Calling painters - advice on metalic paint

[Jean]

Hi,

Back in the early 90s I had Shogun Ninja with black metalic paint which I liked at the time. I generally like a shiny black paint job for road bikes - I had a black Cannondale 2.8 after I destroyed the Ninja.

I'm thinking about a custom steel frame in 2013 and wondering whether to go for a black metalic finish. But the frame will probably be TIG welded so I am wondering if the metallic paint will not go so well with the welds and make them stand out more than they would otherwise? Can anyone offer any opinions on this? Would I be better off with a straight gloss enamel with clearcoat?

Cheers
Jean

[Ross]

Metallic paint and welds shouldn't make any difference if it's painted properly.

[drubie]

Metallic paint and welds shouldn't make any difference if it's welded properly.

Fixed that for me

[Wal42]

As an (now-ex) motor body builder, I know what you are saying.

I used to build hearses & the majority are still painted black, it throws up a challenge to the person doing the work.

If you're getting a custom made frame, tell them that you want to paint the frame black, ask them if they think that finishing the welds would be better (remember you are dealing with craftsmen, they'll want stuff to be reflective of their skills), they may charge you a little bit extra, but if they know up front you may want the welds finished, they'll weld it a little deeper & leave a little bit on top so they can finish it with a grinder & flapper discs, we used to virtually get a flat surface when we were finished, a little bit of filler, some spray putty & it'll look like it's just a molded frame.

Or if you want the welds to show, then let them know so that they can be just a little more careful & leave a very pretty weld.


Most craftsmen can do it either way, but they need to know up front, don't be too afraid to let them know what your plans are, give them the chance to show the world their skills.

Oh & take them back some photos of the finished result so they can show others just what they are capable of.

[drubie]

I reckon its going to be tough to find someone who can weld as nice as a shogun ninja, let alone a cannondale. The shoguns were nicely made for cheap bikes including some seriously durable paint jobs. Partly that was due to tubes you might not necessarily choose for a spend custom frame.

[Jean]

Thanks for the responses.

I'm looking at a frame by Colossi, who seem to do some nice work. There have been email exchanges with the local rep and as I'm in BrisVegas for a few days I'm going to check out a few in the flesh on Friday.

Tubing is TBA and the whole scheme is in its early days. Columbus Zona or Reynolds 853 are the most likely candidates at the moment based on budget alone.