Questions & Answers

Q: Do I need to strip the paint from my frame before I send it to you?
A: No, in 99% of the cases we'll sandblast your frame to remove the old paint and prep for the powdercoat.

Q: I want to save the logos and graphics on my frame, can you do that?
A: No sorry, we can't save the graphics. You might be able to purchase original or replacement decals, but we don't offer that service.

Q: My frame has a nice headbadge, can you tape over it, or will you remove and replace it when I send it?
A: We cannot tape over the headbadge, you will absolutely need to remove it before sending your frame to us.

Q: I really love my frame and I want a totally perfect paint job, can you do it?
A: Our coatings are industrial quality. If you look with a magnifying glass you will find a defect somewhere in our powdercoating. If you want a show quality finish, you need to contact Brian Baylis. If you want an extremely durable and good-looking finish for a reasonable price, then we're it.

Q: I have a tall bike - can you handle it?
A: Yes, keep in mind that your box will be way oversize, you might need to check out a "common carrier" (ie trucking company) for shipping your bike - how "tall" is it?

Q: My frame has chrome lugs and I want to keep them, can you powdercoat this frame?
A: No, we canot do intricate trimming around chrome lugs..

Q: My fork has chrome ends, about 4-5" - can you save the chrome?
A: The curing process for our powdercoat involves some heat. We've already seen some chrome discoloration in lower-end frames, so we can't guarantee it, but better plating should be just fine. Most of the time the chrome is fine after our coating process, but we cannot guarantee it.

Q: I have an aluminum frame, can you powdercoat it?
A: Yes, but it depends on the tubing. Since the sandblasting process will take off a very small amount of metal, we would not want to sandblast some extremely high-end alloy frames like the newest Cannondales, etc. You would have to strip it yourself before you shipped it. The white frame in the top photo on our Gallery page is an aluminum NYCBike City Fixed. We have no problems with sandblasting that type of frame.

Q: What about all the other colors that Tiger makes? Like the neons or metallics, etc. Can I special order them?
A: Not at this time. We'll have a special color each month, and we will probably add some of those special colors later this year.

Q: Do you remove braze-ons or install track ends?
A: Not at this time.

Q: Can you remove my headset?
A: No, you must remove all components and parts before sending your frame to us.

Q: Can you powdercoat parts like cranks, stems, seatposts?
A: Yes, generally you can add additional items like stems, or seatposts, etc. Since the powdercoat increases the size if your seatpost, be sure to mash off where you don't want powder. Call or eMail Dennis for specifics.

Statement: We've done about 75 frames in our first few months, and while the majority of folks have been immensely happy, there have been a few who weren't. Here are some complaints:
1. I wanted you to mask off my headbadge and instead you removed it. Now what do I do? This customer would not have liked the outcome if I had simply taped off his headbadge. It's simple to reattach with some small screws, double-sided tape, or silicon adhesive.
2. Overall the coating was good, but it was a bit thin around the seat cluster and there was a small bubble under the bottom bracket. We are not custom painters, our coating is industrial quality.
3. The color didn't look just like the color chart. There are too many colors and too many variables. We can't guarantee a perfect color match with the catalog's swatch. Sorry.

We will chase the bottom bracket threads if they are English threaded. PLEASE tell us if the bb threads on your frame are French threaded !!!! They are often difficult to tell apart from British. We do not chase the bb threads if they are French.

Our Address

Powdercoat Studio
1200 West Eleventh Street, Suite 231
Traverse City, Michigan 49684