When to clearcoat?

[4bangger]

When is clear coating necessary / desirable? I am going to be using some of the lollypop blue on some tins for a chopper (tank, fender, ect.) does this NEED to be clear coated or does that just give a higher gloss finish?

In addition I may be powder coating some rims that are chromed already, is it recommended to have them professionally de-chromed or is there an adequate process for this at home?

P.S. this is a great forum I have been reading through lots of post's and learned lots from you guys already, Thanks!

[woody103]

Lolloypop Blue does not require clear. I do not think it will give it any additional shine or depth. as far as powdercoating on chrome, I have done it many times and have awsome results. I will sometimes (depending on how much use the parts see) scuff them with a scuff pad just to give the powder more to grab to. I have coated chrome without scuffing and had no problems! Just clean it GOOD and coat as you would normal parts.

[Harleydad]

Some powders require a clear, chromes, most metallics etc. You probably don't need to clear it but it certainly wouldn't hurt especially on the tank. Added protection from gas spills, but then you'd most likely want to finish all the parts the same.
I run chrome parts thru an outgassing cycle. About 50 degrees (part temp) over the cure temp of the powder for about an hour. If the chrome bubbles, blisters, or is obviously in bad shape, it'll have to be stripped.
If the chrome holds up, clean really really well and you can apply a candy/transparent directly over the chrome. If using a solid color, go over the chrome with scotchbrite (helps with adhesion) and powder.
If the chrome is stripped and you're using a candy/transparent, you'll have to apply an xtreme chrome or similar basecoat first.

[4bangger]

Should I cure the Lollypop Blue completely before I clear or is there any other methods that anyone has found to produce better results?

I am also considering adding some silver additive to the lollypop blue to give it a metallic look any suggestions?

I'm coating some bars for my chopper using the method described above (Harleydad) using the solar flat black powder I'll let ya know how it turns out!

[Harleydad]

Originally Posted by 4bangger

Should I cure the Lollypop Blue completely before I clear or is there any other methods that anyone has found to produce better results?

I am also considering adding some silver additive to the lollypop blue to give it a metallic look any suggestions?

I'm coating some bars for my chopper using the method described above (Harleydad) using the solar flat black powder I'll let ya know how it turns out!

Partially curing (1/2 cure) the base coat will help with adhesion between coats. I have not used the flake additive someone else will have to help with that. I do know that the flake not being bonded with the powder can leave you with a rough textured finish, as the powder is sprayed the flake stands on it's edge and does not lay flat. Shooting at a lower kv will help.

[palmbeach]

I have used the flake and it does like to stand up. it can some times look like it is protruding through the clear coat. I shoot at the lowest kv.