I've had some good news this morning. Remember a couple of weeks back when the QMx sonic news broke I decided to look into replicating their paint? I succeeded, as my findings have shown. However, in addition to my own experiments here in the workshop I also pulled in a favour with a chemist buddy of mine and we have been looking at developing a whole new industrial coating with industry leading figures for hardness, durability and substrate adhesion.
Well, this morning he delivered the following:
No, your eyes do not deceive you, this is an industrial coating that has the highest ratings for adhesion and hardness possible.
I am in a quandary now. The Perfetto solution is perfectly acceptable from the point of view of results but they are more random and less predictable as many factors can vary the outcome of crackle size, shape and distribution but it is that randomness which this type of finish is all about. The issue is the cost of handpainting all of them. It is incredibly labour intensive.
The industrial coating however is much more uniform, predictable and standardised. It can also be applied via automation with an exact amount of paint applied to each sonic and in a coating thickness that is identical from one sonic to another.
Do I invest more money, money I have already put into the powdercoat, into this new experimental coating? Indeed, will existing customers pay for the ungrade? I need to think about this and discuss the options with my chemist friend and see if I can economically put this stuff into production.
I dunno, CT. I mean it would be neat to maybe add this as an optional upgrade to the sonic. I know I wouldn't mind seeing one of mine painted like this at least. If it could be applied a bit thinner I would say to take a closer look before making a decision.
ReplyDeleteI would pay for the upgrade!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd definately pay for it.
ReplyDelete...in fact I'd go further than that CT. Your current powdercoat is amazing, but not 100% accurate. If you supply your sonics with this new finish, you would have the market for THE most accurate sonic and those who are sitting on the fence and waiting for the QMX version, would be more likely to get yours instead. The initial cost may be more, but surely the long term business result would be in your favour. I can't see many of us who already have your sonics not upgrading with a new body.
ReplyDeleteWell, I haven't bought a sonic yet (I KNOW!) But I would not mind paying a little extra to get the most accurate finish of any sonic.
ReplyDeleteJust a question, is it that white? Or would it go to the gray that you had in previous posts? I would much prefer the gray to white.
Like Sostopher I haven't bought one yet (I'm still trying to work out how to justify the cost to the wife) but I've been following your blog for a while and know the kind of attention you've lavished on these replicas. That being said, this new finish looks breathtaking, and the most porcelain like finished I've seen. When I finally do get to sneak in an order, I'd love to have this particular finish used.
ReplyDeleteLike Sostopher and Bahrni I have not bought a CT sonic yet. I bought the MFX but having now seen CT's, I can't look at the MFX without focusing on all the glaring flaws.
ReplyDeleteI actually came to this site via the store, about to order a season 1&2 sonic, but I think I will wait now to see what CT's plans are for this astounding industrial coating...
i say go for it CT kick QMx's ass
ReplyDeleteis it possible to get side-by-side shots of the new coating and the perfetto
ReplyDeletehow much would the upgrade cost
ReplyDeleteNothing. As I'm not offering it yet.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I love my 10th Dr Sonic, but as I want the best replica around I would rather trust you CT to add on this new coating for me, rather than me to go experimenting with the perfetto finish.
ReplyDeleteI'm in no hurry, so if an upgrade of the industrial coating (or handpainted perfetto) is offered in the future I'd be more than happy to pay the extra if & when it happens.
Many thanks once again on a great product :)