I am considering painting the frame on my 2001 Banshee. Before everyone goes nut's and says I have to get it powder coated I can't afford it right now so that is out of the question.

I am very **** about my bike and I always want it to look clean and the factory gray on the frame is starting to chip and get some surface rust underneath it. Has any body painted there frames and if so what are some of the tip's you would recommend and possible materials. I was thinking of using DuPont black spray paint with about 4 coats of clear.

Let me know your opinions I want make sure I don't miss any thing and mess it up.

 

I took mine totally apart while my engine was out gettin ported n polished, I hung it up in pieces by wire in bolt holes in my barn. The spray paint wears off quickly even with the 3 or 4 coats I put on mine. It looked great for the first couple rides after that it was back to the same old. Looking back I wish I would of just had it sandblasted n powder coated.

 

Ya I am now thinking about going with POR-15 chassis coat. I am trying to do a little more research on it but it looks good so far. They claim it is alot more durable then paint and at only $40.00 pretty cheap to do the whole thing to.

 

I like POR-15, used the paint to go over rust. Worked great, though if its exposed to UV rays it turns gray and dull, still works, just doesn't look as good. Not sure if the chassis coat would be the same way. Also, whatever you do, do not get it on your skin, it will not come off for a week or more.

 

What about using something like herculiner? I am going to be sandblasting my frame and I am not sure on what I want to use to paint it. I think I am either going to go with herculiner or por 15.

 

Where I work we have a huge powder coat paint line and it truly does make a very hard and good looking paint job. I don't have a clue what it would cost to have a frame powder coated, but it would be the best thing to do that is for sure. The herculiner is not a bad idea either, but I have worked with that and someone who professes to be **** about the appearance of their quad is NOT going to be satisfied with the results of this stuff. It is definately tough, but it leaves alot to be desired for appearance. Rhino liner or the other brands of bed liners would probably look decent if sprayed on, but I bet the cost would be close to if not more than the cost of powder. If powder coating is what I wanted and couldn't afford, I would go the route you mentioned until I could afford it. I would add lots of hardener to the paint and you may wind up with a coating that you are satisfied with and not even have to do the powder. That's my nickel's worth.

 

Yeah, powdercoating is the best way to go. I got a kit from eastwood, and got a small oven so I could do small stuff for my truck. Its a finish second to none. I am going to contact a local shop that does industrial powder coating and get a price on my frame. I will do my a arms, swingarm, and small brackets. I have been told its hard to get the oils and dirt out of the tubes though. I have also herd they coat everything with a degreaser and bake it until all the contaminates are gone.

 

Powdercoating does seem like the best way to go. Be sure to let us know what they say for the quote.

 

Well a local guy quoted me 200 plus sandblasting, but theres a shop that does it also. Ill get a price from them first. I need to get my bike tore down, and sandblasted. I think Im going to go over most of the welds though.

 

Hmm that doesn't seem too bad all in all. Powder coating lasts longer than paint too, if I'm correct.