Powder coats are more durable than traditional paint and provide better protection for metal parts and products. If you are interested in using this process for your custom-manufactured items, you should plan on having the work handled by a specialist. This will ensure that the produced coating is uniform, appealing and long-lasting. However, if you have a workshop and appropriate equipment, you can handle this process. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind when powder coating for a better finish.
Prevent Pollution
The presence of contaminants on the manufactured items will lead to uneven coats. In simple terms, if a piece of debris falls on the product while coating, there will be a bump on the completed surface. Therefore, you must plan on isolating potential pollutants from your items. This will involve keeping the workshop clean. Where possible, you should only utilise filtered air during the project. It is also advisable to use protective wear such as coveralls and hairnets. The wear will prevent lint, threads and hair from falling on the products.
Check the Equipment
The condition of your equipment will influence the quality of the finish. If the machines are in a poor state, they might not deliver the powder optimally. Consequently, the final surface might be uneven or bumpy. Therefore, when beginning the project, you should service the equipment. Check for anomalies such as missing fittings or damaged pumps and hoses. It is also important to clean the coating equipment and the ovens to prevent residue accumulation from contact.
Clean the Products
If your manufactured products are not cleaned adequately, the coating will not adhere properly to the surfaces. Therefore, you should make time for surface preparation. This process is of particular importance when coating items which are susceptible to rusting. There are different approaches for cleaning items for powder coating. These include grinding, sanding and using a chemical wash. It is also advisable to wash off oil and dirt residues and dry in the oven to ensure that there is no further contamination.
Cure the Items
Finally, you should monitor the curing process to ensure that the final finish is not damaged. It is advisable to follow the guidelines provided by the provider of the coating powder. You should note that curing the finish for too long or too short a period will have negative effects on the appeal of the coat. For instance, a white coat might appear yellowish or bluish after over-curing or under-curing respectively.
Contact a powder coating service to learn more.
Where do you think all of the stuff you see around your home or office comes from? It doesn't just appear out of nowhere, right? The truth is, every product and item you use during the course of an average day will have been manufactured or processed in a factory or plant. This blog is dedicated to this industry. We aim to enlighten the rest of the world about the magic which happens in a manufacturing plant. Our team of writers aren't experts, but their passion for this subject means that everything you see on this site has been carefully researched. Enjoy!