Answers about Powder Coating
Ok since we have two questions about the Eastwood powder coating system, I will combine them in one answer.
The first question is about "starter sets for powder coating"...The only company that I am aware of that makes complete kits for hobbyist (homeowner) powder coating is Eastwood. I had a hand in helping them select the ovens for their program and a few other technical issues over the years. They started out buying a "powder coating gun" from a China supplier that is pretty low-tech, but gets the job done. Sears and Summitt both have homeowner guns as well, but no ovens, etc. This gun uses a TV "fly-back" transformer to charge the powder during application, a far cry from industrial grade equipment. But it does not have the $4k price tag as the industrial equipment either. Once they had a gun, they needed all the other stuff to execute the powder process. They came up with a line of cleaning chemcials, cure ovens, booths, etc. to support the hobbyist and haven't looked back. Their real money maker is the powder they sell. Average powder coatings cost between $2.50 to $5.00 per pound (except the real sexy stuff) but come in one pound to 300 pound containers (automotive and appliance manufacturers buy their powder in pound totes!). Since the average homeowner does not need that much powder, Eastwood buys regular powder in 50 pound quantities and re-packages it into small containers. The price ends up at around $50.00 per pound. Nice business model!
To perform powder coating safely you need a spray gun, powder spray booth (designed for powder), cleaning method, and cure oven. The most expensive piece is the cure oven. You need the gun to charge and atomize the powder to get it to coat and stick to the part before placing it into the oven. You need the spray booth to contain the overspray and collect it for disposal (industrial users often re-use the overspray). Without a booth, you could have an explosion. You need a cleaning system to clean the parts before your apply the powder, because any paint job is only as good as the surface you apply it to. You need the cure oven to heat the part above 250 degrees F to melt and cure the powder. Do not use your wife's cooking oven, as the next meal may not taste like you expect! Check the Eastwood website for current prices of these equipment components.
As for the question about clear coating over the silver (chrome) powder...Silver (chrome look-a-like) powders look great but have insufficient mechanical properties. They will scratch and mar easily. This is why they reccomend applying the clear over the top of the chrome powder. The clear can get cloudy, as seen in your picture, due to several issues. First, the quality of the clear powder may not be that great. Second, the thickness of the clear can affect the clarity of the coating (too much clear will get cloudy). Third, the clear can cloud up if it is under or over cured (under baked or over baked). Fourth the clear can cloud up if the oven does not have sufficient exhaust (oven contaminants).
Clears and chromes are "high risk" powder coatings, as they are very finicky to apply and still look good. Start out by buying a good clear powder. Apply it at less than 3 mils (0.003 inches) thick. Check cure by dipping a q-tip in MEK and rubbing it on the surface. The clear coating should not become sticky or tacky after 25 double rubs (one double rub is one single back & forth motion). If it does get soft, it is under cured. Finially increase your oven exhaust, if you have one, to improve the quality of the cured clear coating.
Sorry for the lengthy reply. It is just the Engineer in me comming out!
Sorry folks, but since the weather got so nice in the Northeast the last couple of days I was out in the garage working on my 89 SC and did not check the posts for this thread lately. I check my emails frequently, but did not see anything from the SCCoA forum letting me know there were a few more posts!
Following are the next group of answers to the recently posted questions:
"I'm just using a kitchen oven (not the one we cook food in) I guess doesn't have much exhaust. A fan does kick on on it sometimes. Maybe I should figure a manual override for the fan?"
A kitchen oven does not have much exhaust at all, as it is designed to keep heat in and smoke out of your kitchen! Paint curing ovens on the otherhand have a heat source (gas burner or electric element), a circulation fan (convection heat type oven), and an exhaust fan. The heat source provides the heat energy, the circulation fan delivers the heat energy to the part, and the exhaust fan removes the by-product of combustion (natural gas only) and the by-products of powder cure. Having an oven with an inadequate heat source, no circulation fan, and inadequate exhaust will combine to cause numerous problems.
I recently answered a similar question for my Powder Coating magazine column last week:
Question: " i have been trying to powder coat a set of 350 chevy heads and when i shoot the heads with wet black powder and then cook them the powder is not flowing out it comes out as if it was never cooked. how can i get the parts to flow out. is it that the heads are soaking up the powder. please help me with this. i am baking at 500 degrees thank you for your help chris"
Answer: "Chris:
The 350 C.I.D. Chevy motor is very reliable. I had one in several vehicles over the year. However, I prefer the horsepower or the higher revving 327 C.I.D.
