'Proofing' a steel Frame
Hi,
I am looking at stripping the paint off a somewhat battered langster and want to know how to proof the bare metal against corrosion. (This bare metal is the look I want) Do I have to chrome plate it for a shiny finish? Is there a laqueur that can be applied that will generate the same effect?
Thx in advance
Rob
I am looking at stripping the paint off a somewhat battered langster and want to know how to proof the bare metal against corrosion. (This bare metal is the look I want) Do I have to chrome plate it for a shiny finish? Is there a laqueur that can be applied that will generate the same effect?
Thx in advance
Rob
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Comments
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If its a steel frame it will need to be laquered or chrome plated to protect it from rust.Both will require a professional to do the work.Chrome is pretty expensive too.
If its alloy is will need to be laquered too as alloy also corrodes but its goes to a white power rather than rusting0 -
The Langster frame is aluminium alloy and chrome plating aluminium is tricky and expensive - not too good on the environment either. You can polish aluminium for a shiny finish - plenty of Scotchbrite and elbow grease, but then it needs a clear lacquer otherwise the surface will oxidise and go dull. A low temp bake clear coat from a specialist refinisher is the best solution - aerosols are useless.Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..0
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If it is aluminium then you could get it anodized. Even in lots of pretty colours.
And if it is steel then you could get it zinc/nikkel plated. Also in different colours.
See - no paint required!0 -
For Alu you could also just polish the frame and use a clear coat paint to preserve the shiny finish. If it's steel do the same but I'm guessing the brazed joints will be a different colour than the tubes and not always appealing to look at but only way to know is to strip the paint off. As you can guess this will be alot of work.0
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if its steel get anything on it paint wise done professionally, after its bare metal even a hint of moisture, sweaty finger print etc will mean it will start to rust slightly, cover this up wiht paint without realising and a few months later blistered paint and a nice load of rust showing through your lovely paint, same will happen with chrome if not prepared properlyCarbon fibre, it's all nonsense. Drink beer. Ride a steel bike. Don't be a ponce.0