Powdercoating .......... ?

It can be expensive. Why not do it yourself?

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Larry

'Web Guy & Hobbyist Welder'

It can be spendy. I welded a simple base for a cast iron/porcelain shop sink out of 1 1/2 x 1/4 angle and flat bar. A local shop wanted upwards of $85 to powdercoat it even if I had it blasted first.

I ended up spending $50 on some POR-15 and painted the sink base, my MIG cart, and a bicycle repair stand with it. Everything turned out great although for stuff that gets UV, POR-15 must be topcoated.

Jeff Dantzler

Also, you might look at Eastwood

They sell car restoration gear, and have branched out into powder coating equipment and supplies.

I am really not sold on powdercoating yet. I don't remember seeing anything powdercoated that didn't fade in short order when used outside. I have a riding mower that is powder coated (red) and it faded in about a year. All of the metal railing I have seen that was powdercoated had faded (chalked, oxidized) and seems to be rusting in the corner joints. Granted I live in central Texas where it gets over 100 degrees for days at a time but the stuff just doesn't seem to hold up. I have been using a two part urethane industial paint on my metal projects for the last 5 or 6 years. It is expensive, 35 to 50 $ per gallon depending on color (?!) but this stuff is amazing. I can paint a 16' lowboy trailer with

1/2 gallon (+reducer and activator). It stays as shiny after it dries as it was when wet. I painted a hydraulic log lifter I made for my Woodmizer with it 6 years ago, it stays in the sun all the time and is still as shiny as when I painted it. My Woodmizer has faded already, I don't know what kind of paint it has. It penetrates into the corners-and-welds also. I buy it from TCI here in Austin. I have no vested interest in the company, they just sell a superior product.

Jamie Norwood

J>

My experience has been that if you use epoxy based powdercoat it will not hold up outside. However, if you use the polyester based powdercoat it will last for years and not show any wear.

Robert

General question on powder coating.

Not being sure of the static method of getting the powder to stick to the metal before baking, does handling the part not lead to discharge and then the power paint falling off?

I have seen plans where the metal parts have been Oven heated first and then suspended in a blower chamber. The powder being in air suspension once the blower is on, where it hits the metal it sticks and melts!

I guess there must be pro's for each system

-- Cheers Adrian.

I've been powdercoating since 1988. It's like anything, preperation is Key. Having the product sandblasted will deffinately help on the adhesion.(most production lines do not and that is why powdercoating can have have a negative effect is some peoples eyes. If the product is to see weather, then polyester is the way to go.I have a trailer that I powdercoated white, then top coated it with Candy-Blue polyester powdercoating. It looks as good today as it did in

1989 when I first coated it. It sits out in the rain, snow, and sun. It has virtually zero fade and still has a great gloss. Powdercoating does has its drawbacks too, and is not a cure-all. But, when you compare it and how well it holds up to chipping, cracking, fading, chaulking, etc.,it is quite remarkable. There are even handle bar companies that will powdercoat the bar first, then bend it afterwards, with no signs of cracking or chipping. I painted cars for 30 years and there are advantages and disadvantages to using both powder and liquid. But, everytime I purchase Polyurethane paint (such as Imron or equivalant product) and I know how much it takes to spray polyester powder. There is a huge differance in price! (course I Also have my own Powdercoat oven, which makes a big difference) Large companies use powdercoat, because it lasts and is much cheaper (cost wise). They save thousands of dollars per day versus using wet-spray........Bruce Parks

We invite you to learn more about the wonderful process of powdercoating by visiting

and going to the FAQ page!

Andrews Powder Coating, Inc.