The description of the problem you are having tell me that you are not heating the cylinder heads to a point where the powder coating even melts, yet alone cures. If the powder on the part looks the same when you take it from the oven as when you put it in the oven (still a powder and not a coating), then it is time to evaluate what you are using to heat your part.
This problem has to do with the weight (mass) of the cylinder heads and the energy capacity of your heat source. I have lifted my share of Chevy heads over the years and from my recollection they weigh about 100 pounds. Considering that the cylinder head is made from steel and has a specific heat of 0.125 BTU per pound it will take 4,375 BTUs to head one cylinder head to 350 degrees F (the average cure temperature for powder coating). If you put this cylinder head into an oven whose heat source has an energy capacity of 1,000 BTUs per hour, it will take 4.375 hours to get the cylinder head up to temperature and an additional 25 minutes to fully cure the powder coating. That is almost five hours of “baking time”! However, if you use an oven with a heat source that has an energy capacity of 10,000 BTUs per hour it will take less than an hour. This relationship between the energy capacity of heat sources and cure time can easily be related to horsepower and speed; “The more you have the faster you will go!”.
I frequently tell my clients that the size of their oven burners determines how fast their products will achieve the desired powder cure temperature. I often tell them that you can cure a 10,000 pound part using a cigarette lighter, it will just take a couple of hundred years. The same goes for you. If you are trying to cure your cylinder heads in a toaster oven, then I hope you are very patient, as it will take quite a while to melt, flow, and cure the powder. Remember the old racer’s adage: “Go big or go home”. Of course, they were talking about engines (horsepower), but you get the point."
Powder Coating Safety
Makes sense.
Oh yeah, and whats gonna blow up if you don't have a booth?
Powder coatings are "organic" in nature and, as susch, will combust if mixed with the right amount of air. The same thing applies to any organic dust, such as baking flour, sugar, etc. I am sure you have heard of tragic cases where a sugar mill or flour mill had an explosion. Well powder coating materials are just as dangerous! Believe me, as I have investgated numerous powder coating lines that had fires and explosions, some of which had fatalities!
The risk with powder coating is dramitically lower than using solvent type liquid paints (i.e. laquers, etc.). However, that does not mean that they are not dangerous in their own right.
Powder coatings will not combust (burn) in the container as there is too much powder (fuel) and not enough air. Same goes for the opposite condition, where a small amount of powder is mixed with a lot of air, the powder will not combust either. The problem occurs when powder coatings are atomized with just the right amount of air. This "just-right" mixture is between the "lower explosion limit" (LEL) and the "maximum explosion limit" (MEL) and is often the exact mixture of powder and air at the gun applicator tip. If a source of ignition is present with this "perfect mixture" the powder cloud will ignite! The result is a fireball that releases a tremendous amount of energy. If this energy is expended in a small area (what is called containment) the result is an explosion.
It is just like your SC engine works: gasoline is mixed with air and ignited in a contained area (the combustion chamber) and the resultant explosion sends the piston in the opposite direction. Ignite the same gasoline/air mixture in an open cup, and a fireball will happen, but no explosion since there is insufficient containment .
Most explosions happen when powder coating ungrounded (or improperly grounded) parts. The part will absorb some of the electrostatic energy used to charge the powder (so that it sticks to the part before curing). If the part is improperly grounded (more than one megohm = one million ohms resistance), the part will eventually become saturated with electrostatic energy and discharge to the closest ground (typically the gun tip). This results in an arc (ignition source) much like when you discharge static electricity in the wintertime after shuffleing your feet on a carpet and touch the light switch. The ignition source and the powder/air cloud cause a fireball at the end of the gun, the person spraying the powder usually screams and drops the gun, and the fire goes out harmlessly as the gun trigger is released stopping the power/air from fueling the fire. This event usually requires a change of clothes for the powder sprayer, at least their pants anyways!!!
However, if the person has been spraying a lot of powder in an enclosed garage, without ventilation, and there is a large cloud of power, then the next sound they hear is St. Peter asking them what they did back on earth to get into Heaven! The large powder cloud provides a significant energy source or fuel and air and the garage provides the containment...a very bad combination. The energy released from such an explosion is awesome. I have seen 40 feet of cinderblock wall moved 20 feet in a powder explosion!
Now that I scared the Sh-t out of you, it is time to bring you back to reality. Powder coating is the safest method of painting, except for using laytex paint and a brush. Follow these important rules for safe powder coating:
1. Spray powder coatings in a powder coating booth that is designed with proper airflow. This ensures that there is not enough powder and too much air to have a combustion fireball (except right at the gun tip).
2. Always coat parts that are properly grounded. Use a ground wire attached to an electrical ground or cold water pipe at one end and attached to the part at the other end.
