Answer to the first question is, no you can go back and paint later. I've refinished many frames that had been previously powder coated.
As to the good and inexpensive part, I strongly disagree. Too many frames have come through my shop wrapped in powder coat and rusting away like crazy. One customer some years ago opted for clear powder coat only to watch his custom frame rust in just 3 weeks. 3 finishes in 2 years before he came to see me for paint. For a variety of environmental reasons powder coat is the future, but today it's not ready for prime time, and not good protection for your frame.
Gene Powell Rad Finishes Portland, Oregon USA
On Aug 8, 2008, at 12:31 AM, Jon Spangler wrote:
> Dear bikies,
>
> Does powder-coating a nice steel frame in any way limit or damage
> one's future chances of restoring its finish?
>
> My local bike shop's owner thinks that powder-coating is a good and
> inexpensive way to protect a steel frame, but I'm wondering whether
> the odds of a future restoration are compromised by this short-term
> protective measure.
>
> (I am not considering powder-coating as a long term measure or as an
> equivalent to a proper restoration repaint. Promise! :-)
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Jon Spangler
> Alameda, California USA
> hudsonspangler@earthlink.net