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Powder coating is a type of dry coating, which is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin." The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as "white goods", aluminium extrusions, and automobile and motorcycle parts. Newer technologies allow other materials, such as MDF (medium-density fibreboard), to be powder coated using different methods.


Process for Alloy

  1. Once we receive your piece to be powder coated, we media blast it with plastic to get off any material on the surface of the metal.
  2. The next step we take is to media blast it again with glass. This is to ensure any oils or residue is also removed and preps the surface for powder coating.  Most other powder coating places don't take this step.  Without this step, the adhesion of the powder to the metal would be weak.
  3. The final step is to powder coat. Depending on the color and type of surface you want, it may take a primer coat, powder coat and clear coat to ensure a quality finish.

 

 

Process for Steel

  1. When we recieve the piece to be powder coated, we media blast it with an abrasive media to prep the surface and remove any residue.  The media would either be garnet or aluminum oxide.
  2. Epoxy primer and powder coating are then applied to the metal.
  3. The final step is a clear coat to protect the surface paint.

Q: What can be Powder Coated?

A: Any metal object that can hold an electrostatic charge and withstand the heat of the curing process can be powder coated. Powder can be applied to intricate surfaces and still maintain a uniform finish across the entire piece.


Q: What is typically Powder Coated?

A: Any metal or conductive parts withstanding 400 F temperature and requiring resistant, aesthetically appealing coating against corrosion and oxidization. Powder coating is extensively used by the appliance, automotive, agricultural equipment, electronics, fabricated steel, fitness and sporting goods equipment, furniture, garden equipment, medical equipment, office equipment and store fixture industries. Powder coating is ideal for items such as:

  • Industrial Fabrications
  • Architectural Signage
  • Trade Show Exhibits
  • Metal Fencing and Railings
  • Retail Displays & Fixtures
  • Patio Furniture
  • Motorcycle Frames Wheels & Parts
  • Automotive Frames Wheels & Parts
  • Off Road Vehicle Frames & Parts
  • Bicycle Frames & Parts
  • Antique Beds, Gliders & Chairs
  • Large Bird Cages

Q: Is Powder Coating better than liquid paint?

A: Yes, powder coating is thicker 3-4 mils and paint is typically 1-2 mils. The thickness of the powder coating makes powder coating more resistant to scratches and nicks. Powder coating is versatile and can be used on springs without cracking the coating. The actual process of powder coating provides for an impeccable finish. The amount of powder actually used to coat a part is minimal making it nearly impossible for sags or runs that are common with paint.


Q: Is Powder Coating Durable?

A: Powder Coatings resist cracking and peeling and are extremely abrasion, corrosion and chemical resistant. The performance characteristics of powder coating match or exceed the characteristics achieved from conventional solvent-based coatings.


Q: Is it Environmentally Friendly?

A: Powder coating is an environmentally friendly process unlike solvent-based wet paint systems. With EPA regulations growing ever stricter, powder coating is fast becoming the technology of choice. Since the powder coating process does not use solvents in any way, VOC emission problems are eliminated.


Q: Is there a Powder Coating process that resembles chrome?

A: Yes!


Q: Can you clear coat with Powder?

A: Yes!


Q: What is Clear Powder Coating?

A: Clear powder coating serves the same purpose as clear coat wet paint. It protects the underlying finish and adds depth and luster to the surface. Clear powder coat is applied as a second coat and shot while the piece is still hot. The piece is then returned to the oven for a second curing process. Clear powder coating on any piece will stop it from fading and prevent damage from the elements.


Q: Can I Use Body Filler?

A: The high oven temperature makes the use of plastic and resin body fillers problematic. Often the powder will not bind to a filler's surface causing bubbles in the coating. To be safe, fill any depressions with a torch using brass or welding rod as fill.


Q: Can you strip paint?

A: Yes! We use different methods depending on your application.


Q: What colors and textures are available?

A: We have a large selection of colors and textures available in stock. Should you select a color not available in our stock we would order it from a powder manufacturer. The powder coating industry has several hundred colors and textures available in stock.


Q: How large a part can you coat?

A: 2D: Approximately 20' long x 8' high.

    3D: Approximately 20' x 7' x 5'


Q: What About Holes with Threads & Other Areas That Need To Stay Coating Free?

A: High temperature masking can be applied to special surfaces such as threads or high tolerance areas to keep them from being coated. We also use high temperature silicon plugs for threaded holes or shafts


Q: What determines cost?

A: Number of pieces (piece cost decreases as the number of parts increases per batch), stripping required, masking required, color (non-stock colors are more expensive), texture, piece weight and maximum material thickness are the main factors affecting cost.


Q: Do you handle small jobs?

A: Yes!


Q: What imperfections will Powder Coating cover up?

A: Powder coating can cover minor scratches and small imperfections. Smooth glossy powders are the most demanding and matte or textured powders the most forgiving for surface preparation. However, Powder Coating will not make up for poor workmanship.

As with any coating, the end result is only as good as the surface it was applied on.


Q: How do you prepare parts for Powder Coating?

A: Surface must be perfectly clean, typically metal surface exposed with no contaminants. Old paint, rust, oil and grease must be thoroughly removed. Crosslink does the above preparation for you. Before you bring the parts to us, please remove any rubber, plastics, gaskets, bearings, and other parts that are sensitive to 400° F temperature including excess oil and grease. For example, bring your rims without tires and valve stems.


The example colors below you see are only provided as a sample. The shades of the colors will differ from one computer to the next due to settings for your video card and monitor.





(click image to see detail)







Condition of pipes before prep work




Prepped & After