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Frequently Asked Questions
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A Quick Overview of the Powder Coating Process.
Powder coatings are available in almost limitless range of colors and textures, and technological advancements have resulted in excellent performance properties. It provides a more durable finish that liquid paint can offer, while still providing an attractive finish. Powder coated products are more resistant to scratching, chipping, corrosion, fading, abrasions, and other wear issues.
Its tough. It looks great. And it lasts a long time.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a dry painting process that uses a fine powder with the consistency of powdered sugar, and an electrical charge to coat an object. Then the piece is baked in an oven at 400+ degrees Fahrenheit to make the powder melt and flow together. Once it is cooled and cured the powder coat has formed a solid plastic coating over the entire surface that is much more durable than regular paint.
Is powder coating durable?
Yes. Powder coating is more durable than even baked on enamel in most applications. Powder coating is better protection against rust and corrosion, and resists scratching and shipping better than paints too. It is also much more resistant to chemical solvents too.
What can and can’t be powder coated?
Typically powder coating is best used on parts made of an electrically conductive material that will withstand the 400 degree baking process. There are however some specialty powders that can be used on non-conductive parts, and some that flow at a lower temperature. Powder coating is best for metal parts that live in a rough environment, like under hood and undercar chassis parts.
How can powder coating be removed?
Before curing it will just brush off. After curing there is not much that can remove powder coating. Pinnacle offers a Paint and Powder Remover solvent that will take it off, as will many Methyl ethyl ketone and Acetone strippers. Powder can also be removed with bead blasting, grinding or other mechanical means.
How does the powder stick?
When initially applied the powder sticks to the part the same way a balloon will stick to the wall if you rub it on your head on a dry day. An electrical charge is applied to the powder, and the opposite charge to the part to be coated. The dry powder in the air is attracted to the opposite charge and sticks. Until you bake it though, the powder can be easily brushed off. It needs heat to make the powder flow and form a permanent coating.
What colors are available?
There are literally hundreds of colors of powder available including candy, clear and sparkle finishes. Plus you can get gloss, matte and even textured finishes.
Is it environmentally friendly? Is it safe to spray?
Powder coating is much better for the environment than even spraying water borne paint. There is barely any waste or overspray, and no volatile organic compounds, or solvents evaporating into the air. For the person spraying it is much safer too. You need to keep from inhaling the powder, but there are no toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or anything, like many sprayed automotive finishes.
what is the halo effect, and what can be done about it?
The Faraday or halo effect is the way in which powder will behave due to the laws of physics around holes, openings and in tight corners. In order to deal with it you may have to lower the voltage on the gun, turn the voltage off entirely, increase the air pressure, or move the gun closer. Practice shooting irregularly shaped objects so you learn to deal with this problem before it matters.