Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Our FAQ: Demystifying the Frame Restoration Process
Bicycles may look simple, but restoring a classic or vintage frame is an intricate craft that involves numerous detailed steps. Whether you’re new to the world of frame restoration or a seasoned enthusiast, you likely have questions—and we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common queries, as well as insights into aspects of the process that you may not have considered.
What services do you provide?
We specialise in the restoration, repair, and respray of steel bicycle frames. Our services include, but are not limited to, frame inspections, repair of rust damage, removal of seized parts, custom paintwork, chrome plating, and the application of decals. We work on steel frames only for repairs and modifications.
What are the main steps involved in the restoration process?
Our restoration process typically includes the following steps:
Initial Inspection and Consultation: We inspect your frame, discuss your requirements, and provide a detailed estimate.
Parts Removal: Removal of any parts on the frame, including handling seized components.
Frame Repairs: Any structural repairs, rust treatment, or modifications are completed (for steel frames only).
Chrome Plating (if required): The frame is prepared and sent for chrome plating, which can involve a multi-step process.
Painting: Your frame goes to the paint shop for paint removal, priming, and application of new paint.
Decal Application: We apply customer-supplied or custom-ordered decals.
Final Assembly and Checks: After painting, we inspect the frame and complete any final assembly work.
Collection or Delivery: The frame is ready for you to collect or we can arrange delivery.
“When will my frame be ready?”
The timeline for completing your frame restoration depends on several factors, including the complexity of the work and the current queue in the workshop. While I provide an estimated completion date when we begin, sometimes unexpected issues (like hidden damage) or delays from third-party suppliers (such as chrome platers or painters) can affect the final delivery.
Rest assured, I’ll keep you informed along the way, and I aim to provide regular updates so you know exactly where your project stands. Typically, the restoration process takes around 2-3 months, but I’ll notify you if there are any changes to this schedule.
Quality takes time, and I want to make sure every frame gets the attention it deserves to ensure a durable and beautiful finish.
“What stage is my frame at right now?”
We send out an update every week on a Tuesday with your frames current stage and queue position. At each stage we work on frames in priority based on the date the frame came in
“Has there been any progress since the last update?”
If there have been delays or a period with no visible changes, customers may want to know if things have moved forward or if there have been any setbacks.
“What’s causing the delay?”
When customers feel that a project is taking longer than expected, they may ask for more detail on why there’s a delay and what’s being done to address it.
“Why is this taking longer than the initial estimate?”
Customers may want to understand why a project is going beyond the originally quoted timeline and what unforeseen factors have come up.
“Can you explain what the order status you’ve sent me means?”
Here is a key to our order status
Pending – We’ve added you on to the system, but we don’t have your frame yet
Arrived – Your frame has arrived at our workshop
Booking In – Your frame is going through our booking in process
Frameshop – If you frame needs and frame repairs or alterations
Sent For Shot Blasting – Sometimes we need to send a frame for shot blasting before more work can commence
Chrome Queue – Your frame is in the queue for the chrome platers
Sent For Chrome – Your frame has been sent for chrome plating
Paint Queue – Your frame is in the queue for painting
Awaiting Decals – We are waiting for decals for your frame in order for the paint to be completed
Sent For Paint – Your frame has been sent for paint
Paint Done – The paint is done and it is ready to pick up at the paintshop
Final Prep – Your frame is finished, but we need to chase the threads, fit any parts required
Packing – Your frame is in the queue for packing
Despatch/Pickup – Your frame is ready for despatch or pick up in person
Completed – Your frame is finished
Can you explain the painting process in detail?
Absolutely! Painting is a critical component of the restoration process, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your bicycle frame. Our meticulous painting process spans several days and involves multiple stages to ensure a flawless and durable finish. Here’s how we handle the painting over a typical five-day schedule:
Batch Processing
Efficiency and Consistency: We paint frames in batches to ensure the paint oven is used efficiently and to maintain consistency across all frames. This means your frame may be grouped with others scheduled for similar paintwork.
Day 1: Media Blasting
Media Blasting: The week’s batch of frames undergoes media blasting to remove all old paint, rust, and corrosion. Purpose: This process provides a clean, bare metal surface essential for the new paint to adhere properly and ensures a high-quality finish.
