What is powder coating?

Powder coating is a finishing process consisting of a dry "paint" in the form of powder that is sprayed onto a part and then baked to cure.

How does it work?

The part that is to be powder coated is thoroughly stripped, cleaned, and polished to the bare metal. Cleaning is essential to getting a quality finish that will last. The part is then hung in our paint booth and is given an electrical ground. Pigmented powder is then sprayed from a special gun that gives the powder particles an electrical charge as they leave the barrel. The grounded part attracts the charged powder. When the part is fully covered, it is placed in a curing oven. It is heated to a temperature of 350 to 400 degrees for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the powder. When heated, the particles melt and chemically bond with each other to form a solid coating.

What are the advantages of powder coating?

Powder coated surfaces are thicker and more durable than liquid paints. Depending on the type of powder used, they are scratch resistant, chemical resistant, heat resistant, and do not fade in sunlight. A part that is powder coated correctly can easily last three times longer than the same part would have with liquid paint.

Also, the powder coating process is environmentally friendly. Unlike liquid paints, there are no solvents released into the air during the process. Oversprayed powder is cleaned up and safely disposed of. This means that the entire process is pollution-free.

Are there any disadvantages?

The biggest disadvantage is that powder coating cannot be touched up, at least not with powder. However, any paint shop should be able to custom match the color in a liquid paint.

What materials can be powder coated?

Powder coating is ideal for metallic objects, but it can be used on nearly anything that can withstand the temperatures required to cure the powder. Advances are being made in powder coating wood, plastic, and other heat-sensitive materials by using UV lamps to cure the powder, but we currently do not offer those services.

What are some common uses of powder coating?

Powder is commonly seen on automotive parts from rims to valve covers to motorcycle frames to ATV bumpers to T-tops for boats. Powder is also commonly used on lawn and office furniture, ornamental fencing, metal yard art, and more. If it's metal, it can usually be powder coated.

What colors and finishes are available?

Virtually any color you can think of is available as a powder. Also, there is a wide range of metallic, glitter, and special effect finishes. From a finish that is very close to a real chrome to hammered aluminum to aged bronze to bright blue with silver sparkles, there is a seemingly unlimited array of colors. Also, custom color matching is available for a reasonable fee, as well as custom masking options for flames, pin-stripes, text, and more. If you have any inquiries about color availability, just send us an e-mail.

You mentioned different types of powder. What are those different types?

Like paint, powder is available in several chemistries. The most common types of powder are polyester TGIC, urethane, epoxy, and epoxy-polyester hybrids. Each of these powders has its own strengths and weaknesses. Epoxies and hybrids are tough and resistant to chemicals, but tend to fade or chalk in UV light. Because of that, they are mostly used indoors. Urethanes and polyesters are typically used for outdoor applications.