3. Eliminate all sources of ignition during spray operations. No smoking, no welding, no grinding, etc.
4. Cover all electrical devices within five feet of the spray area with air tight bags. Actually code requirements call for "dust tight explosion proof" electrical devices in this area, but they are very expensive.
5. Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses to protect your health when powder coating.
Powder Coating Wheels
If the center caps are the aluminum ones you can powder them. The earlier wheels have metal centers, right?
Yeah you will want to strip the wheels to bare metal.
Here are my recommendations for having your Aluminum wheels powder coated:
1. Remove the existing coating by either chemical stripping or media blasting. Do not use thermal stripping methods (burn-off oven) as the + degree heat will anneal (soften) the aluminum. NEVER USE THERMAL STRIPPING METHODS ON MAGNESIUM WHEELS, AS A FIRE WILL OCCUR THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE GREAT DIFFICULTY EXTINGUISHING (AS WATER APPLIED TO BURNING MAGNESIUM WILL EXPLODE)! Acceptable blast media is Aluminum Oxide, CO2, or Plastic. Do not use steel based media, as it will start corrosion sites under the coating (galvanic reaction with the aluminum). Sand as a blast media has all but been outlawed (silicosis health problems).
2. Ask your powder coater if they can apply a chromate conversion coating to the aluminum wheels before powder coating. Sometimes reffered to as Alodine, this conversion coating will increase the service life of the coating by a factor of 5, or more.
3. Select either a TGIC polyester or Acrylic powder for your color, as these are the formulations that the original manufacturer used and are best suited for this application.
4. Consider using a clear coating over the color, for a better "depth of finish" and better wear life.
5. Instruct your powder coater to cure the coatings on the wheels at a temperature below 325 degrees F. This will ensure that you do not anneal the temper (hardness) of the aluminum. They will have to cure the wheels longer at this lower temperature, but it is the safe way to go!
This recipe will provide wheels that look great, will last a long time, and will not change the metalurgical charateristics of the wheel.
If you’re planning to buy a powder coating line for your factory, you’re in the right place—this article will be super helpful.
Click here to get more.
There are plenty of well-known manufacturers out there, but not all of them will be the perfect fit for your needs. With 20 years of experience in the industry, I’ve learned that when you’re looking for a powder coating line manufacturer, it’s smart to keep an eye on two key things:
- What industries has the manufacturer worked with? Different products have different needs when it comes to powder coating. If the manufacturer has experience in your industry, they’ll have a better understanding of what your product requires.
- Does the manufacturer have successful cases in your country or region? For big equipment like powder coating lines, shipping and installation can be tricky across borders. If they’ve already got successful projects in your area, it’ll save you a lot of headaches.
The list of factories below is based on real customs data. I’ve checked them out and listed the countries and industries they’ve served.
1. Gema (Switzerland)
When I think about Gema, I see a company that really gets what it means to be a leader in powder coating. They’ve been in the game since , and I’m convinced that their Swiss roots are behind the precision and reliability they’re known for. What I love about Gema is that they’re not just making equipment—they’re creating solutions that actually make a difference in manufacturing.
Their product lineup is impressive, from powder coating guns to booths and advanced control systems. They clearly understand what the industry needs. What really catches my eye is their focus on innovation. Gema’s digital solutions aren’t just about keeping up—they’re about pushing the limits of what’s possible when it comes to efficiency and control.
I also really appreciate that Gema takes sustainability seriously. Their equipment is designed to cut down on energy use, which is something I think is crucial these days. To me, Gema isn’t just leading the industry because of their history; they’re still at the forefront, driving the future of powder coating with every new advancement they roll out.
2. Nordson (USA)
Nordson is a name that immediately comes to mind when I think about leaders in the powder coating industry. With roots going back to , they’ve been at the forefront of innovation for decades. What’s really impressive to me is how they combine their rich history with cutting-edge technology, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Their product range covers all the bases—from powder coating guns to booths and control systems. But what I find especially noteworthy is how they’ve woven smart technology into their offerings. It’s like they’re giving manufacturers the tools to not just keep up, but to excel, with streamlined processes and consistent, high-quality results.
Nordson’s approach to customer support also stands out. They don’t just sell you a piece of equipment and walk away; they’re in it for the long haul. Whether it’s installation, troubleshooting, or maintenance, Nordson is there to ensure everything runs smoothly, which I think is invaluable, especially with complex systems.
In short, Nordson isn’t just following trends—they’re creating them. Their commitment to reliability, innovation, and customer support is what keeps them ahead of the game, making them a true leader in the world of powder coating.
