Powder coating is a durable finish applied to surfaces to give them an appealing color. As with painting a surface, there are certain steps a person should follow to properly prepare the surface to receive the coat, to evenly apply the coat, and the ensure that the coating dries properly.
With some 40 years of experience in the industry, Coating Systems has applied powder coating to all kinds of surfaces. We’ve learned how to thoroughly clean surfaces of any kind for optimal powder coating application, and we’ve refined our curing techniques to ensure that the coating sets. Below, we will offer a general overview of the powder coating process.
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Select Surface and Proper Powder Coating
Powder coating comes in two types: thermoplastic and thermoset. Thermoplastic powder coating melts when heated but maintains its chemical composition through heating and cooling. Thermoset powder coating also melts when heated. Once heated, it “cross-links” with itself or with other reactive substances, so the chemical composition changes. If heat is reapplied, thermoset coating will not return to a liquid state.
It is important to remember that you should disassemble whatever it is that you intend to coat. This means removing threaded and lubricated components that will not take the coating well and may not function as well after a proper sandblasting, which is part of the cleaning process.
Clean the Surface
In order for your surface to take the powder coating, you will have to ensure that it is well cleaned. There are three standard methods for cleaning a surface before coating. These are sandblasting, pressure washing or other washing methods, and hand-wiping. Sandblasting is best for removing previous coatings, smoothing out rough surfaces, and allows for better adhesion of the powder coating. Washing, especially pressure washing, helps remove dirt and oils and cleans tight spaces that you may not be able to reach otherwise. Wiping is the least efficient method because it is not as thorough and may not effectively remove dirt and oils.
Related Post: How Does Sandblasting Work?
Apply Powder Coating
A tool called an electrostatic gun is used to apply the powder coating. This gun gives the powder an electric charge and sprays it with compressed air.
Cure the Coat
Once you’ve coated your surface, you will have to cure it to allow the coating to set. It is during this process that thermoset coatings will melt and crosslink, helping them to adhere better. Once the surface is cured, the process is complete!
Powder Coating with Coating Systems
Let Coating Systems handle your next big powder coating job. We have the skills, experience, and state-of-the-art equipment to do the job right. Give us a call at 1-800-593-7754 and we’ll be happy to help you.