Inspection Opportunity: Exposing the bare metal allows us to check for any hidden damage or imperfections that may need to be addressed before proceeding.
Day 2: Priming
Acid Etch Priming: Each frame is coated with an acid etch primer and dried in the oven. Purpose: The acid etch primer chemically bonds to the metal, providing excellent adhesion for subsequent paint layers and offering additional corrosion resistance.
High Build Primer Application: After the acid etch primer has dried, a high build primer is applied. Purpose: This primer fills in minor surface imperfections, creating a smooth, even surface for the paint.
Second Oven Drying: The frames return to the oven to cure the high build primer thoroughly.
Day 3: Surface Preparation
Hand Sanding (Rubbing Down): The frames are rubbed down by hand to create an ultra-smooth surface for the paint application. Attention to Detail: This step ensures that the surface is free from imperfections, which is crucial for achieving a flawless final finish.
Day 4: Base Color Application
Surface Cleaning: The frames are thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants that could affect the paint’s adhesion or finish.
Base Color Coating: A couple of coats of the base color are applied to each frame. Purpose: Multiple thin coats ensure even color coverage and depth.
Oven Drying: The frames are placed in the oven again to cure the base color.
Sanding Between Coats: The paint may be lightly rubbed down to ensure smoothness before applying additional coats if necessary.
Day 5: Lacquer and Finishing Touches
Final Cleaning: The frames are meticulously cleaned once more to ensure a pristine surface.
Lacquer Application: A coat of lacquer is applied to protect the paint and enhance the finish. Purpose: The lacquer adds gloss or matte finish (depending on your preference) and protects against UV damage, scratches, and environmental factors.
Oven Curing: The frames take another turn in the oven to cure the lacquer.
Decal Application and Lug Lining: Decals: After the initial lacquer coat, decals are carefully applied according to your specifications.
Lug Lining: Any detailed lug lining (the fine lines painted along the edges of the lugs) is completed by hand for a custom touch.
Final Lacquer Coat: A final coat of lacquer is applied over the decals and lug lining to seal and protect them.
Final Oven Curing: The frames undergo a last stint in the oven to cure the final lacquer layer, completing the painting process.
Additional Steps for Custom Work
Extra Masking and Contrasting Colors: If your design includes extra masking (to create specific patterns or graphics) or contrasting colors, additional steps are required. Masking and Multiple Paint Applications: Each additional color or design element requires masking off parts of the frame and applying paint in separate stages, with drying times in between.
Extended Timeline: These extra steps add complexity and time to the process to ensure each color or design element is applied flawlessly.
Quality Control
Thorough Inspection: After the painting process, each frame is inspected meticulously. Checking for Imperfections: We look for any paint runs, dust particles, or inconsistencies in the finish.
Ensuring Durability: We verify that all paint layers and lacquer coats have adhered properly and are fully cured.
Why the Painting Process Takes Time
Attention to Detail: Each step is essential and cannot be rushed without compromising quality.
Drying and Curing Times: Adequate drying and curing times are critical for durability and achieving a flawless finish.
Batch Processing: Painting in batches maximizes efficiency but may mean your frame waits until the next batch if it’s not ready in time, potentially adding to the timeline.
Complex Designs: Custom requests, such as multiple colours or intricate designs, add additional steps and time.
How long does a typical restoration or respray take?
The total lead time for a frame requiring repairs and a respray can range from 6 to 10 weeks depending on the complexity of the work, availability of third-party services like chrome plating or painting, and the specifics of your project. However, unforeseen circumstances (e.g., hidden frame issues) may cause delays, which we will communicate as soon as possible.
What does it mean when you say “time is not of the essence”?
This means that while we strive to meet the estimated timeframes, these are not strict deadlines. Due to the complex nature of the work and reliance on third-party suppliers, some delays may occur. We will communicate any potential delays to you as soon as possible.
Why do chrome plating and painting sometimes cause long delays?
Both chrome plating and painting are performed by trusted third-party suppliers who operate on batch schedules. Chrome plating, in particular, can have longer wait times because we must group multiple frames into a batch to keep costs viable. Missing a batch can cause a delay of up to two months for chrome plating. Painting queues usually add an additional 1–2 weeks but may vary depending on demand.
What happens if you are ill or there are unexpected delays?
