Powder coating pros and cons

[cintronr]

Hello everyone,

I have never had anything powder coated and wish for some input from folks who have had stuff done. What are the pros and cons? Does it fade in sunlight bad? How long does it last? Can you powder coat foot pegs, ect.

Thanks!

[MotoPsycho]

I did a bunch of stuff years ago and think it's great. Only real drawback I saw was if you have a knucklehead that doesn't know what he's doing when he tapes things off and/or gets happy with the sandblaster.

[oldndumb]

It is a process with outcomes relevant to the proficiency of the technician, coating supplier, equipment, etc. So, the variables, or sum thereof, will affect the outcome just as with most other coating systems.

I've only had one item powder coated and it degraded several thousand miles down the road.

I've seen some which seem to be holding up, but have also seen others with noticeable discoloration. Most of the flat black ones I've looked at seemed to scuff fairly easily. I know of one local tech who will not install the flat black ones because of that.

JMO. 

[2WheelsFTW]

Its pretty tough stuff from my experiences, as far as durability it really depends on the brand the powder coater is using. The shop that did all my parts used Cardinal products.

My swing arm is probably the most exposed and its doing very well, grease, road grime, dirt and rocks have not been able to cause any chipping or fading yet.

As others have said, make sure you take your parts some place that does quality work.

[Duck-Stew]

I've not powder-coated exhaust, but I hear it can be done.

What I have used w/great success is ceramic coating.  I leave the powder-coating for non-heated items like frames and rear-sets...

YMMV.

[ungeheuer]

What I have used w/great success is ceramic coating.  I leave the powder-coating for non-heated items like frames and rear-sets...

YMMV.

^^ This.

[ZoomZoomZoom]

Anybody in Virginia? I heard that American Stripping Company (www.ascoweb.com) does good powder coating work but I have yet to use them.

[ute]

Discolouration ...my Red turned to a pink   

[Speeddog]

Discolouration ...my Red turned to a pink   

Exhaust application or on a 'cool' part like a frame or wheels?

[ute]

Hot/Warm ..wet clutch cover

Started as a bright metallic red now faded red /pink

[MotoPsycho]

Lesson learned. Living in the rainy part of Hawaii, tons of humidity. Don't EVER use a rag that had WD-40 on it to wipe anything down. Combo of the 2 now has rust pits emerging from under the powder coating. Use the proper tool for the job, soap and water.

[The ModFather]

I've had many bits powder coated flat black (clutch cover, alt cover, foot controls, cam covers, headlight bucket, aluminum front fender etc.) I agree with the comment that the expertise and products used during the process impact the results and durability but overall I've been quite happy with it and it's 3 years later with many thousands of miles later. Never had a chip, scuff or any type of removal but the color did go a bit dull over time more specifically the black is not as dark as it was originally but I cant say it's really noticeable to anyone but me which is the beauty of flat black I guess.