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Bought a well used Vitus Sommet frame for £200 and stripped all the paint off the rear triangle (front is carbon). I have rawed frames before but want to protect this one against oxidation.
I have some Scottoiler FS365 in the garage, wondering this would work with regular reapplication? Keeping away from the brakes, obvs
Also seen this, gets good reviews but don't know how durable it would be on a mountain bike, found a thread on here from 4 years or so back which mentions this sort of thing chipped and then blistering.
https://plasti-kote.co.uk/trade/trade/paint/trade-quick-dry-clear-lacquer-400-ml
Not really keen on clear powder coat or anodising on what is a budget build for my boy (and me to ride occasionally when I'm not being lazy and riding the ebike)
Try the FS365 but be prepared to reapply it.
The problem with aluminium is that it starts to oxidise almost immediately. You can get clear single-pack etch primer that bonds to the aluminium in the event that other products don't protect as hoped
Cheers. I believe the fs365 forms a coat which prevents oxidisation. Depends how often it needs reapplying as if more than say every 3 rides it's going to get to be too much of a PITA
Any experience with the clear etch primer - flaking, blistering, yellowing etc?
Cheers. I believe the fs365 forms a coat which prevents oxidisation. Depends how often it needs reapplying as if more than say every 3 rides it's going to get to be too much of a PITA
Any experience with the clear etch primer - flaking, blistering, yellowing etc?
No, it isn't something that I've used on its own. They aren't meant to be part of a thick, heavy-duty corrosion protection system so you can always add a top coat later without too much of a penalty
Wouldn't ACF50 be better? I believe it's designed for aeroplanes and they use a lot of aluminium in their construction.
I thought that but then read as oil based it tends to attract dirt.
Hhhmmm possibly, I've only used them on motorbikes and the heat from the engine helps to dry everything/bake it on.
What did GT do to their frames in the 90's? Not sure if they were even aluminium but I always wanted one of their unpainted Zaskar frames!
What did GT do to their frames in the 90's? Not sure if they were even aluminium but I always wanted one of their unpainted Zaskar frames!
Ball furnishing, ooh, err. It changes the surface properties
https://www.arrowfinishing.com/ball-burnishing
Both Bird and Airdrop so raw aluminium frames. You could always drop them a line and ask what they use to protect the finish.
Both Bird and Airdrop so raw aluminium frames. You could always drop them a line and ask what they use to protect the finish.
Clear lacquered from factory, so you'll never get the oxidation issues. Not especially feasible to do later down the line like this though.
Having owned multiple raw Nicolais/Geometrons, just embrace the patina. Give it a polish up with Scotch Brite pads every so often for a nice brushed finish. I actually use FS365 but only on the drivetrain to prevent rust etc. Not on the frame.
My current Five Evo is raw - has been from when it was born in the Orange factory 3 years ago. Yes a quick polish with some metal polish brings it up to be mirror-like but seriously, its a bike and looks ace slightly dull. One of my old 26" Fives was the same but stripped that myself but seemed to be much duller in colour.