Professional Powder Coating

Sequence of Operations

1. Preparation
Sandblasting is optimal for removing any impurities including rust, previous coatings, oils, dirt, etc.

2. Powder Application
Items are hung on oven-proof metal racks. Once items are placed on racks, the spray application process begins. The coating is applied through an electrostatic application.

Electrostatic powder coating process is a method of applying electrically–charged powder coating materials to grounded parts. Powder is held to the part by this electrostatic attraction until heat is added to flow the powder together and cure it. Powder may adhere to the workpiece for several hours. If the uncured powder coat is damaged or blemished during handling, powder can simply be blown off with air or vacuumed and a new coat applied.

Powder leaves the spray gun in a form of a diffused cloud being propelled toward the workpiece. A high voltage, low amperage power unit supplies a charging electrode at the front of the spray gun. The charging electrode emits a field charge which is imparted to the powder particles. This causes them to seek out and attach themselves to the grounded workpiece.

3. Curing
When a thermoset powder is exposed to elevated temperature, it begins to melt, flows out, and then chemically reacts to form a higher molecular weight polymer in a network-like structure. This cure process, called crosslinking, requires a certain temperature for a certain length of time in order to reach full cure and establish the full film properties for which the material was designed. Normally the powders cure at 200 °C (390 °F) for 10 minutes. The curing schedule could vary. In the end, the metal piece is coated with a perfect finish looking and lasting as if it were brand new!