What is Powder Coating?
Powder Coating is a type of coating that 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."
Why Powder Coating?
Powder coatings emit near zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) and therefore is the most eco friendly coating substance and method available.
Powder coatings can produce much thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging and cures instantly after the heating process.
Powder coated items generally have fewer appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces and vertically coated surfaces than liquid coated items.
Our Process
Prep: Powder coating success is all about the prep. The first steps we take are determining the best method of prepping and cleaning your item(s). We remove all dirt, oil, grease and welding substrates. Even new raw metal will go through the media blasting and preparation needed to ensure a long lasting powder coat application. For our media blasting process, we use aluminum oxide to prep the metal surface.
Color Selection: We have a wide range color selection, both in-house and available to order. The best option is to come in and check out the sample swatches for yourself. If you have a color you are trying to match we can get as close as possible or we can send the swatch off to our lab for exact match. Ask us about details.
Optional Coatings: When it comes to metal that is going to be outdoors, we highly recommend a Zinc Primer to help protect against rust. The zinc rich primer helps to fight off moisture, which will help extend the life of the coating. Another coating that we can add to the surface, clear coating is good for objects that would see a lot of use and abuse such as automotive parts. It adds a layer of protection over the powder coat. Another benefit of adding a clear coat is that it you can change the sheen of the Top Coat. In most cases, adding a Clear Coat doesn’t affect the tone or color of the Top Coat, but occasionally a tone change occurs, especially with a Matte Clear. We have plenty of samples in our shop to show you this affect.
Turn Around Time: Turnaround time depends on a lot of factors i.e... how many parts, how big the item(s) is/are, if we have the color in stock or have to order it and if the item(s) have a previous coating that may need more time and attention to make sure the job is done properly. This, of course, is our first priority. We offer walk-in and scheduled drop-off services. Scheduled drop-offs are beneficial for parts like Wheels and other Car Parts that are harder to be without for a period of time. Please call or email us for pricing and to schedule a drop-off time.