Gun Kote Frame Coating: Introducing The Gun Kote El Mariachi
November 23rd, 2009 by Guitar TedOkay folks, I have detailed out all the technical jibber-jabber in regards to Gun Kote frame coating, but the proof will be in how it handles day to day mountain biking and cycling in general. so to that end, I have the frame built up and have been riding it for awhile now. Here it is……….
I had planned on doing a suspension fork for this, but my plans switched up and I got a suspension fork for another bike instead. The El Mariachi is running rigid on an On One carbon fork for the time being. Other highlights include a purple Chris King head set, Industry 9 single speed wheels laced with Bontrager Duster rims, and a White Industries ENO crank set. Other than replacing the blue chain, it is done.
I will be reporting back with a long term opinion, but for now here are some quick observations that I have made since building this bike up and riding it.
The Gun Kote is easy to clean. Finger prints, greasy marks, and dust come right off. Mud doesn’t seem to get a hold on this stuff as easily either. In fact, it flakes and falls right off once it dries up. Sometimes dirt adheres to powder coat and you almost have to chip it off to clean it once it dries. Not Gun Kote. It basically falls off, or pulverizes into dust that swirls across the surface of the frame like snow blowing across the road in winter here in Iowa. Weird, but it is cool and makes clean up easy. I haven’t noticed any dulling of the finish either, like you do with cheaper powder coating.
So that’s the story so far. I’ll update when I’ve abused it further and chime in with the Final Review then.
Note: This product (Gun Kote) was provided to Twenty Nine Inches at no charge for reviewing. I am not being paid or bribed for this review. I will give my honest opinion or thoughts through out.
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Looks great Ted! Next time you talk to Chris over at KG, tell him I said Hi.
Kinda missing out on the chain stay chain wacking test with a SS. Would be interesting to see how it resists chipping.
Kool-What “color” and finish level is that? Does the color change much from inside to sunlight?
Thanks…….
This stuff looks super interesting!
I would love to try it out on some steel parts I have, but don’t have access to an oven… What do you think the likelihood is I’d find a local place that could help me out? I don’t know where to start looking.
GT-would this stuff work on chains?
@Willie: I’m told Gun Kote works on any metal that can withstand baking at 325-350-ish degrees. I would think that optimally you would want to kote a chain before assembly, so that may be an expensive, time consuming option!
The color I got was supposedly a rendition of “Plum Crazy” and it is pretty close. It does get darker inside and lightens up in really bright light.
@Rob From Ottawa: I would think anybody with an autoclave could help you out.
Interesting! Wouldn’t the gun kote fumes totally ruin the autoclave while it’s curing?
Could you cure this stuff in a powder coating oven?
Does your thud buster help forward momentom or just save ya butt ?
@Rob from Ottawa: I’ve no idea. I would recommend a call to KG Coatings to get you squared away with your questions.
@DJ: The Thudbuster is a “suspend the rider” product and has no bearing on momentum.
I’ll be doing a review of it on our sister site, The Cyclist
diggity dank! that thing is swank…
Rob, give RLD Industries (Albion Rd) a call. They’ve done power coating for me in the past and seem to be on top of all kinds of paint/coating applications.
Hey Fritz, thanks!
It wont be for a couple of months but I’ll give them a shout when I have something to paint.
Where did you get a purple chris king headset? Please tell me they are making them still!
@Trailrapist: No- Sorry, Chris King isn’t making purple headsets anymore. If you want to know how I got one, read this: http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2009/11/whats-this.html