Chinertown
Chinese Carbon MTB => 29er => Topic started by: DirtyForks on March 15, 2016, 10:25:29 PM
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Hey folks, anybody have any experience in painting your carbon bike? Have you had it painted at source? What was your experience like? Did your supplier send a template to be decorated? What about painting it yourself? Adding decals, wraps, etc.
Share your experience and show us a pic of the finished project.
I know I'd like to add some personalization so please share your creative ideas.
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When ordering both of my frames from Peter who is now with XMcarbonspeed.com, I had them painted. The work wasn't perfect but pretty good for what was charged. Here are a few pics, the black areas are unpainted and both frames have a gloss topcoat:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/S2k_Dude/Carbon%2029er/IP-057_LR-2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/S2k_Dude/Carbon%2029er/IP-057_LR-3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/S2k_Dude/Carbon%20FS%2029er/photo-5.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/S2k_Dude/Carbon%20FS%2029er/29erwheelswap-1.jpg)
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A local painter did the job for me: http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,834.msg9171.html#msg9171
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When ordering both of my frames from Peter who is now with XMcarbonspeed.com, I had them painted. The work wasn't perfect but pretty good for what was charged. Here are a few pics, the black areas are unpainted and both frames have a gloss topcoat:
Love the 2-tone. Did you send Peter a mock-up or did he send you a file for you to place the details on/digitize?
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Peter and I discussed the color scheme, he sent a picture of what the frame would look like after painting. Basically a bitmap file of the frame with the color kinda hand drawn. Not the greatest picture but it did get the point across and we agreed upon what it would look like.
Two tone is nice, a single color is much easier for them since they don't have mask anything.
There is one other Chinertown forum member that chose the same color scheme as I did. Appears to be popular.
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There is one other Chinertown forum member that chose the same color scheme as I did. Appears to be popular.
I must admit that I got a "bit" inspired :D
(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a419/karstenhorn/cycling/8AC00F30-0C63-4103-8DE7-947AAC8CECF0_zpsafxextre.jpg) (http://s1033.photobucket.com/user/karstenhorn/media/cycling/8AC00F30-0C63-4103-8DE7-947AAC8CECF0_zpsafxextre.jpg.html)
(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a419/karstenhorn/cycling/D8792176-D27D-472B-9FC6-9D922EC739C6_zpszruqmnzv.jpg) (http://s1033.photobucket.com/user/karstenhorn/media/cycling/D8792176-D27D-472B-9FC6-9D922EC739C6_zpszruqmnzv.jpg.html)
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If you haven't seen 325racer's awesome woodgrain paint job, check it out-
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,246.msg2720.html#msg2720
I had mine painted a solid color by the seller (Peter, when he was with XMIplay) - partly for simplicity since there is less chance for error, and partly because I couldn't come up with a design that I really liked better than a bright red bike. I added a gold vinyl dragon sticker on the down tube- it does get covered with mud pretty easily. You can find plenty of stock designs or sites that will print custom ones.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac332/patrick_clemensen/IMG_3059_zpsbeiqvvik.jpg)
In the future I could remove the dragon and add some chrome and white accents, like this-
(http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news_img/42016/auction_42016.jpg)
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If you haven't seen 325racer's awesome woodgrain paint job, check it out-
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,246.msg2720.html#msg2720
I had mine painted a solid color by the seller (Peter, when he was with XMIplay) - partly for simplicity since there is less chance for error, and partly because I couldn't come up with a design that I really liked better than a bright red bike. I added a gold vinyl dragon sticker on the down tube- it does get covered with mud pretty easily. You can find plenty of stock designs or sites that will print custom ones.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac332/patrick_clemensen/IMG_3059_zpsbeiqvvik.jpg)
Thanks for saving me the trouble of finding a link! I was about to post mine, but you beat me to it. Mine was done by a local painter. We talked concept and I let him go. A few details I wasn't totally happy about, but the overall from 2 feet away is amazing. Get's so many comments, even more than riding my Ti road bike on the trails.
In the future I could remove the dragon and add some chrome and white accents, like this-
(http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news_img/42016/auction_42016.jpg)
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Hi, I'm undecided on two colors the pantone #382 & #389 found a pic of frame with 389 paint, but can't find any with confirmed to be #382 paint. Has anyone had there frame painted in these colors, and any pics?
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To my eye, Pantone 382 & Pantone 389 look almost the same, one is just a very subtle shade lighter than the either. If that's the color you like, I don't think you'd be unhappy with either one.
