Preparing Items To Be Powder Coated

Ask any professional powder coating technician as to what the most important factor is in creating a flawless job, and he will without a doubt tell you that preparing the piece to powder coat is by far the most difficult. Unfortunately, this is the tendon that gets torn for most new users and practitioners of powder coating, and their struggle of learning how to powder coat. With a little bit of background knowledge, the right powder coat supplies and equipment, you can be turning out beautiful rims, valve covers or even lawn furniture with some amazing powder coat colors available.

Below are several of the processes and treatments items should go through before you begin powder coating. Failing to properly prep the piece, can and will lead to some very bad powder coating jobs which you will undeniably regret after having to to strip this strong, durable coating off of the piece. As you learn more, and find different powder coat supplies, you may change your prep sequence slightly, but for the most part, these are the main three.

First and foremost, the most important step with electrostatic powder coating is the use and application of proper de-greasing. Nothing will ruin a powder coat paint finish faster then having grime or dirt in between the layer of powder and the part that you're working on. So step 1 in the powder coating process will never change. If there are heavy deposits on the part you're working with, begin with simple water and a rag. Get as much of it off as you can, and if that looks sufficient you can move onto step 2, but if there is lots of grime built up on it, a heavy duty industrial de-greaser may be required. Many people swear by these, but I try and avoid them in my list of powder coating supplies as many will leave a film on your piece that can cause even more problems down the road, but regardless, if the piece isn't coming clean without the use of this, then by all means use it before you begin powder coating.

Step 2 is media blasting the part. This is basically like sanding the entire piece before the powder coat finish is applied. Silica sand has been used for years, and still very predominant over seas, but many people in the US are opting against it for fear of silicosis. Silicosis is a result from using silica based sand without a proper dust retrieval system or respirator. It builds up in your lungs and can cause you to expire far before the powder coating finish you applied does. Other options for the silica sand is glass bead, walnut shells, and various other course medias that can be used prior to powder coating. Research the different alternatives, and find what works best with your powder coating equipment.

Step 3 is considered a baking process, and commonly referred to as out-gassing. Metals can trap gasses in their pours, and can be released when raised to high temperatures. Pre-heating your piece having the powder coating applied to it before hand will reduce the chances of flaws once you finish the powder coating process. Afterwards let the piece cool down to about 120 degrees before applying the powder coat to it. If you must handle the piece at all during this time, be sure to wear latex gloves with no solvents on them or anything as you will contaminate the piece you're working with and possibly ruin the powder coat finish.

Taking the time to properly prepare the piece for powder coating will give you thousands of professional looking jobs without hassle. Just as a carpenter would say... measure twice, cut once... you should always prepare the part twice figuratively speaking before you would apply the powder coating to minimize your chances at a botched job.

By: Dr. J

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Powder Coating for Beginners is a website powered by the author with tons of helpful tricks and techniques to make the most out of this enjoyable and fun hobby.