FAQ

What is Powder coating?

Does it last as long as paint?

Can you powder coat over an existing paint job?

What are the advantages of powder coating?

What else can be powder coated?

Are there any dangerous materials used?

Is it high maintenance?

How should I look after my powder coated products?

Is it durable?

Does it leave a better finish than paint?

What is Powder coating?

Powder Coating is the process of spraying a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin onto an electrically charged surface. The charged powder particles adhere to the electrically charged surface and fuse together into a smooth coating after being cooked in a curing oven. The final result is a high-quality, uniform and attractive finish.

Does it last as long as paint?

Powder coating can last as long as painted objects, and often outlasts its painted counterparts, due to its high durability.

Can you powder coat over an existing paint job?

Yes, we can re-coat over an existing paint job by sand-blasting the old paint off, then taking the raw metal and putting it through the powder coating process. However, for a better finish, it is recommended that powder coating be done on new, untainted, clean products.

What are the advantages of powder coating?

Powder coating is a more durable, sustainable and cost effective as opposed to painting. Powder coating is also more environmentally friendly and uses little to no harmful toxins and chemicals. Powder coated products are also able to be recycled, unlike painted products. Another advantage is that the cost of wheel spraying with powder coating is a lot less compared to painting, as the process is shorter and requires less materials.

What else can be powder coated?

Anything that contains a steel, aluminium and/or zinc coating can be powder coated. And, of course, if it can fit in our curing oven.

Are there any dangerous materials used?

No. Unlike paint, there is almost zero harsh chemical and toxins which are utilised in the powder coating process.

Is it high maintenance?

Powder coating is relatively low maintenance, as long as you wash it on a regular basis. Recommended time would be every 3-6 months.

How should I look after my powder coated products?

Products which have greater exposure to the environment should be cleaned more often. The build up of dirt, salt, soot, grime and brake dust can shorten the lifespan of the powder coating. To clean your powder coated products

• Carefully remove any loose deposits with a soft, damp sponge or towel and a
• Use a soft, non-abrasive brush or cloth and mild solvents, such as a mild household detergent, to gently scrub away any remaining deposits
• rinse off with clean, fresh water

If residue remains and cannot be removed through the following steps, then methylated spirits or turpentine can be used during the second step.

Is it durable?

Powder coating has better resistance to chips, scratches, atmospheric pollutants and even chemicals when compared to paint. It also has a much better resistance to light and U.V. degradation.

Does it leave a better finish than paint?

Powder coating often leaves a more even, uniform finish compared to paint, as any loose particles do not attach, and there are no uneven surfaces.

Powder coating is a finishing process in which a coating is applied electrostatically to a surface as a free-floating, dry powder before heat is used to finalize the coating. The powder can be made of any number of products: polyester, polyurethane, polyester-epoxy, straight epoxy, and acrylics. Powder coating is a finishing process that yields a thick, hard finish that is tougher than conventional paints. Powder coating can be found on a range of products, from household appliances to automobile parts.

Powder coating can be accomplished through one of two processes: thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermosetting involves additional chemicals which react to the powder during heating. Thermoplastics have no additional chemicals and instead just melt and flow into the final coating. Both processes of powder coating look quite similar except for one exception. The thermoset or thermoplastic powder is created by taking the powder input and binding the items together, heating the mixture, rolling out the product, and then breaking the polymer product into chips which can be ground into a fine powder.

The object is cleaned with a particular attention to the removal of any debris and oil which can inhibit the attachment of the dry powder. Next, the dry powder is applied electrostatically—a process by which the particles of the powder and the object are charged through a high voltage electrostatic surge. This electrostatic stage of powder coating greatly increases the efficiency and productivity of the coating process by nearly 95%.

The sprayed powder coating is then cured at temperatures as high as 400 degrees for ten minutes so that the coat can set on the object. While setting, the powder melts and flows around the object. The heat not only melts the powder but binds the polymer into a heavier polymer that bonds in a tight finish. The curing not only coats the sheet metal product, but also binds the polymer into a tighter, more flawless finish.

The benefits of the process of powder coating are numerous. Firstly, powder coating results in a thick, dense finish on metal products which can be more durable and longer lasting than conventional painting. Secondly, powder coating is typically a one coat finish so the process can be quite quick and easy. Thirdly, powder coating can include multiple custom finishing colors and textures as the powders which are sprayed onto the item can be expertly manipulated. Fourth, powder coating is an environmentally safe finishing process because it produces few volatile organic compounds. Finally, powder coating creates the most even finished surfaces (horizontal and vertical surfaces) because the powder is sprayed and heated across without drips or application traces.