Clear coat my Gaint TCR carbon frame

Back by popular demand, the general all-things Road forum!

Moderator: robbosmans

Post Reply
User avatar
spytech
Posts: 1657
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2003 12:34 pm
Location: New York City
Contact:

by spytech

I am looking to clear coat my giant frame, does anyone know a company that does this work? if anyone knows a company i new york that would be better.

I have this car shop near by that does good work, should i just take it there? and would this void my warranty? how about removing decals?

And how much weight would the clear coat paint add?

User avatar
Superlite
Posts: 2325
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 9:01 pm

by Superlite

Personally I don't think thats a good idea. The frame already has a matte finish, so putting a clear coat over it will only give you a shiney matte finish. It won't look very good, and it will just add more weight. I'm pretty sure you can't remove the decals either, they are under the finish. Messing around with the finish on a carbon frame is stupid.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



User avatar
spytech
Posts: 1657
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2003 12:34 pm
Location: New York City
Contact:

by spytech

i just wanted to clear coat it. saw the 2004 and i like the look of the clear coat.

User avatar
Superlite
Posts: 2325
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 9:01 pm

by Superlite

Thats what I'm talking about, it won't look goo over the matte finish.

User avatar
spytech
Posts: 1657
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2003 12:34 pm
Location: New York City
Contact:

by spytech

here is a link to someone who did it to my exact frame.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... egory=7295

User avatar
Superlite
Posts: 2325
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 9:01 pm

by Superlite

The person didn't clear coat it, it was like that from the factory. I don't where where they got that frame, but I'm guessing overseas, the US model had different decals for 03. Either way if you clear coat your frame you'll crap it up.

User avatar
spytech
Posts: 1657
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2003 12:34 pm
Location: New York City
Contact:

by spytech

no i emailed him he said it cost him 90 bucks for the clear coat. and i have the same exact frame with the same decals, he just took some of them off.

nicrump
Posts: 745
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2003 5:18 pm
Location: Austin
Contact:

by nicrump

DO NOT let the auto shop do it. Putting clear on carbon is not like putting it on metal. Carbon should have a special clear that bonds with a flex agent. If you use automotive clear you will get micro cracks like those ugly old trek 2300's and specialized epics.

anyone who has a calfee might have also seen little pockets of clear get cloady around the BB area, no flex agant.

I have my frames coated in a water based, yes water based poly(no, it does not wash off) with a special flex agant.

PM me if you want to know more.

User avatar
Ye Olde Balde One
Posts: 481
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2003 4:26 pm
Location: Santa Monica, CA

by Ye Olde Balde One

Dude it would add weight!
Ride lightly!

User avatar
spytech
Posts: 1657
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2003 12:34 pm
Location: New York City
Contact:

by spytech

how much weight, if its not too much i would do it. and would it void my warranty is my biggest question.

User avatar
Superlite
Posts: 2325
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 9:01 pm

by Superlite

Did you even listen to my post? I said it will crunk up your finish. Plus as Ye ole balde pointed out just add weight.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



User avatar
spytech
Posts: 1657
Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2003 12:34 pm
Location: New York City
Contact:

by spytech

ok ok, i wont do it, plus im strapped for cash, so all i have is the money to finish my bike.

Thanks on the advice.

Post Reply