How difficult is it to powder coat.
How difficult is it to powder coat. I have a set of rims that I was thinking of powdercoating. Is it possible to do it yourself or is this something that has to be done at a specialty shop? 
TIA
TIA
Powdercoating can definately not be done at home. Basically what happens when you powdercoat something, is that the metal is charged electrostatically. Then, the powder color of your choice is sprayed over the piece, and then the piece is baked in an oven. The oven is the final stage to powdercoating the piece. The thing to realize I guess, is that it is an actual powder, not a liquid paint.
There are cleaning processes that are used before hand as well. Pieces are usually sanded if needed, then shot peened, (which is like sandblasting only with tiny metal *****) then I think they are disinfected/cleaned as well to ensure a high quality finish. I'm certainly no expert, but that is the basic process behind powdercoating.
Now, go find out who is the best powdercoater in your area! Go through the phone book maybe, or stop by your local motorcycle/custom builder. Should be able to find out somewhat easily.
There are cleaning processes that are used before hand as well. Pieces are usually sanded if needed, then shot peened, (which is like sandblasting only with tiny metal *****) then I think they are disinfected/cleaned as well to ensure a high quality finish. I'm certainly no expert, but that is the basic process behind powdercoating.
Now, go find out who is the best powdercoater in your area! Go through the phone book maybe, or stop by your local motorcycle/custom builder. Should be able to find out somewhat easily.
TECH Regular
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: RTP, NC
I have a few friends who do it at their house... Their wives told them not to use the kitchen oven though, so they got an old one in the garage they use instead. I don't know all what they do to it, but it cannot be that involved. Their stuff seems to turn out pretty nice too...
Chop-Foo Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,709
Likes: 0
From: Haymarket, Virginia
You can powder coat small items at home, if you have the stove that
your spouse will let you use. Coating large items like wheels, you'll need
a stove that can fit a wheel in it...which I know I don't have.
Check out this link...
http://www.dragstuff.com/techarticles/powder.html
your spouse will let you use. Coating large items like wheels, you'll need
a stove that can fit a wheel in it...which I know I don't have.
Check out this link...
http://www.dragstuff.com/techarticles/powder.html
Cool! I didn't realize Eastwood offered a kit to do all this in the household. I'm still more comfortable with sending it out to get powdercoated. It's really not all that expensive.
Rob
Rob
