Re: [CR] Thick/thin paint Colnago

(Example: Framebuilders:Tony Beek)

From: "Eugene Powell" <radfin@SpiritOne.com>
To: alex m <alexpianos@yahoo.fr>
In-Reply-To: <676481.25722.qm@web26603.mail.ukl.yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:46:03 -0700
References: <676481.25722.qm@web26603.mail.ukl.yahoo.com>
Cc: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Thick/thin paint Colnago


Paint manufacturers have mil thickness recommendations for their products, the best results "generally" come from playing by the rules. Also some modern paint systems are designed to be applied without reducer (under most conditions). Gun technique will allow some variation, but generally modern paint systems are not as forgiving as the old stuff. On the other hand pigment systems are cleaner (meaning more vibrant colors). There were only a couple primer systems back in the day that could compete with the modern stuff in terms of durability and adhesion, and they were full of lead and zinc, a pain in the butt to mix, and had a very short shelf life. With all the compromises considered modern paint is a better product both for the frame and the environment, not perfect perhaps, but clearly better.

Gene Powell Rad Finishes Portland, Oregon USA

On Jun 30, 2009, at 1:01 PM, alex m wrote:
> I won't comment on the Colnago as I don't know much about these
> bikes, but I do know that on French constructeur bikes the paint was
> thinner than modern paint jobs.
>
> Logical when you think they spent hours and hours thinning down
> lugs, making things crisp and neat; putting on a heavy coat of paint
> clogging up the lugs and rounding off detail would have destroyed
> all their preparatory work.
>
> Why is it that modern paint is on average quite thick? Is it that it
> just can't be thinned down more, or is it an esthetic choice?
>
> Is it a problem due to the chemical nature of the paint, or the way
> it is applied to the frames?
>
> Why can't a small batch of paint approaching what was used on early
> bikes be produced for restorers looking for an authentic looking
> finish be produced? Not cost efficient?
>
> It was mentionned that some makers (Peter Weigle for ex) are capable
> of producing a thin paint job, what is their secret?
>
> Alexander March

> Bordeaux

> France