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Strip/Bead Blast Alu. frame?

1415 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by *OneSpeed*, Jan 5, 2022

kellyc

Discussion Starter · Jan 4, 2022

Hi,
Apologies that this isn't directly related to frame building, but I figured folks here would know best. I want to do a Trek Slash frame up build and was wanting to have something unique. I'd like to have a "raw" alu. frame similar to what we were riding back in the early 90s. If I snag a frame or a lower specced Slash, how do I go about having a paint shop do the stripping (or do they sand blast)? Not looking to do it myself, just need some advice on where to look/what to ask for. I assume I can run the frame raw without any finish once it's been stripped/blasted, correct? Or, do I need to have it treated? Any advice appreciated.

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#/er

· #2 · Jan 5, 2022

I would use paint stripper and do it yourself. If you sandblast it, the finish will be matte and you’ll have a hard time ever getting it to look like an early 90s alloy bike.
It might take a couple applications to get the paint all off but it won’t be hard. Then use a metal polish from an auto parts store to give it some shine (it would take a lot of effort to buff it to a mirror finish).
None of this will hurt the metal. You might re-polish it after a year to get some rub marks out but you wouldn’t need to.

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NorCal_In_AZ

· #3 · Jan 5, 2022

You need to find a industrial paint shop. Generally powder coaters will have the right setup for you.

Yes blasting the metal will dull the finish, just like any other abrasive will. Paint stripper sounds great, until your using wire brushes and sandpaper to get every little bit off. At that point you’ll still need to polish the frame.

When your looking for a shop, ask them if they use different media for metals. You want to use an abrasive grit heavy enough to remove the paint, but not pit the metal.

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tstinchy

· #4 · Jan 5, 2022

My friend did it to a dirt jumper. It was a lot of work, but he went the chemical stripper route, with lots of sanding to get all the little pieces of paint out. It turned out amazing, but I think he might have had it sandblasted then polished if he were to do it again.

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Ben.land101

· #5 · Jan 5, 2022

If you want to get a 'brushed' type finish, definitely get some of these
Amazon Link - Scotch Brite Pads

Either way you get the paint off, the raw aluminum underneath is going to be pretty dull (or scratched, as mentioned earlier)
Those scotch brite pads are my go-to for cleaning up metal and getting a nice brushed finish. Super-duper polished and shiny is just not worth it in my opinion. It takes an obscene amount of work (and maintenance) to get it that way.

Over time, it will dull a bit from the oxidization without any sort of clear coat or other protection. It's not nesesarily harmful to the frame/metal, just something to keep in mind.

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Blatant

· #6 · Jan 5, 2022

I’ve done it years ago with chemical stripper. I would not personally do it again. Way too fiddly and time consuming in all the crevices. Depending on your location, most industrial painters or powdercoaters will have the media blaster setup. Many will want the frame complete,y disassembled, bearings out/covered, etc.

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slapheadmofo

· #7 · Jan 5, 2022

Media blast it for sure.

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kellyc

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 5, 2022

Thanks to everyone in the thread. I've got what I need to go looking for a shop to do the work. I def. don't want to do it myself since the fun for me is in sourcing the parts and building the bike. Thanks again, much appreciated.

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OneSpeed

· #9 · Jan 5, 2022

A big powder coat operation probably has a big tub of B17 (liquid stripper). It will remove most of the paint and any grease on the frame in 15-20 minutes.

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