Anodizing V Powder Coating

[Icewalker]

Greetings gents - thought I'd see what the air was like outside the basement for a while Do we have any resident metal type knowledgeable folks around here? I'm trying to figure out what's the best finish to get on a set of wheels for my new Triumph - oh and a rough estimate on cost.

I'd like to get them re-finished in Jet Black Matt or Satin finish. Which would be better anodizing or powder coating? And what is a decent price to pay to get it done?

Thanks folks

Jeff

[Unstable Rider]

Are your rims cast or conventional with SPOKES?

You should talk to this guy in any event.

http://www.woodyswheelworks.com/

[Icewalker]

It's on cast aluminium rims. Didn't know that woody's did anodizing or powder coating - thanks.

[Unstable Rider]

I am not sure myself, but he could tell you the in and out of it...

[OldPete]

All my knowledge is limited.

Powder coating would probably be cheaper and more easily sourced.
Powder would be able to deal with stone chips better than decorative/protective anodizing.
However, factory anodizing, like on Caponord rims, seems to hold up very well.
An uber-clean surface is a must for good powder coating. The best shops use three washes iirc.

Depending on the alloy, anodizing may not turn out that well.
Color is introduced and sealed after the electro-chemical anodizing process.

However, i really like the color of hard anodizing when it comes out uber-dark green-black.
Hard costs more and there is a slight growth in dimension that only would matter for bearing bores.

[Icewalker]

Originally Posted by OldPete

All my knowledge is limited.

Powder coating would probably be cheaper and more easily sourced.
Powder would be able to deal with stone chips better than decorative/protective anodizing.
However, factory anodizing, like on Caponord rims, seems to hold up very well.
An uber-clean surface is a must for good powder coating. The best shops use three washes iirc.

Depending on the alloy, anodizing may not turn out that well.
Color is introduced and sealed after the electro-chemical anodizing process.

However, i really like the color of hard anodizing when it comes out uber-dark green-black.
Hard costs more and there is a slight growth in dimension that only would matter for bearing bores.

Thanks Pete - Found a local place that appears to do both powder and anodizing. I'm going to give them a bell on Monday.

[OldPete]

Originally Posted by Icewalker

Thanks Pete - Found a local place that appears to do both powder and anodizing. I'm going to give them a bell on Monday.

You're welcome.
Lets us know what they say/offer.

The color of hard anodizing is not added later but happens during the process.

[P B G]

Originally Posted by keswind

Read somewhere that anodizing doesn't work too good on cast aluminum. Something about impurities that form on the surface during the casting process? Billet / machined aluminum is another story.

Age adds complexity as well as there may be uneven surfaces of oxides on the metal that may impede even surfacing.

Let the professionals determine if your stuff is suitable regardless, the blast and polish method can be good on some aluminum as well, I'm personally a fan of pain on wheels, due to the tendancy for surfaces to be buggered by tire changes and such.

[Cat Daddy]

Let me say up front, I'm not trying to get your business. I own a powdercoat shop but I don't do mail order work. It's what I know and I can't speak for anodizing. To find a good shop, talk to those local guys who cruise those stretched out Hyabusas and sport bikes, they will know who does the best work in your area.

Cast aluminum wheels are a great candidate for coating. Find yourself a local custom coater. Not a commercial line coater, but a custom coater. When you visit his shop, you shouldn't see much patio furniture or dump truck parts laying around. A custom shop will do you high quality, detail oriented work that you need. He'll know to mask the bearing bores and threaded holes and the like. Folks who make their bread coating grandma's patio table or the counties' work truck snowplows aren't going to take the time and effort to turn you out a stellar job like a motorcycle or custom car specialist will.

Expect to pay 75-100 bucks per wheel for a black coating job. Here in my area, it runs 80 bucks per wheel for single stage black on a wheel. You'll need to take them to him with the tires and bearings removed. Just the bare wheel as far as it can be torn apart.

[sailah]

Personally I would get them coated. When done right it looks awesome. And Cat Daddys work should speak for itself, I saw his web site pics...I wish you were in Pittsburgh

[AC Swank]

Originally Posted by keswind

Read somewhere that anodizing doesn't work too good on cast aluminum. Something about impurities that form on the surface during the casting process? Billet / machined aluminum is another story.

It's normal to shot peen or vacuum seal cast parts prior to anodizing if color consistantcy is important.

Me, I would do the powder coating, so many color choices vs anodize. YMMV

[anonny]

Powder

[Icewalker]

Thanks for all the excellent suggestion folks. The bike is showing up next weekend So I'll hopefully be able to make up my mind what I want on it. I think I'm leaning towards powder coating at the moment although we have a pretty good spray shop up the road as well.

Does $100 a wheel sound about right for powder coating? Bearing in mind these are brand new wheels so there shouldn't be too difficult to prep.