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@Murso
Just piked up my frame from Armourtex after much deliberation about whether to have it sprayed or powdercoated. Very pleased with the results - better than i expected really (and i are a fussy cunt). Thought i'd share some of the accumulated learning to help others in their decision making!
A couple of points to consider if your thinking about doing the same:
•Because powdercoating is thicker than enamel, it's much more forgiving in hiding blemishes if you've done any DIY removal of braze ons/ frame repairs etc. (I bodged a new break bridge and it's barely noticeable).
•If you have chrome Armourtex are getting better at masking it, provided it's not on fancy lugs, but they will clearcoat over it unless you ask them not to!
•When you paint your frame the undercoat shows up any holes in the metal (especially if it's an old frame) which can be filled before the final colour is added. This won't happen during powdercoating, so don't be surprised if that you find pin pricks in the finish that were hidden under the original paint job.
•Powdercoating is nasty to remove. Unlike enamel you can't just shotblast it off because it's nails. It needs a chemical bath before removal. (Worth considering when picking your colour! Best get it right). It seems bike re-sprayers hate the stuff because it's such a 'mare to remove....your likely to pay over the odds if ever you do need it re-done/resprayed . Just worth remembering!
•Ask about the different clear coats. They have loads and it'll add a deeper dimension to the cheep flat standard colour to stop it looking cheepo (if your feeling arty).
•At the end of the day it's only £70 really. In comparison to the proper jobs (Argos, et al) it's good value provided your not looking for the depth of a Flambo paint job with stripes and panels.
Will post up pix when i get a mo'. Hope someone finds this useful........