Powder Coating Auto, Motorcycle, Industrial, Home and Garden Products

The Powder Coating Shop

Many times I have individuals stroll into my shop and ask questions pertaining to powder coating. Most people have seen or heard of powder coating from around town and would like to have their items coated as well, wether it's automotive, or something simple such as lawn furniture.

I am writing this article for several reasons. One, to inform those individuals that do not know exactly what powder coating is or the process in which it is applied. Secondly, is to answer those basic questions that I get asked on a regular basis.

I love to answer questions and to show customers around my facilities because the only dumb question is one not asked. Last but not least, I want to give a very brief description on the advantages of powder coating over paint. With any luck the visitors to my website will be more informed as to the superiority of powder coating.

EMAIL:   powder_coater@yahoo.com

Phone:   618-288-6922

Hours Of Operation

Mon-Fri 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Sat/Sun 10:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

What is Powder Coating

Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products used by both industries and consumers.

The powder used in the coating process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is positively charged and sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The charged particles adhere to the electrically grounded item, then heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven. The result is a uniform, durable, high-quality and attractive finish.

Powder coating is the fastest-growing finishing technology in North America, representing over 10%of all industrial finishing applications.

Advantages of Powder Coating

More Durable than Paint

Powder coating gives consumers, businesses and industry one of t he most economical, long lasting and most color durable quality finishes available. Powder coated surfaces are more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading and wearing than other finishes. Color selection is virtually unlimited with a high and low gloss, metallic and clear finishes available. Colors will stay bright and vibrant longer. Texture selection range from smooth surfaces to wrinkled or matte finish and rough textures designed for hiding surface imperfections.

Protects the Environment

Powder coating is extremely environmentally freindly. While liquid finishes contain solvents which have pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), powder coating contains no solvents and releases negligible amounts, if any, VOCs into the atmosphere. Thus, there is no longer a need for finishers to buy costly pollution control equipment. In addition, most powder coating overspray that does not adhere to the part can be retrieved and reused, virtually eliminating the waste commonly found in a liquid finishing processes.

Powder Coating Q & A

How long will powder coating last?

Powder coating has the potential to last forever provided there is a good pretreatment and the item being coated is well maintained.

How many colors does powder coat come in?

Superior custom Powder Coating carries a large variety of colors in stock and utilizes 4 major powder coat suppliers that have supplied me with color charts whose colors and textures are virtually limitless.

Can powder coating be cross referenced with a paint chip color code?

Powder coat is a whole different animal than paint and cannot be cross referenced, the the best thing to do is bring the part in and math it with the colors in my chip charts or better yet let me powder coat the item first then have the paint mixed and matched to the powder, this is more economical in the long run due to the high prices of custom mixed powders.

Can I powder coat a sample plate when I coat a frame so the sample can be taken to the paint shop and mixed to match the powder coat in order to paint the tins?

I can but once again it is more economical to have me powder coat the frame and and the tins and then an automotive clear coat may be applied to the tank and fenders where they may then be wet sanded and buffed to a mirror finish.

Do you have to scuff powder coat before you paint or clear coat over it?

No, powder coat is a chemical based coating similar to but different than paint, when paint or clear coat is applied it will have a chemical bond as opposed to a mechanical bond therefore scuffing is not an issue. Before I this takes place I will do a sample plate for you so you can take it to your painter and have him apply the clear coat just to make sure that the clear coat will stick – better safe than sorry, nothing is proof positive!

Can powder coat be buffed out?

No, powder coat cannot be buffed out. Applying a buffer to a powder coated surface will do nothing more than melt the coating and smear it. The end result will be a unappealing finish or for me to recoat it.

Can you powder coat over paint?

You can powder coat over paint although there will be no adhesion or bonding due to the paint isolating the coating from the surface of the part. In addition you never know what corrosion or impurities are under the paint resulting in a defective finish.

Does everything that is powder coated have to be sandblasted?

Theoretically no. Superior Custom Powder Coating does sandblast all items before powder coating to ensure an ultimate adhesion for a superior finish.