3. Wagner(Germany)
Wagner is one of those companies that just gets it when it comes to powder coating. They’ve been around since , and you can tell they’ve spent every year since figuring out how to do things better. What I find really exciting about Wagner is how they don’t just stick to what works—they’re constantly reinventing and innovating.
Their product lineup is like a toolbox for anyone serious about powder coating. Whether you’re looking for high-performance guns, booths, or cutting-edge control systems, Wagner has something that will make you feel like you’ve leveled up your entire operation. But what really catches my eye is how they integrate smart, user-friendly technology into their equipment. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about doing it better, faster, and more efficiently.
What I also admire about Wagner is their global reach paired with local expertise. They understand that no two customers are the same, and they’ve built a network that can offer personalized support wherever you are. This isn’t just about selling you a machine; it’s about partnering with you to ensure your success, from installation to fine-tuning.
In a nutshell, Wagner is more than just a name in the powder coating world—they’re a force. They keep things fresh, innovative, and reliable, making sure that when you choose Wagner, you’re always a step ahead of the competition.
4. Parker Ionics(USA)
Parker Ionics is where the power of legacy meets modern innovation. As part of the Parker Engineering family—a name that carries serious weight in the industry—Parker Ionics doesn’t just follow in its parent company’s footsteps; it sprints ahead, setting new standards in the powder coating game.
What’s particularly interesting about Parker Ionics is their obsession with efficiency and precision. Their equipment isn’t just built to last; it’s designed to deliver top-notch results with minimal waste. Take their Pulse Power® technology, for example—it’s a game-changer, ensuring an even coat every single time, no matter the surface.
But here’s what really sets them apart: they’re not just about selling you a product. Parker Ionics is all about building a partnership. With the robust backing of Parker Engineering, they offer not just cutting-edge tools but also unparalleled support, making sure you’re maximizing your investment from day one.
In a nutshell, Parker Ionics is rewriting the rules of powder coating, blending the tried-and-true expertise of their parent company with forward-thinking innovations that keep them—and their customers—at the forefront of the industry.
5. Sames(France)
Sames is a company that knows how to make waves in the powder coating industry. Founded in , they’ve taken nearly a century of expertise and channeled it into creating some of the most advanced powder coating equipment on the market. What I find fascinating about Sames is how they’ve seamlessly blended their rich heritage with cutting-edge innovation.
When it comes to their product lineup, Sames doesn’t mess around. Whether it’s high-precision spray guns or fully automated systems, their equipment is designed to not just meet but exceed the demands of modern manufacturing. And they’re not just sticking to what works—they’re pushing the boundaries with tech that anticipates what you’ll need next. It’s clear that Sames is all about keeping their customers ahead of the curve.
What really stands out to me is their global reach, paired with a personalized touch. Sames has a footprint in just about every corner of the world, yet they manage to deliver support that feels custom-made for you. They’re not just selling you a product; they’re offering a partnership that helps you elevate your entire operation.
In short, Sames combines the best of tradition and innovation, making them a powerhouse in the powder coating industry that’s constantly moving forward while staying grounded in nearly 100 years of expertise.
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6. Carlisle(USA)
Carlisle Fluid Technologies isn’t just a player in the powder coating game—they’re the cool kid that everyone’s trying to keep up with. Part of the massive Carlisle Companies, they’ve got the backing of a Fortune 500 giant, but what makes Carlisle Fluid Technologies stand out is how they’ve managed to keep things fresh, innovative, and downright exciting.
Picture this: you’re in the market for powder coating equipment that’s not just reliable but downright smart. Carlisle delivers with a lineup that feels like it’s straight out of a tech lover’s dream. Whether you need spray guns that give you precision down to the last micron or automated systems that make you wonder how you ever did it the old way, Carlisle has you covered. Their focus on innovation is so sharp, it’s like they’re always a step ahead, thinking about how to make your life easier and your work better.
But it’s not just about the gear. What I really dig about Carlisle is their commitment to partnership. They don’t just hand you the equipment and say, “Good luck!” They’re with you every step of the way, making sure you’re getting the most out of your investment. With their global reach, you know you’re getting top-tier support no matter where you are.
In a nutshell, Carlisle Fluid Technologies is where cutting-edge meets can-do. They’ve got the tech, they’ve got the backing, and most importantly, they’ve got the vibe that makes them one of the most exciting names in the powder coating industry today.
7. AABO-Ideal(Denmark)
AABO-Ideal Group is like that hidden gem in the powder coating world that once you discover, you wonder how you ever got by without them. Based in Denmark, AABO-Ideal has crafted a reputation for being the go-to experts in creating customized, energy-efficient powder coating solutions. They’re not just about selling equipment; they’re about tailoring it so precisely to your needs that it feels like it was built just for you—because it was.
