FAQs
Powder Coat Questions
Please reach us at info@GroodyBros.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Powder coating is a highly durable dry (no solvent) electrostatic process for coating metal objects. A polarized electric charge is applied to the frame. The vinyl powder is charged with the opposite polarity. When the powder is sprayed on the frame the electric charges cause the powder to cling to the frame. Once the frame has been evenly coated it is baked in a 400-degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. This causes the vinyl powder to melt and fuse to the surface of the frame.
Powder coating resists cracking and peeling. It is extremely abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistant. The durability of powder coating matches or exceeds the characteristics of conventional solvent-based paints. Powder coating is quite common in the automotive industry.
- There are hundreds of colors from which to choose. These include a broad variety of special effects such as candies, metallics, iridescents and pearlescents.
- Customers make their selection from online suppliers. A list of reputable vendors is shown on our Resource Links page.
- Customers purchase direct from the manufacturer and have the powder shipped to our location. We may have your color choice available. Check with our powder inventory before placing your powder order.
Powder coating is an electrostatic process followed by a baking cycle. Carbon fiber does not conduct electricity and does not stand up to oven temperatures. However, we have often liquid-painted carbon forks to match the powder coated frame. This process is generally around $80.00.
That is a definite "Maybe". If the pitting is deep it will still show. Minor pitting will usually fill in nicely.
A standard frame and fork requires 1 pound of powder per color or clear coat. Tandem bikes require 2 pounds of powder. Much of this ends up as “blow-by” and does not affect the overall weight of the frame.
Unlike solvent-based wet paint systems, powder coating is an environmentally friendly process. Since the process does not use any solvents whatsoever, VOC emission problems are eliminated.
Frame Questions
No. Media blasting is a safe and effective way to remove all the rust and paint from a frame. We use only enough pressure to remove the paint but not affect the frame in any way. In some instances, we will use chemical stripping if media blasting isn't working.
No. There are some metals such as scandium and frame construction methods such as bonding that are not suited for baking. However, the vast majority of aluminum and steel frames are perfectly fine to powder coat. The temperature of the curing process is usually around 350-400 degrees for a short 10-15-minute time frame. This is far less heat than was used to produce the frame originally.
Yes, we are capable of most frame modifications involving small braze on parts. We also remove derailleur hangers for fixed gear and single speed conversions, reshaping the drop out to resemble the opposite side of the frame. Pricing available on request.
Quite often, yes. Some minor dings can be massaged out, it really depends on the extent of the damage. We also use high-temperature fillers or silver brazing to smooth out the imperfections. Please send us a picture of the issue for a good assessment.
Yes, we can usually salvage most metal head badges. Plastic and decal type badges do not fair so well. We do safely remove most steel or aluminum badges and then reattach them after the coating process is complete.
No, the media blasting process removes all decals, paint, oxidation, grease, and other materials. Powder coating must be applied to bare metal. We do have an ever-growing list of reputable replica decal manufacturers on our Resource Links page.
- Yes, good quality chrome can be preserved. In most cases the chrome can be masked off and protected for both the media blasting and powder coating processes.
- Not all "chrome" is created equal. On some bikes, particularly vintage European models, if the chrome is pitted it will most likely flake off in the oven. In these instances, we offer a mock chrome powder coat that has the appearance of chrome without the expense of re-plating and polishing.
- Chrome may also be re-plated by our local provider.
On standard printed or cut vinyl, self-adhesive decals, we professionally apply an automotive-grade clear coat to the frame to help preserve the decals should you choose to do so. If available, please purchase decals designed for clear coat application.
Other Questions
- Independent blasting often results in less than desirable results.
- Once a part has been media blasted, any humidity or hand perspiration may cause your frame to begin oxidizing. This surface rust may compromise the adhesion of the powder. We blast and coat in quick succession to prevent these issues.
- Also, most blasters use common silica sand at up to 250 p.s.i. This has caused irreparable damage to the surface of the tubing and undesirable textures. We vary the media based on your frame materials at pressures ranging from 60 to 150 p.s.i.
- We have received dozens of frames that were stripped by the owner. None have ever been clean enough for the powder coating process. We recommend that you save yourself the time, effort, and expense by letting us professionally media blast your frame.
- Chemically stripping a frame is a hazardous process requiring serious personal protection from the corrosive solvents. Stripped frames must still be media blasted to insure the removal of residual chemicals
- Sadly, this is an all too common question. Yes, we've stripped and re-powder coated many frames for customers who were unhappy with the result of a local vendor unaccustomed to the nuances of coating a bicycle.
- Stripping off powder coat is a rather labor-intensive process. We are experienced at performing this task. It does not harm your frame in any way.
- Generally, it requires an additional $25.00 to the normal stripping price to have the powder coat material removed.
- Generally speaking, our backlog of projects runs 3 to 4 weeks for standard strip and coat services. Standard bicycle refinishing requests are completed in the order received. Additional services, such as custom graphics, urethane clear coat, mechanical work, frame modifications, procurement of replacement parts, all add additional time to the project.
- Full restorations, if accepted, from complete disassembly to reassembly, are processed on a one-at-a-time basis and require a minimum of 6-weeks from the time they reach the top of the worklist.
We are a full-service business. We will do as much, or as little, of the disassembly as you want. We have all the tools needed to take apart both new and vintage bicycles. Please see our rate guide for pricing.
Shipping is a separate cost. Typically the return shipping of a frame and fork is $35 to $45.
Effective May 1, 2024 we modified our shop policies. Full restorations will now be limited and strictly considered on a case-by-case basis. While I love bringing old bicycles back to life, these projects require significant time and energy, which we need to manage more efficiently.
Full restorations, if accepted, from complete disassembly to reassembly, are processed on a one-at-a-time basis and require a minimum of 6-weeks from the time they reach the top of the worklist.
Services & Pricing Updates
Effective May 1, 2024 significant updates were made to our available services and pricing. All current projects that are already in-house and initiated will be completed as agreed.