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HOW TO POWDER COAT
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 1.
Properly prep your piece:
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You must remove any corrosion or previous
coatings before powder coating. Just as you would prep the part
for a high quality paint job. Corrosion can be removed with
abrasive blasting, wire brush or chemicals. Pervious coatings can
easily be removed with liquid paint stripper
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2. Properly
clean your piece:
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After you have removed any corrosion or
coatings
thoroughly wipe down the part with lacquer thinner
or acetone to completely remove any
residual grease or oils
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3. Masking:
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You must mask any areas where you do not
want powder. Powder is very durable and therefore it is very tough
to remove. The supplied tape is used to mask areas and the plugs
will mask any threaded holes.
NOTE: The masking tape and plugs are applied
before powder application and removed after the oven cure and cool
down.
TIP: Tip mask large areas you can use aluminum foil along with
the masking tape.
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4. Part
hanging:
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Parts can either be hung from below the
oven rack or set on top. Just as with liquid coating if any area
of the part touches the oven rack lit will leave a mark, so you
best finish is obtained by hanging below the rack with the
supplied hooks.
TIP: You can also use un-coated coat hangers or steel wire
to hang parts
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5. Spraying:
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Powder application is very simple and
straightforward. Simply fill the powder cup with your desired
color of powder and spray!
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6. Curing:
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The powder must be heat cured to transform
it from a solid powder (similar to flour) into a gel state that
allows the particles to melt and adhere to the surface. This
operation MUST be performed in a non-food prep oven. The oven is
preheated to 400F; once the part is powder coated carefully move
the oven rack into the oven. Check the part every 5 minutes until
the ENTIRE part has turned from a dry powder state to the gel
state (this is easily identified as the powder will be glossy and
look wet). Once this happens set your timer for 20 minutes. Once
cured allow the part to cure and put back in service
TIP: Small toaster ovens can be obtained for about $20 or even
less at flea markets. Start with this size and then keep your eyes
open for associates, friends, etc that are upgrading their kitchen
oven. Once you start powder coating you will realize the benefits,
ease and want to do larger parts!
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What can be
powder coated:
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Essentially any metal object that can
withstand the 400 F cure temperature can be powder coated. Objects
that have gaskets, wires, grease seals, bearings or plastic
components must first be disassembled to remove these components
that will not with stand the cure temperature
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