Powder Coating
Powder Coating Bike Parts Guide
Blackout Window Tinting
7 min read
Guide to powder coating motorcycle and bicycle frames, wheels, and components. What can be coated, prep requirements, and Bay Area pricing.
Whether you're restoring a vintage motorcycle or building a custom road bike, powder coating delivers a finish that paint can't match—on two wheels or four.
Why Powder Coat Bikes?
Durability Advantage
| Factor | Paint | Powder Coating |
|---|---|---|
| Chip resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| Chemical resistance | Moderate | Superior |
| UV stability | Fades over time | Color-stable |
| Scratch resistance | Low | High |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years | 10-20+ years |
Perfect for Bikes Because
- Thin wall tubing — Powder won't build up like heavy paint
- Complex shapes — Electrostatic application reaches everywhere
- Outdoor exposure — Handles Bay Area weather (fog, salt air, sun)
- No solvent smells — Environmentally cleaner than paint
Motorcycle Powder Coating
What Can Be Coated
Frame Components
| Part | Coating Notes |
|---|---|
| Main frame | Most common project |
| Swingarm | Easy, great results |
| Triple clamps | Must mask bearing races |
| Footpeg brackets | Straightforward |
| Engine guards | Excellent protection |
| Sissy bars | Easy |
Wheels
| Part | Coating Notes |
|---|---|
| Steel wheels | Ideal candidates |
| Cast aluminum | Great results |
| Spoke wheels (rims only) | De-lace, coat, re-lace |
| Hub shells | Mask bearings/seals |
Engine Parts
| Part | Coating Notes |
|---|---|
| Valve covers | High-temp powder |
| Side covers | Standard powder OK |
| Cam covers | High-temp powder |
| Cases (external) | Mask mating surfaces |
What Cannot Be Coated
| Part | Reason |
|---|---|
| Engine internals | Tolerances too tight |
| Bearing races | Dimension changes |
| Cylinder bores | Coating would destroy |
| Mating surfaces | Gasket sealing issues |
| Polished surfaces | Coating covers finish |
| Chrome parts | Has existing coating |
Motorcycle Prep Requirements
Before bringing your frame:
- Remove engine — Frame must be bare
- Remove wiring — All electrical out
- Remove bearings — Head, swingarm pivot
- Remove inserts — Pressed-in parts that can't take heat
- Note locations — Photo everything for reassembly
Bicycle Powder Coating
Why Cyclists Choose Powder
- Weight builds — Powder is lighter than most paints
- Custom colors — Match team colors or personal style
- Frame protection — Guards against scratches and weather
- Cable routing — Internal routing machined after coating
What Can Be Coated
Steel Frames
| Material | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Chromoly (4130) | Excellent, most common |
| Hi-tensile steel | Good |
| Reynolds 853 | Excellent |
| Columbus tubing | Excellent |
Aluminum Frames
| Material | Suitability |
|---|---|
| 6061 aluminum | Excellent |
| 7005 aluminum | Excellent |
| Hydroformed | Excellent |
| Welded | Excellent |
Components
| Part | Coating Notes |
|---|---|
| Forks (steel/aluminum) | Ideal |
| Stems | Often anodized, but can powder |
| Handlebars | Easy |
| Seat posts (steel) | Good |
| Cranks | Must mask threads |
Carbon Fiber Warning
Carbon frames CANNOT be powder coated. The 350-450°F curing temperature damages epoxy resin matrix. Carbon bikes need paint or decals only.
Bicycle-Specific Considerations
Thread Areas
All threaded areas must be masked:
- Bottom bracket shell
- Head tube (for pressed cups)
- Seat tube clamp area
- Derailleur hanger threads
- Water bottle bosses
- Cable stops
We mask these precisely—coating threads causes major problems.
Decals and Graphics
Options for finishing:
| Method | Quality | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Clear vinyl decals | Good | Medium (3-5 years) |
| Under-clear decals | Excellent | Maximum |
| Paint striping | Good | Matches powder life |
| Laser etching | Unique | Permanent |
Color Options
Classic Bike Colors
| Color | Application |
|---|---|
| Gloss black | Universal, professional |
| Raw/bare metal look | Industrial, cafe racer |
| Team colors | Racing, club bikes |
| Candy colors | Show bikes |
| Matte finishes | Modern, touring |
Multi-Color Options
| Technique | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single color | One color entire frame | Base price |
| Two-tone | Different color sections | +40-60% |
| Fade/blend | Gradual color transition | +50-75% |
| Masked graphics | Patterns or logos | +30-50% |
The Process
Step 1: Disassembly
You provide:
- Bare frame/component only
- All parts removed
- Old coating noted (paint vs chrome vs powder)
We can help with:
- Headset removal
- BB removal
- Bearing extraction (may charge extra)
Step 2: Stripping
Removing old finishes:
| Original Finish | Stripping Method |
|---|---|
| Paint | Chemical strip |
| Powder | Chemical strip |
| Chrome | Reverse plating (we outsource) |
| Anodizing | Chemical or media blast |
| Raw metal | Light blast only |
Step 3: Prep and Mask
- Media blast for profile
- Mask all threads and bearing surfaces
- Hang for coating
Step 4: Coating
- Electrostatic powder application
- Full coverage inspection
- Oven cure at 375-400°F
Step 5: Finish
- Thread chasing if needed
- Quality inspection
- Ready for pickup
Pricing Guide
Motorcycle Parts
| Part | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Frame only | $250-450 |
| Frame + swingarm | $350-550 |
| Wheels (pair) | $200-350 |
| Engine covers (set) | $150-300 |
| Complete strip to bare | +$100-200 |
Bicycle Parts
| Part | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Frame only | $150-250 |
| Frame + fork | $200-350 |
| Additional color | +$50-100 |
| Professional decals | +$30-75 |
Price Factors
- Size — Larger frames cost more
- Prep condition — Rusty = more work
- Old coating — Chrome costs more to strip
- Color complexity — Multi-color adds cost
- Turnaround — Rush service available
Turnaround Time
| Project Size | Standard Time |
|---|---|
| Single frame | 3-5 business days |
| Frame + components | 5-7 business days |
| Complex multi-color | 7-10 business days |
| Rush service | 24-48 hours (+50%) |
Ready to Powder Coat Your Bike?
Bring your stripped frame or component, or bring the complete bike and we'll discuss disassembly. We'll help you choose the perfect color and finish for your build.
📞 Get a quote — describe your project
📍 Visit our shop — see color samples in person
Related Articles
- Colors: Powder Coating Color Matching Guide
- Prep: Stripping vs Media Blasting
- Durability: How Long Does Powder Coating Last?
- Comparison: Powder Coating vs Paint
