Powder Coating
Motorcycle Powder Coating: Frames & Parts Guide
Blackout Window Tinting
8 min read
Complete guide to motorcycle powder coating. Learn what parts can be powder coated, costs, heat considerations for exhaust, and how to protect your bike's
Motorcycles take a beating. Road debris, chain lube, weather exposure, and brake dust all attack your bike's finish. Traditional paint chips, fades, and corrodes—especially on exposed metal parts.
Powder coating solves this. It's 3–5× more durable than paint, resists chemicals, and transforms any metal part into a showpiece.
What Motorcycle Parts Can Be Powder Coated?
Almost any metal component on your bike is a candidate for powder coating:
Structural Parts
| Part | Powder Coating Benefit |
|---|---|
| Frame | Chip-resistant, covers welds beautifully |
| Subframe | Protects against corrosion, chain lube |
| Swingarm | Handles stone chips, easy to clean |
| Triple clamps | Custom color, professional appearance |
| Engine cases | Heat-resistant options available |
Wheels & Brakes
| Part | Powder Coating Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wheels/rims | Stone chip protection, brake dust resistance |
| Brake brackets | Cleaner than painted, heat-resistant |
| Sprocket carrier | Protects against chain oil |
| Rotor carriers | Custom look, corrosion protection |
Controls & Accessories
| Part | Powder Coating Benefit |
|---|---|
| Clip-ons/handlebars | Scratch protection, custom colors |
| Rearsets/pegs | Durable grip surface, corrosion free |
| Air box | Protects against scratches during maintenance |
| Battery box | Acid-resistant coating |
| Side stand | Ground contact durability |
What Cannot Be Powder Coated
Some parts aren't suitable:
- Plastics — Not electrically conductive (required for electrostatic application)
- Rubber components — Can't withstand curing temperatures
- Assembled electronics — Heat would destroy circuits
- Chrome — Must be stripped first (adds cost)
High-Heat Considerations: Exhaust & Engine
Exhaust Components
Standard powder coating cures at 375–400°F and remains stable to about 450°F. Exhaust systems regularly exceed 600°F.
Solutions:
- High-temp powder coating — Ceramic-infused powders rated for 1,000°F+
- Ceramic coating — Better choice for headers and pipes
- Partial coating — Coat mufflers (cooler), leave headers natural
We often recommend ceramic coating for exhaust systems instead of powder coating.
Engine Cases
Engine cases run cooler than exhaust and are excellent powder coating candidates. We use heat-resistant formulations rated for 500°F+ on:
- Clutch covers
- Stator covers
- Cam covers
- Oil pans
Motorcycle Frame Powder Coating: Complete Guide
The frame is the most popular motorcycle powder coating project. Here's the full process:
Step 1: Complete Disassembly
Everything comes off:
- Engine, transmission
- All electrical components
- Rubber bushings and mounts
- Any pressed-in bearings
Why full disassembly matters: Powder coating cures at 400°F. Any attached bearings, seals, or electronics will be destroyed.
Step 2: Inspection & Repair
We inspect for:
- Cracks or stress fractures
- Rust penetration
- Previous repair quality
Minor damage can be repaired before coating. Major structural issues should be addressed by a qualified frame specialist.
Step 3: Media Blasting
The frame is completely stripped using:
- Glass bead for delicate areas
- Aluminum oxide for heavy corrosion
- Chemical stripping for tight spaces
Goal: Bare metal with proper surface profile for adhesion.
Step 4: Chemical Pretreatment
Phosphate conversion coating or chromate treatment creates a molecular bond layer between metal and powder.
Step 5: Powder Application
Electrostatic spray ensures complete coverage, including:
- Inside frame tubes
- Hard-to-reach welds
- Complex geometry
Step 6: Curing
Frames require extended cure times—often 45–60 minutes at full temperature to ensure complete penetration into all surfaces.
Step 7: Reassembly (Optional)
We can reassemble your bike or return the bare frame for you to build.
Motorcycle Powder Coating Costs
| Project | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Frame only | $400–$800 |
| Frame + swingarm | $550–$950 |
| Complete package (frame, swing, subframe, triple clamps) | $800–$1,400 |
| Wheels (pair) | $200–$400 |
| Engine covers (set) | $150–$300 |
| Miscellaneous small parts | $25–$75 each |
| Full bike (all metal parts) | $1,500–$3,000+ |
Factors affecting price:
- Size and complexity of parts
- Color choice (metallics cost more)
- Condition (heavy corrosion adds prep time)
- Disassembly requirements
Color Options for Motorcycles
The full powder coating color palette is available:
Popular Motorcycle Colors
| Style | Colors |
|---|---|
| OEM-matching | Any factory color can be matched |
| Classic | Gloss black, satin black, silver |
| Sport | Racing red, electric blue, lime green |
| Custom | Candy colors, color-shift, metallics |
| Vintage | Hammertone gray, wrinkle black |
| Industrial | Gunmetal, bronze, textured finishes |
Finish Options
- Gloss — High shine, shows every detail (and dirt)
- Satin — Slight sheen, hides minor imperfections
- Matte — Flat finish, modern look
- Textured — Wrinkle or ripple effect, great for vintage builds
Powder Coating vs Paint for Motorcycles
| Factor | Powder Coating | Wet Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 10–15+ years | 3–5 years |
| Chip resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent (chain lube, gas) | Poor |
| Cost (frame) | $400–$800 | $300–$600 |
| Turnaround | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Color matching | Good | Excellent |
| Metallic effects | Good | Excellent |
Our recommendation: Powder coating for structural parts (frame, swing, wheels), paint for tanks and bodywork where color-matching is critical.
Protecting Your Investment
After powder coating, maintain the finish:
Do's
- ✅ Wash regularly with mild soap
- ✅ Apply wax or sealant for extra protection
- ✅ Address stone chips immediately (touch-up paint available)
- ✅ Cover during storage
Don'ts
- ❌ Use abrasive cleaners or brushes
- ❌ Power wash at close range on chips
- ❌ Apply stickers without prep (adhesive can damage finish when removed)
- ❌ Ignore corrosion starting at chip points
Motorcycle Powder Coating at Blackout
We work with riders on everything from complete frame-off restorations to simple wheel refreshes.
What We Offer
- Free estimates — Send photos or bring parts in
- Fast turnaround — Most projects completed in 1–2 weeks
- Color samples — See actual powder samples before committing
- Quality guarantee — We stand behind our work
Our Process
- Drop off parts or complete bike
- Detailed inspection and quote
- Disassembly (if needed)
- Media blasting and prep
- Powder application and cure
- Quality inspection
- Ready for pickup
Ready to Transform Your Ride?
Whether you're restoring a vintage cafe racer or customizing a modern sportbike, powder coating delivers the durability and appearance your project deserves.
📞 Get a free quote — Send photos of your project
📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — See our powder coating capabilities
