Frequently Asked Questions About Powder Coating
Powder coating can be quite intimidating to the uninitiated. Below is a list of frequently asked questions that we have compiled to help you understand the process.
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1. What is powder coating? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
Powder coating is a method of applying a finish to a wide range of materials that are used by both industries and consumers.
The powder used is a mixture of finely ground particles consisting of pigment and resin, which is sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically grounded surface until heated which cause them to "gel" into a smooth, consistent and uniform coating. The result is a high-quality and very attractive finish.
2. What temperature are my parts subjected to? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
Typical powders cure anywhere from 375-400 degrees. The normal cure cycle ranges from 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the thickness of the part. The part must reach at least 375 degrees for 10 minutes in order for the powder to "set".
3. What is the maximum size and weight part you can handle? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
Our oven is 20' long by 8' high and 8' wide. We have coated large frames that weighed around 2500 lbs. We can also build special racks as needed.
4. How durable is powder? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
Powder coating is very resistant to cracking and peeling. They are also extremely abrasion, corrosion and chemical resistant depending on the type of powder and your needs. We can help you select the type of powder that will best suit your application. Powder will match and in most cases exceed the performance of a liquid based coating. A powder primer can be applied for extremely difficult applications if request.
5. Is it environmentally friendly? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
Unlike solvent-based wet paint systems, powder is a very environmentally friendly process. Liquid EPA regulations are becoming even stricter. Since the powder coating process does not use any solvents this is causing powder to become the technology of choice.
6. What can be coated? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
Any metal object that can hold an electrostatic charge and withstand the heat of the curing process can be powder coated. Wood and plastic can be coated using a special system.
7. What colors are available? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
Powder is available in a large variety of colors including: metallics, textures and special effects. We have a large sample of color chips available for you to see in our office. We can also order a sample chip of any color in our charts.
8. What about threaded holes and areas that I want masked? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
High temperature tape will be used to cover surfaces such as threads or tight tolerance areas to keep them from being coated. We can also use special silicon plugs for threaded holes or shafts
9. What can I do to prep my parts prior to bring them in? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
The only request we have is that you remove as much grease and oil residue as you can before dropping them off and we will take care of the rest. We can degrease parts for you but this will be an extra charge.
10. Can bondo be used? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
The high oven temperature makes the use of normal body fillers impossible. There is a product made that can be used like bondo and then be powder coated over. It requires 24hr air dry and then a bake cycle in the oven. You can then sand it down and powder over top.
11. Can you clear coat using powder? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
Clear powder coating provides the same purpose as clear coat in wet paint. It will protect the finish and add depth to the surface. Clear powder coat can be applied as a second coat. Then the piece is returned to the oven for a second curing process. Most metallic colors require a clear coat if they will be exposed to the weather. Any color can be clear coated if requested.
12. Do you apply liquid paint or chrome? [ View/Hide Answer ]
Answer:
No. We strive to be an environmentally friendly company and thus only apply powder.