At BikeFlip, we believe that every children's bike deserves a second chance, even if the frame doesn't look that great at first glance. That's why we started working with powder coating, a sustainable technique that allows us to make old frames look like new again. Thanks to this method, we even developed our own BikeFlip brand. This way, we can not only give bikes a fresh look, but also better protect them against rust and wear. For this blog, we spoke with Casparis, co-founder of BikeFlip, and Marvin, our own powder coating expert who is responsible for this process on a daily basis. Here you can read how powder coating works exactly and why it fits so well with our mission to make the children's bike market circular.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a process in which you remove all existing paint from a frame so that a new layer of paint can be applied. This is often done with bicycles that are covered in rust, for example, but whose frame is still strong and usable. With powder coating, a powder coating is sprayed onto the metal frame. The bicycle is then placed in a special oven, where the powder melts and adheres to the frame. The result is a super strong, smooth layer of paint that is indistinguishable from new. It not only gives the bicycle a fresh, new look, but also protects it against rust and wear. This is how we give old bicycles a second life with our BikeFlip powder coating!
Why BikeFlip chooses powder coating
At BikeFlip we receive thousands of bikes to repair and make them completely bike-ready again. But the condition of these bikes can vary greatly, some bikes only need a minor service and others really need to be completely restored and repaired. We wanted to find a solution for the really ugly bikes, says BikeFlips co-founder Casparis. The problem with these bikes has nothing to do with the quality of, for example, the frame. That's why it's a shame not to give this bike another chance.
Then we came up with powder coating, the way we can make a bike look as good as new! At BikeFlip our biggest goal is to make the children's bike market circular and with this technique we ensure that we can give an even larger number of children's bikes a new life.
Why powder coating is the sustainable solution
At BikeFlip we naturally stand for sustainability and that is why powder coating fits us perfectly! Casparis says that powder coating is even better for the environment than wet painting (spraying a bicycle with a spray can). Furthermore, a bicycle with a well-applied powder coating layer can easily last for at least another 10 years!
The process of powder coating
The process of powder coating a bicycle is quite complicated, but that is precisely why we do it with great care. Every step is important to ensure that the new paint layer is not only beautiful, but also lasts a long time. Below we explain step by step how we at BikeFlip transform an old, worn-out bicycle into a fresh, strong bicycle that can last for years.
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Disassembling the bicycle
Everything must be taken apart for best results. The stickers are also removed so that only the bare frame remains.
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Removing paint with sandblasting
We remove the old paint with a sandblasting machine. This is done in a special dark room so that we have a good view during the process.
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Applying a protective zinc layer
Before we start coating, we apply a zinc layer that protects the metal against rust.
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Powder coating with a special gun
The powder is sprayed electrostatically onto the frame, which ensures that it adheres well to the surface.
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Bake in the oven
The bike goes into the oven for 20 minutes at 200 degrees. This melts the powder into a smooth, strong layer of paint.
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Cool down and reassemble
After cooling down, the bike is completely reassembled by one of our mechanics. Ready for a second life!
Conclusion
Powder coating is the perfect way for us to breathe new life into bicycles with a worn appearance. It not only provides a fresh and sleek look, but also makes the bicycles more resistant to rust and wear. With this technique, we significantly extend the lifespan of children's bicycles and actively contribute to making the children's bicycle market circular. Our goal is to provide at least one bicycle with a powder coating layer every day. In this way, we gradually prepare more bicycles for a second life, without unnecessary waste.
