats going on?

[argonsixar]

My buddy and I had a frame each painted over the xmas/new year period. These were professionally done from a reputable finisher. We have both noticed however , that they just keep chipping, apparently from minor knocks. Now I have twenty/thirty and forty year old frames in my garage that don't chip easily. I have heard the usual prattlings about European legislation affecting what can be used to harden paints, but assumed this to be nonsense. Is it? Or is this chipping just a coincidence ?
I want to get my old Geoff Roberts re painted and was wondering whether there is a sure fire, high quality finish that is still available in the UK. Does anyone have any ideas ?

 

[Nob]

Without naming the reputable finisher which part of the UK would that be….

 

[Takingabreak]

My buddy and I had a frame each painted over the xmas/new year period. These were professionally done from a reputable finisher. We have both noticed however , that they just keep chipping, apparently from minor knocks. Now I have twenty/thirty and forty year old frames in my garage that don't chip easily. I have heard the usual prattlings about European legislation affecting what can be used to harden paints, but assumed this to be nonsense. Is it? Or is this chipping just a coincidence ?
I want to get my old Geoff Roberts re painted and was wondering whether there is a sure fire, high quality finish that is still available in the UK. Does anyone have any ideas ?

It might be worth considering a powder coat. Some places are adept with bike frames and can apply decals and a lacquer over the top. I have previously used Armourtex (London based) but I'm not sure they still exist

 

[argonsixar]

I am in London area and there doesn't seem to be any shortage of options for painters, but if they are all hamstrung by quality paints, then maybe powder coat is an option. I don't mind paying extra for a finish if it can survive the fitting of band-on components !

 

[Jonny69]

If it's painted in 2K it will chip easily and there's really nothing you can do about it, unfortunately.

 

[bagpuss]

As others have said modern paint is very poor . It is all nearly water based . Powder coating is much more durable .I have applied decals to it without issues and varnished over them .

 

[argonsixar]

I am struggling to understand what the issue truly is. Notwithstanding the "modern paints are poor... water based" explanation, which is plausible, why is it not possible to pay for better paint ? After all, my car doesn't chip like this, nor does my newish carbon frame. Are "factory" finishes using better paints ? If so, can I have some please ?

 

[PearsonRider]

I thought that the move to paints that use water as a solvent was generally because older hydrocarbon thinners had been found to be harmful, either to directly to people or to the atmosphere (in a similar way to some refrigerants). I believe that in some places their use has either been banned or requires expensive filters to prevent the solvent/off gassing getting into the air. Maybe cars come out more durable because they bake the bodies after painting?

I've had one frame powder coated and have been happy with the results, but it was an 'cheapie' restoration of a Jacques Anquetil bike that I bought at a jumble. I got it done at a place that powder coats all kinds of objects, not a bike specialist. I have seen good results on motorcycle frames that have been double powder coated, but of course this costs more. I'm used to powder coat being single colour and would guess that more elaborate finishes still have to sprayed with paint.

 

[hamster]

Have you tried getting your painter to use stove enamel? Most offer it and it's been pretty durable for me.

In my experience car paint is every bit as bad for chipping when used on a bike.