MWG suggested Star Enamellers for painting frames ages ago. I called them in regards to the Reign but they spray, not powdercoat and I believe mountain bikes need a stronger finish that powdercoating gives. Since then I’ve had frames powdercoated on the cheap by Mr. Clean, and on the not so cheap by Grip Sports but the Paino is a roadie and doesn’t need to be powder coated, she’s getting the Royal Treatment (as Matt puts it).
The guys at MCC helped me take off the headset and bottom bracket (I didn’t have the tools). Grant at MCC also said that I had no say in the matter at all, and that powdercoating it would be sacrilegious! He said I had to take it to Peter of Star Enamellers if I wanted to do it right (Grant has his own paint guy but still suggested Peter from Star Enamellers do the job).
I drove out to see Peter in Blacktown and was greeted by perhaps the nicest guy I’ve ever met. He instantly recognised the Paino, and said he knew Frank Paino but hadn’t seen or heard of him in a long time. He also commented on how Frank Paino made amazing frames but the best bit of news after a bit of an inspection was that Peter thinks he was the guy who painted this very frame back in the 80’s as he did a lot of work for Frank Paino back then!
I couldn’t be happier, the frame is in great hands. It won’t be cheap, or quick but I’m happy to pay and wait.