What’s really exciting about AABO-Ideal is their commitment to sustainability. They’ve made it their mission to design systems that not only deliver top-notch results but also cut down on energy consumption and environmental impact. It’s like they’ve taken the best of Scandinavian design—sleek, efficient, and eco-friendly—and applied it to the industrial world.
Their product range is as versatile as it gets, covering everything from compact units to full-scale powder coating lines that can handle the most demanding jobs. And they don’t just stop at the equipment. AABO-Ideal is big on partnerships, working closely with you from the design phase all the way through installation and beyond, ensuring that your operation runs smoothly and efficiently.
In a nutshell, AABO-Ideal isn’t just building powder coating equipment—they’re building smarter, greener futures for their customers, one perfectly coated product at a time.
8. Euroimpianti(Italy)
Euroimpianti is like the Italian maestro of the powder coating world—bringing a mix of art, precision, and innovation to the table. Hailing from Italy, they’ve been crafting custom powder coating solutions that are as stylish as they are functional since . What I find really cool about Euroimpianti is how they’ve turned what could be just another industrial process into something that feels almost like an art form.
Their approach to powder coating is all about customization. Whether you’re in the market for a compact system or a fully automated line, Euroimpianti has the expertise to tailor their equipment to your exact specifications. It’s clear that they’re not just focused on meeting industry standards—they’re on a mission to exceed them, making sure every project is handled with that trademark Italian flair.
But it’s not just about looking good; Euroimpianti’s equipment is built to perform. They combine cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of their clients’ needs, resulting in systems that are both highly efficient and incredibly reliable. Plus, their focus on sustainability means you’re getting solutions that are as kind to the planet as they are to your bottom line.
In short, Euroimpianti is where innovation meets elegance. They’ve taken powder coating and elevated it, offering solutions that are not only state-of-the-art but also tailored to help your business shine—literally and figuratively.
9. COLO(China)
Imagine a company that’s all about breaking down barriers and making top-notch powder coating technology available to everyone—welcome to Colo. This Chinese powerhouse isn’t just playing the game; they’re changing the rules, bringing advanced, customizable solutions to businesses of all sizes without the sky-high price tag.
What really catches my attention with Colo is their range. Whether you’re looking for a simple manual gun to get started or a fully automated system to take your production to the next level, Colo has you covered. But they don’t stop at just offering options; they tailor those options to fit your exact needs, making sure that whatever solution you choose, it feels like it was made just for you.
Here’s the kicker: Colo isn’t just about selling you a product and calling it a day. They’re committed to making sure that advanced technology is accessible, reliable, and, most importantly, affordable. They’re all about giving you the tools to succeed without emptying your wallet, which is something that really sets them apart in the industry.
In essence, Colo is shaking things up in the powder coating world. They’re proving that you don’t need to be a big player with deep pockets to access cutting-edge technology—you just need a partner who understands your needs and is ready to deliver. And that’s exactly what Colo is all about.
10. tifuls(China)
Tifuls isn’t just another name in the powder coating industry—we’re a company born from the incredible momentum of China’s rapid industrial growth. Over the past few decades, China has seen an explosive demand for powder coating solutions, and we’ve been right there in the thick of it, evolving and expanding our expertise. Today, Tifuls proudly offers not just top-tier powder coating lines to our domestic market, but we’re also taking our innovations to clients around the globe.
What makes us stand out? It’s simple: customization, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. At Tifuls, we understand that no two customers are the same. That’s why we don’t just sell you a product; we craft a solution that’s tailor-made to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re after a full powder coating line, a precision powder coating gun, or a stand-alone booth, we’ve got the technology and the expertise to deliver exactly what you need.
But we know it’s not just about the equipment. Our customers’ pain points are our priorities. From the moment you start working with us, we ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible. We’re there from the design phase, ensuring everything is customized to your specifications, through to installation and beyond, offering top-notch after-sales support that keeps your operations running seamlessly.
We’re also deeply committed to sustainability. In today’s world, we believe that quality equipment should also be environmentally responsible. That’s why our systems are designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing energy consumption and waste. By choosing Tifuls, you’re not just investing in cutting-edge technology—you’re investing in a future that’s kinder to the planet and more profitable for your business.
In short, when you partner with Tifuls, you’re choosing a company that’s dedicated to delivering a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish. We combine the best of Chinese innovation with a global outlook, making sure that no matter where you are, you’re getting the best in powder coating technology and support.
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