Benefits of Powder Coating for Custom BMX Frames | Durability & Cost

The Benefits of Powder Coating Your BMX Frame

Powder coating has become an increasingly popular choice for finishing BMX frames over traditional wet paint. Offering increased durability and customization options, powder coated BMX frames provide riders with a bike that can stand up to hardcore riding while looking great.

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a dry finishing process that applies a polymer coating to a surface using an electrostatic charge. The powdered coating, which comes in many colors and finishes, adheres evenly across the surface to provide complete coverage on even hard to reach areas.

After the coating is applied, the frame is heated in an oven to melt and cure the powder into a smooth, durable finish. This is different from traditional paint which requires a liquid that can run and drip during application.

Benefits of Using Powder Coating on BMX Frames

There are many advantages to using powder coating rather than paint when finishing a BMX frame including:

• Durability - Powder coated finishes are tougher and more abrasion resistant than standard paints. The thick polymer coating helps protect the bike frame from dings, chips, scratches, and rust.
• Quality - Powder coating provides an attractive, flawless finish with no drips or inconsistencies. Coverage is complete regardless of design complexity.
• Customization - With endless color and finish options from glossy to metallic, powder coating allows for true custom bike builds to match rider style.
• Cost - Though initially more expensive than a basic rattle can paint job, powder coating provides much more value and longer-lasting results in the long run.

Preparing & Powder Coating Your BMX Frame

Properly preparing your BMX frame before powder coating is vital to achieving an amazing, long-lasting finish.

Sand Blasting

All existing paint and coatings need to be removed through sand blasting down to clean bare metal. Sand blasting eliminates any surface contaminates while also texturing the frame for better powder adhesion.

Masking

After blasting, delicate areas like bottom bracket shells should be carefully masked off to prevent filling them with powder. Any o-ring seats, hardware, or moving components should be avoided as well.

Applying the Powder

With the frame prepped, it can then be hung on a grounding rack and the charged polymer powder applied using an electrostatic gun. The powder is attracted to the grounded frame, adhering evenly across every surface regardless of shape.

Curing

Once fully coated the frame is then placed in a curing oven to bake at the appropriate time and temperature range for the powder type. Temperatures typically range from 300° to 400° Fahrenheit. When finished, the melted powder will have formed a shiny hardened finish.

Secondary Efforts

A second round of powder coating can provide an even tougher finish by thickening the coating. Different color powders are also sometimes applied to create custom fades or details.

Maintaining and Protecting Your Frame

Though highly durable, your powder coated frame should be properly maintained and protected to preserve that custom finish for as long as possible against hardcore riding conditions.

Frame Protection

Applying protective 3M helicopter tape along high wear frame sections prone to peg grinds or chain slap can help minimize chipping and abrasions.

Touch-ups

For light scratches or nicks that do occur despite protection, specialty powder coat touch up pens allow for quick repairs to maintain appearance.

Detailing

Regular washing and polishing keeps the frame looking shiny and vibrant while lifting contaminants that can wear down the coating over time.

With proper care and maintenance, your powder coated custom BMX frame finish should last for years of hardcore riding before needing redone.

FAQs

Is powder coating better than paint?

Yes, powder coating is much more durable, customizeable, and flawless compared to standard paint. It coats evenly on complex frame geometries and bakes into a tougher hardened polymer finish.

What's the cost of powder coating a frame?

Expect to pay $100-300 to have a shop correctly powder coat your frame including labor, materials, and oven time. Complex fades or effects cost more. DIY kits reduce cost but quality may suffer.

Can I ride my bike right after powder coating?

No. Allow the recommended full cure times first so coating polymers can harden properly. Riding too soon could damage or stain the finish. Handle gently as well till fully set.

How often should powder coating be redone?

With care, powder coat can often last 5+ years before needing redone. Routine cleaning, protection, and minor touch-ups extend finish longevity further against wear.