Transformation Complete

Having left Kushi KA for servicing/MOT testing, Meg the magic (Nissan) Micra spirited us to Maldon Shot blasting & Powder coating for the grand finale’. Upon arrival, Chris had already tended the affected areas with Metafil-an aluminium based filler that seems much sleeker than thermal putties, although care is needed to avoid generating air bubbles since these can bleed through during the final curing phase.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given its age, there’s trace, corrosion induced pitting along the inner, drive-side chainstay, thankfully long dormant and before my adoption. This superficial scarring won’t present in the final colour coat, nonetheless, Chris leaves nothing to chance and gives said section a final, precautionary tickling in the glass bead cabinet.

Three minutes later, we’re ready for masking and that all-important zinc phosphate primer. Pedants might advocate chromates but the former is much kinder to personnel and planet while performance differentials are negligible. Indeed this brand cures with phenomenal, seemingly elastic tenacity given ten minutes at 200 degrees whereupon Chris graciously offers to create an exotic two-tone effect with no cost implication. However, accepting such would be tantamount to bladder milking, so we commence with RAL5024-pastel (sometimes called “French”) blue.

Being an electrostatic process, there’s no wastage and he achieves comprehensive, even coverage in five minutes, lovingly hanging it in their walk in oven for a further ten. At this juncture decals can be applied and sealed under a two-pack lacquer but I prefer a quiet, mysterious air. Speaking of which, there’s no need to clear coat-a finish of this calibre will look resplendent for many years. However, an acrylic was applied since opportunity presented itself.

Unlike polyesters, there’s no risk of crazing but acrylics cannot be sprayed to warm surfaces; hence said chassis sits patiently for twenty minutes beforehand. Lacquers appear white for sprayer convenience but form a glossy invisible barrier within the oven. Job done, we are reunited and homeward bound. Once again, I’d like to thank Lee Cooper (www.leecoopercycles.webs.com) and MSBC (http://ctc-powder-coating.co.uk/) for their remarkable generosity of spirit and obviously, taking such good care of my beloved frame.  

In the days since, I’ve reinstated the sealed square taper bottom bracket and am reflecting on headsets while doing some post (successful pass) MOT sill surgery- Kushi’s are sound, though demanded sanding and marine primer TLC to halt the silent killer’s relentless advances during the grottier months. Now, off to play with some 700x29 tyres!