If I were to order the 29+ frame from Workswell, I was going to have them paint it Pantone 320C, a similar green to what Yeti uses on their frames. Since they said they could not do metallic colors, which would have been my first choice, a solid Pantone color was all they offered.
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Yes they very close in color. I want something like fluorescent yellow, a little neon green in it. Seen some frames that color. I can't seem to upload a pic, says upload file full
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Yes, I know the picture upload function on Chinertown doesn't work. I will send a note to Ned.
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Yes, I know the picture upload function on Chinertown doesn't work. I will send a note to Ned.
Or use an online image storage site like imgur => http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,196.0.html
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Actually I found the thread, How to post pictures on here. Use Imgur i guess, Thanks.
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Yes, using the attachment option seems to be causing problems. I am working Ned on trying either to fix it or disable it altogether.
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How long does it take for usual paint process? (Xmcarbonspeed )
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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.
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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
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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
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(http://s32.postimg.org/ka3iddv9x/CS_057_UD_matt_paint.png) (http://postimage.org/)
image hosting free (http://postimage.org/) 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.
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(http://s32.postimg.org/7d9bcpqc5/0504_3.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
pic upload (http://postimage.org/) 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
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Looks great!
I hope they painted the other side as well :)
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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 )
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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!
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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. :)
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Lol, yep
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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?
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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!
(http://i.imgur.com/ZHw8TPY.jpg)
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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.
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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.
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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!
(http://i.imgur.com/ZHw8TPY.jpg)
That's a great looking paint job! Please post more pics, love the look of your frame.
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That's a great looking paint job! Please post more pics, love the look of your frame.
Is this enough ? ;)
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,834.msg9171.html#msg9171
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Yes, that's enough :).
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Anyone bought a Chiner frame with a Chiner seatpost to go with it?
Ever painted the seatpost too? Did it still fit after painting?
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Many of us have purchase a carbon seat post with the frame. I've not seen anyone paint the seat post, however, many of the seat posts have a gloss top coat which would be similar to a layer of paint. If you ordered a matte post and then had paint applied it might work fine, or it might have a tight fit and the paint will scrape off. You'd have to try it and see.
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Anyone bought a Chiner frame with a Chiner seatpost to go with it?
Ever painted the seatpost too? Did it still fit after painting?
I really wouldn't paint the seatpost, because the paint will scratch off. And for carbon fiber parts that shouldn't move, you should put fiber grip on it anyway to prevent it from slipping, which in turn will wear out the paint.
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Thanks for the info guys. That's a tad sad as I will have to change my intended color scheme. Allow me to suffer you a few more queries.
Does painting your frame void the warranty?
Re fiber grip, I've seen some folks recommends electrical tape. Are these better options?
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RE: Does painting your frame void the warranty?
I guess this will void the warranty. It is not already in the original state when it has been bought. ;D
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Thanks for the info guys. That's a tad sad as I will have to change my intended color scheme. Allow me to suffer you a few more queries.
Does painting your frame void the warranty?
Re fiber grip, I've seen some folks recommends electrical tape. Are these better options?
I think electrical tape are just there to mark the position of the seatpost, not there to grip the seatpost itself
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Warranty: honestly, considering the loose warranty of a Chiner frame I'd paint the frame and not bother about warranty. If something really bad happens you'll have to be strong to build the case, paint or not! So, just paint it the way you like.
Seat post: Unless you plan to move your seatpost up/down regularly I'd paint it as well. Install the seatpost to determine precisely it's position (moving it up/down to adjust). Then paint it, add some clear coat (2 layers). Install it as previously determined, using carbon friction paste. It will fit, even with the additional layers (just a very tight fit that will scrap the clear coat and maybe the paint inside the seat tube). So, just paint it as well the way you like but make sure to not get too far in the seat tube because it will then be visible.
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These look great and some amazing info. I think when I order mine, I'd just like to have it painted with the clear coat to show the carbon weave underneath. Maybe have my name on the seat stay to make it personal and feel like it is all mine.
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I think the most popular finish is UD Matt. I went with 3K Gloss and have no regret. I like the raw carbon look of 3K. And glossy is easier to fix (you can just spray a little clear coat and surface damage is gone).
I also used Pegatin website to have my name and flag on a sticker. They are too expensive though, I'm sure there are cheaper options. Again, I applied clear coat on top of the sticker for a nice finish.
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I guess just getting the 3k weave would be about perfect. Thanks for the insight.