"Pimping" a coated surface/frame

gibbyx

gibbyx

Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
554
I tried this in "Maintenance, Tinkering & Tmbellishment" already, with no help/suggestions so far... (some edits/additions made for post here in general.)

Okay, I have a Kershaw E.T. One of the first made and it's all silver. I'm quite sure it's the same satiny silver coating they use on many of their blades & scales (think Leek).

I want to add some color to the frame but can I as is with good results? If so, Is there a specific paint/dye or something else I should use?
---- OR ----
Would I need to rough up the areas to be "colored"? Should I strip/sand the whole frame first or could I just give attention only to the areas to be "painted/colored".

I know I could just take some modeling paint and go at it but I'd want to make sure whatever I do wouldn't just chip right off too easily.

With the surface being anodized aluminum I was hoping there's something that may be nicer than just paint. Powdercoat is out, unless there a cheap way I could do it myself. There has to be something else... right? right?

I haven't even looked into anodizing but I think the costs would steer me away for a single "garage project".

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Gibby
 
gibbyx, i have a buddy just outside of town that does powdercoating. he might not charge much to powdercoat your frame. if you are interested i can ask.
 
richard j said:
gibbyx, i have a buddy just outside of town that does powdercoating. he might not charge much to powdercoat your frame. if you are interested i can ask.
Click to expand...

Can't hurt to ask I guess Richard. But like I said, I kinda ruled out powdercoat 'cuz I'm sure it won't be cheap.

It's a $40 knife so I'm trying to stay under $20-$25ish. Preferably doing it myself without having to buy an anodizer, powder coat setup or super expensive paints/applicators.

Thanks,
Gibby
 
You can anodize with household chemicals and a 12VDC car battery. I googled it and found more than a few pages on the web with instructions, pictures, etc. Some stuff is really nice.

Even with factory finishes, there will eventually be scratches and wear. I have not found any factory teflon to last long, most paint finishes are just that, and gunguard type finishes, while a lot more durable, still eventually wear. Unless the treatment is molecularly bonded, it will fail, and simple use will abrade anything, which is why some custom makers won't use metal scales unless they are really abuse resistant - like titanium.
 
Thanks for the help. I guess I didn't ask this correctly. I know any finish will wear, not quite where I was going though. My fault. I guess I just should've said...
Anyone ever do anything to change the appearance of anodized alloys? If so what/how.

I guess I was looking for examples of different types of different things people had done, even though that's not how I came across. Again, sorry for my lack of clarity. I'm to tired to think anymore tonight. Ughhhhhhh...

Thanks,

Gibby
 
I am not sure if this is what you are wanting but check out the busse forum. 308 has some posts of his knife coatings. It is called up armor. Looks awesome!!! I can't vouch for durability, but from the posts it sounds pretty tough.

Hope this helps.

Randy
 
Just wanted to say thanks Richard, Tirod & WV. Maybe I'll just experiment & see what happens. I think I wanna try and do something like the urban camo model, but with different colors.

Thanks again,
Gibby
 
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