What are the Best Tips for Powder Coating Metal?

Powder coating meta protects a surface from corrosion. The metal being treated must first be cleaned properly which may include treating it with chemicals to prevent undercoat corrosion. Use an air sprayer to change from powder to particles and test on a piece of scrap metal. Apply the solution to the surface of the metal and place it in an oven or under an infrared lamp. Always ensure that protective equipment is worn to prevent injury or illness.

The process of powder coating metal is a relatively new one and involves putting the powder on items such as bicycle parts and door handles. The powder used in the procedure is normally a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer. A surface that has been powder coated looks like it has received two coats of traditional paint.

During the powder coating metal procedure, electrostatically charged particles which contain pigment for color are added to a metal which has already been pretreated. Once the surface has been coated, it is placed in an oven. This pretreatment is an important element of powder coating metal because it increases the likelihood of the powder coating setting properly on the metal.

The metal is then thoroughly cleaned with a weak alkali solution to remove grime. Additional preparation is necessary depending on the metal. For example, aluminum needs to be pretreated with chemicals such as chromate or phosphate. These help create a conversion coating which decreases the chances of the metal corroding underneath the powder coating.

Make sure to purchase powder coating suited to the metal. A compressed air sprayer is required in order to change the powder to electrostatically charged particles. Spray the new substance on to a test metal surface first to ensure the mixture is suitable.

Apply a thin layer of powder to the cleaned metal surface. The process of powder coating metal cannot be done correctly without the use of an oven. This is because a temperature of approximately 200° degrees Celsius (392° Fahrenheit) is needed to properly cure the metal. The only other alternative is for the metal to be cured under an infrared lamp.

If a thermosetting powder is used when powder coating metal, it will remelt and cool down. A cross-linking reaction will occur if a thermoplastic powder is the choice. Regardless of what is used when powder coating metal, the coating should stick to the metal surface. This results in a smooth finish.

Always wear safety equipment such as eye goggles, a mask, and gloves during the powder coating metal procedure. The powder should never be inhaled during the process as this could cause severe respiratory problems. The ovens used when powder coating metal should not be the same as those for cooking food.