Clearcoat Raw Steel Options?

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M_V in reply to @Phes
1. Yes. Not great. It was very brittle and cracked off in a sugary kind of way. If that makes sense. Might have been the powdercoater I used, they were cheap. Brompton do clear powder I beleive and it seems to last pretty well.
2. Wet spray lacquer yes. I've tried quite a few. Halfords Heavy Duty PU lacquer seems the best but the spray caps and the pipe coming out the cans clog up so expect that to happen before you use the full can. I beleive you can get clear lacquers with an etching ingredient but they might be more like 2k cans or for running through a gun.
  3 - 5. Nope.

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Phes in reply to @M_V

Thanks, the Brompton clear powdercoat looks great in the flesh and seems to be a robust finish. If going the powdercoat route, I'm thinking it's worth getting it done right first time and paying extra for a premium quality powdercoater who understands bike frames.

Wet spray wise, I had a look at the Halfords Heavy Duty PU lacquer. The reviews are mixed, some excellent, others with complaints. If going the wet spray route, I'd actually prefer a brand that is more eco-friendly and less harsh chemicals, maybe even a plant-based clear spray lacquer if it exists?!

Has anyone ever hand-clearcoated a frame before? E.g. a tin of liquid clear lacquer and apply it with fine artist's paintbrushes.

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Lolo in reply to @Phes

seems to be a robust finish.

It's not, and many are swapped on warranty. My own frame is one of those that was saved from the skip, and the rust on the BB shell is not negligible.

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