Powder coating... What is it?

[mattgeorge]

Could somebody explain to me what exactly powder-coating is? And what are the costs and advantages? And where I would get it done?

[Jared]

It's a way to "paint' dry without any solvents... You basically are using dissimilar charges to attract the "powder" to the pieces you are coating....Usually " blown" from a gun around the part.... The opposite charges attract and the powder clings to the part.
Once it's covered the parts are heat cured in an oven.... There are different types of powder for different applications...

It's a cleaner way to paint... it's usually a tougher finish and more corrosion resistant...( depends on the materials you use/ how you cure it..) . UV stability also depends on the "powder" composition...

Here's a few links that might help a little info wise... and google search...there are alot of places that do it... Check the last link...Harborfreight even sells the machines to do it...

http://my.execpc.com/~davewrit/Powder.html

http://www.finishing.com/Library/pennisi/powder.html

http://www.multigame.com/powdercoating.html

[bwringer]

Caswell has tons and tons of how-to and technical info for powder coating, plating, polishing, etc. Plus, they sell all the fun dangerous chemicals and supplies needed.

http://www.caswellplating.com/powder/index.html

[drewshotrodding]

I have been powdercoating now for about 6 year with the eastwood system I got in it after i bought the kit to do my 1955 chev belair post I did the a arms engine then everybody else wanted it done so i got in it now everybody ask me what can i do I can do any thing that can handle 400degrees but some of the old metal has dirt ,oil, that will cause little bubble to come out called outgasing even after blasting,,, Now I have a kawaski voyager every thing but the frame has not been done in powder coat where i live its on the gulf of mexico and everything get corroded,,, I still powder coat on customer bikes lets see if the pic will take,,, still cant get powder coat is stronger than paint it also doesnt have to harden in 2,3 days after it comes out of the oven and cools it is ready to go back on the bike make sure that if you have someone powdercoat you wheels that they tape where the bead sits,,,, if they don't ,,,if you have a flat the tire could debead and come off the wheel :twisted: also good idea to go over everything with taps and dies and clean everything yourself powdercoat acts like locktight