Powder Coating FAQ
What is it?
A plastic finish that goes on as a powder, then is baked
to create a durable finish.
Why powder coat?
Very easy to get good results. Minor surface imperfections
are filled in and smoothed out. Major surface imperfections can
be hidden with a wrinkle-coat.
Limitations?
You can only do it on metal, and only on pieces that
are small enough to go into your electric toaster oven.
What do I need?
Air compressor. Powder coat gun. Water filter and pressure
regulator for the compressor. The powder. A toaster oven for baking
the finish on.
Can I spray the powder on indoors?
I do! Less wind indoors. Parts go in a big box which
contain most of the powder overspray. The rest is vacuumed or wiped
up, or I inhale it. You'll blow your nose the powder coat color
for a while. Dusk mask is recommended.
How long does it stay in the oven?
I generally use a high-temperature (450) until "flowout",
when the powder melts and gets all glossy. That takes about 5 minutes.
Then 15-20 minutes at 375 to cure it. If not cured enough, it will
chip off with a fingernail. But you can stick it back in the oven.
Special Techniques?
With larger pieces I do each side separately. Powder-coat
one side, bake it until "flowout" then let it cool and
power-coat the other side. Back into the oven for cure.
Preparation?
I use a soap pad (steel wool) to get the printing off
the metel. Then dry and spray!.
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