Will powder coating affect the strength of my mtb aluminum frame?
No. The application of powdercoat will NOT affect the frame strength. If the frame was built of 7000 series aluminum (usually 7005) it was probably NOT heat treated since this type of alloy has less of a need to be treated. The problem rears its head when the old paint is removed… if it is sandblasted the frame will become work hardened and worthless. Make ABSOLUTELY sure that whoever removes the old paint uses a solvent bath (paint remover) or walnut chips to blast off the old finish. If it has been sandblasted you will need to have the frame annealed and retempered before painting… a VERY expensive proposition.