As a one-person business, my availability can directly affect project timelines. If I am ill or unable to work, I will inform you as soon as possible and provide an updated estimate for when work can resume. If delays extend significantly, I will discuss possible options with you.
Why can’t the painting process be expedited?
While we understand the desire to have your frame completed quickly, expediting the painting process is challenging due to:
Quality Assurance: Rushing any step can compromise the quality and longevity of the finish. Each layer requires proper application, drying, and curing times.
Batch Scheduling: We coordinate with the paint shop to schedule batches efficiently. Adjusting the schedule for individual frames is not always feasible.
Complexity of Custom Work: Custom designs add additional steps that require meticulous attention to detail, which cannot be rushed.
Third-Party Constraints: We rely on our trusted paint shop’s availability and processes, which are designed to produce the highest quality results.
Does extra masking or using contrasting colours affect the timeline?
Yes, incorporating extra masking and contrasting colours adds additional steps to the painting process:
Additional Steps: Each extra colour or design element requires separate masking and painting stages, with appropriate drying and curing times in between.
Extended Timeline: These additional processes can extend the overall timeline by several days or more, depending on the complexity of the design.
Detailed Planning: We will discuss the impact on the timeline and cost with you during the design consultation phase.
How soon should I collect my frame after the work is complete?
We request that you arrange for collection or delivery within 14 days of being notified that your frame is ready. If your frame remains uncollected beyond this period, storage fees may apply.
What are the storage fees if I can’t collect my frame immediately?
We are happy to hold the frame for as long as you need if the invoice has been settled.
Where the invoice is still outstanding we offer a 14-day grace period after completion without any storage fees. After that, a fee of £10 per week will be charged. If your frame remains uncollected for more than 3 months, we may dispose of or sell the item to recover costs, after providing a final notice.
When is the final payment due?
The remaining balance is due upon completion of the work, before collection or delivery of your frame. We will notify you when the project is complete and provide an invoice for the final payment.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cash. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding payment options.
Is the deposit refundable if I cancel the project?
The 50% deposit is non-refundable because it covers initial costs such as inspection, planning, and ordering of materials. If you cancel before work has started and no materials have been ordered, a partial refund may be considered at our discretion.
Can I request changes to the project after the work has started?
Yes, you can request changes; however, please note that any changes to the scope of work may impact the overall cost and timeline. We will discuss these changes with you and provide a revised estimate before proceeding.
What happens if hidden issues are found during the restoration?
If we discover hidden issues (e.g., rust damage, structural weakness) during the restoration, we will contact you immediately to discuss your options. Depending on the severity of the issue, additional repairs may be needed, which could affect the total cost and lead time. We will always seek your approval before proceeding with additional work.
Will it add time to the renovation?
Unfortunately yes, as it will require more time in the workshop to be scheduled. We try to book workshop time well in advance, so if the extra repair is significant it could add weeks onto the overall leadtime.
What is included in the initial estimate?
The initial estimate includes a breakdown of all expected work, materials, and third-party services based on the scope discussed. Any additional work required (e.g., unexpected repairs or additional customizations) will be discussed and quoted separately.
What if I’m not happy with the quality of the work?
If you’re not satisfied with the quality of the work upon collection or delivery, please notify us within 7 days. We will assess the issue and, if necessary, offer additional work, revisions, or a partial refund in line with our commitment to quality and UK consumer rights.
Do you provide a warranty on your workmanship?
Yes, we offer a 12-month warranty on our workmanship from the date of completion. This warranty covers defects arising from our services under normal use conditions.
Can I request changes to the project after the work has started?
Yes, you can request changes; however, please note that any changes to the scope of work may impact the overall cost and timeline. We will discuss these changes with you and provide a revised estimate before proceeding.
What are my responsibilities during the project?
Timely Communication: Please respond promptly to any requests for information, approvals, or decisions. Delayed responses may impact project timelines.
Accurate Information: Provide accurate details about your frame’s history, condition, and any specific requirements.
Supply of Decals or Parts: If you are supplying decals or specific parts, ensure they are provided promptly to avoid delays.
Can I visit the workshop to see the progress?
For safety and efficiency, we typically do not allow customer visits during the project. However, we will keep you informed with updates and photos at key stages of the process.