Our ancient (1986) Cannondales could use some refinishing. The paint has
bubbled and chipped in places, exposing the aluminum. The bikes aren't
grossly ugly, but they're far from pristine. I think the original paint
is DuPont Imron, or some similar catalyzing paint.

I was given information about a local place that does a good job with
powder coating, and is not very expensive.

But I got to thinking: The bikes are 6061-T6 if I remember right. And I
think powder coating gets baked at a higher temperature than the
aluminum did. I'm finding that T6 heat treatment involves about 350
degrees Fahrenheit, but powder coating uses about 400F. That makes this
sound like a bad idea.

Is there something I'm missing?

--
- Frank Krygowski