Powder Coating And Polishing Basics

Back on the Bike

Both Andrews and Stankovich stressed the need for care when reassembling the polished and powder-coated parts. Parts that will hold fluid should be thoroughly flushed (water or alcohol will work fine) and dried before reassembly, and all seals should be checked to make sure no powder coating ended up on the mating surfaces.

Representatives of American Honda, who were nice enough to let us use their Valkyrie in this project, asked us to state that calipers and other brake components were not designed to be powder coated or polished and that the stresses of these processes may impair the ability of the parts to function up to the manufacturer's specifications. While neither Stankovich, Andrews, nor anyone at Motorcycle Cruiser has heard of problems associated with powder coating or polishing, extra care should be taken during the assembly and a test of full functionality should be conducted after modifying anything on a motorcycle as important as the brakes. We routinely check the calipers during our cleaning and maintenance regimen.

Since a polished part's pores are only closed, not sealed, and since oil, dirt, and water will age polished metal, Stankovich recommends a regular cleaning schedule to keep the metal shiny, but he warns against using metal polish to clean newly polished parts. Instead, he recommends using corn starch to clean oily finger prints off the metal. Weekly wipe-downs will keep light dirt away, and occasional soap and water washes followed by carnauba wax will protect the metal. Stankovich says a major cleaning every six months with a quality metal polish followed by carnauba wax will keep the polish looking fresh. However, he warns not to use wheel cleaners or gritty polishes, which may dull the finish.

Powder coating also needs some special care. Avoid contact with battery acids, acetone-based solvents, carburetor cleaners, contact cleaners, and brake fluid, all of which will partially dissolve the surface of the coating, diminishing its shine and durability. Andrews recommends washing with soap and water and protecting the powder coat with wax. Parts that are powder coated and not polished can be cleaned with a wheel cleaner that is listed as safe for clear-coated wheels. Any brake fluid that drips onto coated parts can be removed easily with alcohol. Also, never clean the parts while they are hot.

Powder coating and polishing the Valkyrie's wheels, calipers, caliper brackets, and discs gives the bike a unique look without replacing the parts. When compared with the cost of aftermarket replacements of these parts, the $500 (all parts combined) powder coat, including the candy and the $305 for [polishing, are cost-effective investments that pay dividends every time someone comments on how great the bike looks.

The author, who used to be Associate Editor of Motorcycle Cruiser, is now freelancing and invites you to visit his website: www.EvansBrasfield.com.

RESOURCES

Andrews Powder Coating, Inc.
9410 Desoto Ave., Unit E
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 700-1030
www.powdercoater.com