paint
You have a couple of options for the final finish on your Willow bike. Included in your price will be a single colour, powdercoat finish or you have an option to upgrade to a ‘wet-paint’ finish.
powdercoat
Powdercoating a bicycle frame involves preparing the surface to remove any dirt or grease. The frame is then masked to protect areas that shouldn't be coated. Next, a dry powder, typically made of polyester or epoxy resin, is electrostatically charged and applied evenly to the frame's surface. The coated frame is then placed in a curing oven, where heat causes the powder to melt and fuse into a smooth, durable, and corrosion-resistant finish.
Pros and Cons
Each finishing system has it’s pros and cons and I’ll try and outline some of these to help you make a choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| very durable | 'industrial finish' |
| cheap | external decals |
| consistent colours | Single colour only |
wet paint
| Pros | Cons |
| infinite colours | more fragile |
| multiple colours/ designs | more expensive |
| 'show' level finish | longer leadtime |
| decals painted under lacquer | |
Wet paint refers to a process where the paint is applied wet (not like the dry powder in powdercoat). Once the frame is prepped (degreased and thoroughly cleaned), a layer of primer is applied and normally this is sanded flat to remove any inconsistences and leaves a very smooth base. Now a layer of colour is applied followed by a clear laquer. This laquer can be matte or gloss.
Powder Coat
Wet Paint
