Frequently Asked Questions
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a method for finishing products through the application of tiny dry particles. The powder is electrostaticly charged so that the powder clings to cling to the metal, then it is baked out in our oven. Powders come in a broad range of finishes and textures.
What can be powder coated?
Any metal object that can hold an electrostatic charge and withstand the heat of the baking process can be powder coated. In addition to metals, glass and certain woods are usually good candidates for powder coating. Items that are commonly powder coated are mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, etc.
Any metal object that can hold an electrostatic charge and withstand the heat of the curing process can be powder coated. Powder can be applied to intricate surfaces and still maintain a uniform finish across the entire piece. Powder coating is ideal for items such as:
- Industrial Fabrications
• Architectural Signage
• Doors and Windows
• Aluminum Extrusions
• Trade Show Exhibits
• Metal Fencing and Railings
• Retail Displays & Fixtures
• Patio Furniture
• Motorcycle Frames Wheels & Parts
• Automotive Frames Wheels & Parts
• Off Road Vehicle Frames & Parts
• Bicycle Frames & Parts
• Antique Beds, Gliders & Chairs
• Large Bird Cages
Nowhere else are the benefits of architectural powder coating more evident than on the thousands of commercial, industrial, government, residential, historic and institutional buildings from around the world. For 30 years, powder coating has been the finish of choice for a superior, more colorful, longer lasting and more durable finish.
What are the benefits of powder coating?
- Increased durability
- Improved strength
- Dries quickly
- Stands up against the toughest conditions
- Keeping its original polished look
- Less expensive to powder coat a part once than to paint it several times during its life
- More environmentally friendly than wet spray painting
- Wider variety of colors and textures
- Weather resistance
Other Powder Coating Advantages:
There are several other advantages of powder coating over conventional liquid coatings:
- Powder coatings emit zero or near zero volatile organic compounds (VOC). Environmentally friendly.
- Powder coatings can produce much thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging.
- Powder coating overspray can be recycled and thus it is possible to achieve nearly 100% use of the coating. Also environmentally friendly.
- Powder coat application produces less hazardous waste than conventional liquid coatings. Powder coated items generally have fewer appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces and vertically coated surfaces than liquid coated items.
- A wide range of specialty effects is easily accomplished which would be impossible to achieve with other coating processes.
How is the part prepared prior to powder coating?
Preparing parts prior to powder coating allows for improved adhesion of the powder. Parts may be sandblasted and/or acid washed to remove old finishes, dirt, oil or grease. Chemicals can inhibit the powder coating process or weaken the bond between the metal and the powder coating.
Properly preparing parts allows for improved adhesion of the powder. Parts may be sandblasted and/or acid washed to remove old finishes, dirt, oil or grease. These substances can inhibit the powder coating process and weaken the bond between the metal and the powder coating.
What does “baking the parts” mean?
After the parts are coated with powder, they must be baked in extremely high heat. The heat causes the powder to “melt” and form a bond to itself and to the part for excellent durability and a professional look. If the parts are not baked properly then the powder coating will be more vulnerable to chipping.
Can anything be powder coated?
Most metals are good candidates for powder coating. But there are some materials that cannot be powder coated. The process requires each item to be baked at extremely high temperatures so it does not work for items that contain wood, plastic, rubber or other materials that melt or burn. Generally parts that can withstand the high heat of the baking process can potentially be powder coated. The other thing to keep in mind is the size of your item(s). We can only powder coat parts that fit in our 25 FT baking oven.
Can we re-powder coat a part that was already powder coated or powder coat a part that was previously painted?
Yes, we can remove an old finish from on the surface of the part with a sand blasting process so that it can be re-processed with a new powder coating finish.