Epoxy painting of scooter parts: protection, finish, and precautions
An epoxy paint gives a scooter a durable and even finish, which protects the metal from impacts, splashes, and corrosion. It's also the best way to personalize a machine: rims, frames, decks, and column components can be painted in the color of your choice. However, a mechanical part isn't painted like a decorative object: certain surfaces must remain bare, and the preparation is more important than the paint itself.
The essentials
- The epoxy forms a thick and hard film, which is highly resistant to impacts and chemicals.
- Over time, it can fade in the sun. For parts exposed to sunlight, a clear coat or a UV-resistant finish can help.
- Bearing surfaces, threads, clamping surfaces, and electrical contacts should not be painted.
- We offer epoxy coating for all parts of a Thunder scooter, and it is an optional service for our Dualtron rims.
What is epoxy paint?
Epoxy paint is a type of paint based on epoxy resin. When applied to metal parts, it is most often applied as a powder using electrostatic spraying, and then baked in an oven. The powder melts, spreads, and hardens into a continuous film. This process is also known as powder coating. The result is a thicker and more durable layer than traditional liquid paint.
Its strengths:
- Impact resistance: Small stones and minor impacts leave fewer marks
- Chemical resistance: Grease, brake fluid, and cleaning products have little effect on it
- Corrosion protection, as long as the film remains intact.
Its known drawback: when exposed to ultraviolet light for extended periods, pure epoxy resin loses its shine and can become chalky, meaning it develops a fine powder on the surface. For a machine that will be used outdoors, it's important to request a paint finish that is suitable for outdoor use.
Parts that paint well
- Rims: Large, visible surfaces that significantly change the look of a machine. Pay attention to tire clearances and mounting points. Our guide on aluminum scooter rims explains their function.
- The deck and its sides: protection against splashes, and customization options.
- Arms and supports: Provided that the bores and bearing surfaces are protected.
- Column and folding parts: Ensure all clamping surfaces are protected.
Surfaces that should never be painted
A layer of epoxy creates a certain thickness. On a functional surface, this thickness alters the dimensions and prevents the part from working correctly. Before painting, these areas are masked:
- Bearing clearances: A bearing must fit within the exact specified tolerance, not too tight and not with excessive play;
- Threads and tap holes: The paint prevents the screw from engaging properly or affects the tightening torque;
- Clamping surfaces: column, stem, axles, calipers. The paint compresses under pressure, and the clamping loosens over time;
- Electrical connections and grounds: A terminal or ground point that was previously connected is no longer conducting
- Braking surfaces: The brake discs, of course, are not painted.
That's why the painting of scooter parts is done on a disassembled machine, piece by piece, rather than on a fully assembled scooter.
Preparation: A crucial step
The durability of a paint job depends on the surface it is applied to. The typical steps are:
- Complete disassembly and identification of all parts
- If necessary, remove the old paint by stripping
- Careful degreasing;
- Sandblasting or micro-blasting to improve adhesion;
- Masking of functional surfaces;
- application and curing;
- Check the dimensions and clean the threads before reassembly.
Our epoxy paint options
For Dualtron Thunder models, we offer epoxy paint for all Thunder parts. On our Thunder 1 Evo prepared for track use, we use a red and green epoxy paint that covers the entire scooter, complemented by matching red heat shrink tubing.
Our rims are also offered with an epoxy paint option, professionally applied, in eight colors: white, blue, gold, yellow, black, orange, pink, or red. This applies to our Dualtron Thunder rim and our rim for Dualtron 3 and Speedway 5. The product description indicates an additional week of lead time to ensure a high-quality finish.
And what about the anodized parts?
Certain machined parts, such as our CNC arms, are anodized. Anodizing is not a paint: it's a layer of oxide formed within the aluminum itself, which is thin and very hard. It doesn't flake off like paint, but it's also not easily repainted. Our guide on CNC machined swingarms discusses this.
Workshop tip
Take advantage of a complete overhaul: the machine is disassembled, so it's the perfect time to replace the bearings, bushings, and worn-out fasteners. Reassembling new parts onto a freshly painted frame, with the correct torque and thread locker, results in a machine that looks new and largely is. Our guide for preparing a Dualtron Thunder helps you plan the rest of the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint a rim with the tire already mounted on it?
No. The baking and masking process requires a bare rim, and the tire beads must remain clean to ensure a proper seal for a tubeless setup.
Does the epoxy paint add significant weight to the machine?
The effect is negligible on the scale of an electric scooter. However, it does alter the dimensions where it is applied, which is why functional surfaces are masked.
How to maintain an epoxy paint finish?
A simple cleaning with soapy water is sufficient. Avoid using a pressure washer too close to the surface, as it can lift the paint on a chipped area and force water into the bearings and electronics.
Is a paint chip a serious issue?
It's not about the durability, but the steel underneath is susceptible to rust. A quick touch-up can help limit corrosion under the paint.