Paint damage on brand new frame

Hi there,

I posted in the framebuiders thread about this, but would be keen to hear other opinions on this.

I just bought a new steel frameset from a guy in the US. When it arrived it had some paint damage just below the seat collar (see attached).

I emailed him about it and stated that I was a bit concerned about it now being a spot susceptible to rust etc.

His response was as follows;

"The frame is dipped in a black ed coating prior to painting. The black ed finish is a corrosion preventative coating so there shouldn't be any more chance of rust there than if it had paint. The frame is masked off for paint under the seat collar so the frame finish is the same under the collar is it is under that spot where it chipped. You can see the black inside the seat tube and under the collar."

He offered a very small refund (about $40) which I, possibly prematurely, accepted.

It is playing on my mind a bit now and that's why I'm asking on here. Is the chip likely to get bigger and has this diminished the resale value considerably?

Sending back to the US will be an absolute ballache with all the charges etc

I have had a pretty good experience with the guy before theis and if the damage is purely cosmetic, I might just have to live with it as I really do not want to be returning this to the US.

Any thoughts/opinions?

Out of interest how much was the original price?

Was it direct from a company or was this guy selling as NOS?

Direct from the guy who makes em. A one man show.

Cost me about the same as a Surly would here.

Get a nail polish (bit hard to get the same colour) or bring it to halfords they cover that but no idea how much theyll charge you

In other words, suck it up and ride it?

Yes.. if it worries you, you could probably apply some clear nail polish. You won't notice it after a few rides and you add your own marks.

Could also try and get close with https://spray.bike/

Are those cracks in the paint at the top of the seat stays?

Nah, just some reflections

Thats good, as that could have pointed towards some impact. I'd touch it up and forget about it.

DIY chains often have a comprehensive selection of small tins of enamel
for hobbyists etc - take the frame along and see if you can get a match.
I did this on a Gazelle frame with no problems.

Who remembers using Humbrol?
A tiny pot is less than £2.

I'd personally be a bit pissed off about that tbh.

If I purchase a second-hand bike and it find it to have scratches and chips etc, I actually don't mind that much because it means I can worry less about chipping it myself. I can just enjoy riding it.

But if I purchased a brand new frame it would deffo play on my mind. That looks like genuine and honest transportation damage, instead of him dropping it and sending it or something.

I'd just spend the £40 on something nice on the bike, and then get some touch-up paint.