Painting/Finishing your Carbon Chiner

[Roadie2mtb]

How long does it take for usual paint process? (Xmcarbonspeed )

[Carbon_Dude]

It didn't seem to add but a few more days to the lead time when I ordered.  The longer lead time was just getting the frame I wanted with the options I wanted. Although Peter says he can't paint a frame that already has a gloss or matte finish.

[Roadie2mtb]

It didn't seem to add but a few more days to the lead time when I ordered.  The longer lead time was just getting the frame I wanted with the options I wanted. Although Peter says he can't paint a frame that already has a gloss or matte finish.
Ok so did He send a pic of frame before shipping

[Roadie2mtb]

Actually I just got pictures of painted frame! After 8 days for paint, its shipping!  When I get the time I'll post pics of design work, and painted frame

[Roadie2mtb]

image hosting free  This is my design work for 057 frame, just used the paint program on computer to put it on the blank frame pic Peter gave me, took awhile to get the design painted to look good. Idea for anyone wanting a painted frame to search google images of painted frames and incorporate your idea on image of blank carbon frame.  Ps. I did the same on other side, He sent me a pic of each side.

[Roadie2mtb]

pic upload  Here is image after paint, not axactly the same but happy with it.  this is pic from Peter, but its the best pic I got

[MTB2223]

Looks great!
I hope they painted the other side as well

[Roadie2mtb]

Looks great!
I hope they painted the other side as well

  lol they painted both sides. Forgot to add that I did the same on two pics  (both sides )

[Sitar_Ned]

Here is image after paint, not axactly the same but happy with it.  this is pic from Peter, but its the best pic I got

Looks pretty damn close to me. Looks great!

[Patrick C.]

Pretty close, but I can see a couple right off.  The wrap-around on the top of the chain stays is missing, plus the 'short' part on the top side of the down tube looks too short. 

Still think it looks great.  Just don't show anybody the sketch.

[Roadie2mtb]

Lol, yep

[Eugene]

Does anyone know how the carbon frames are painted? Is it with powder paint + baking or just paint + drying?
I've had powder painted aluminum frame and the result was amazing. I'm now sure if it's ok to bake a carbon frame?

[MTB2223]

Just paint and let it dry.
The painter putted two clear paint layers with flakes, two clear paint layers, neon pink decals (painted) and again two clear paint layers (total 96 gram).
On some places you can see the carbon-'flames' through the paint. So nice!

[Jerryno]

I'm now sure if it's ok to bake a carbon frame?

The powder paint is baked at 200°C. At this temperature the epoxy holding the carbon together will start to soften. Epoxy has no melting point..it just gradually softens till becoming goo at about 400-600°C depending on epoxy type and quality. I you really want to bake it you should fix the frame in place so it does not warp and hope they used a good quality resin.

The carbon itself is pretty heat resistant.

Carbon fiber composites can be powder coated as long as the resin (epoxy) has a Tg greater than 220°C (with the exception of special ultra-low curing powders that will cure at lower temps). The problem with powder coating carbon fiber without the aid of a conductive base coating is ANY surface defect (minor scratch, area of irregular distribution of fiber to resin, knit line etc.) will be amplified post cure. So it requires very good surface pre-treatment. And because of this is very expensive.

[Eugene]

Thank you very much Jerryno! That's the answer that I was looking for. I don't want to mess with my frame so I guess I'll just do some ghetto painting I don't need my frame to look to fancy anyway. Just want to hide the ugly brand/title that is written on it.