Powder coating is a terrific way to preserve all sorts of outdoor items from the effects of the weather, physical damage, corrosion, rust, and more. Patio furniture, utility covers, playground equipment, statuary, and other items are better protected and look cleaner after a professionally applied powder coating. But before you powder coat something or hand it off to an expert to do so, keep in mind these five mistakes to avoid when powder coating metal surfaces.
Improper Surface Preparation
A great powder coating depends on a smooth and clean surface. But that involves much more than a quick hose-down followed by a wipe-down with a damp sponge. Proper preparation demands that the surface be clean and free of any contaminants. Remove rust, oil, dirt, and more with a good sandblasting or chemical treatment. The surface should then be thoroughly clean and dry, which will allow the powder coat to adhere to the surface evenly and smoothly and prevent future flaking, peeling, and bubbling.
Not Checking the Surroundings
While it may not require as pristine an area as manufacturing microchips does, the powder coating process should take certain environmental factors into consideration. First, the area should be clean and free from contaminants that could be stirred up, causing them to attach themselves to the treated surface. Temperature and humidity can also have a deleterious affect on the final product. High temperatures and humidity can interfere with the curing process, potentially causing the failure of the powder to adhere and cure, leading to later damage.
Spread Too Thin/Thick
Powder coating is truly a Goldilocks situation: you want the coating to be just right. Too thin or too thick a coat never looks good. Specifically, too thin a coat won’t provide enough protection from rust and other damage, and the coating’s ability to protect will be substantially reduced. Too thick and you run the risk of an untextured or uneven finish, which will not only look unsightly but also be subject to peeling, cracking, and chipping. Getting the coating just right also prevents the added expense of removing the flawed coat and replacing it.
Inaccurate Curing
Curing is a very important part of the powder coating process. Getting the timing or temperature wrong can result in under- or over-curing. This affects the quality of the coating and possibly its appearance. Under- or overcured surfaces can become brittle, more prone to damage from chemicals and sunlight, or acquire an unsightly hue that doesn’t match the requested color.
Mishandling
Even though metal is a generally tough and durable substance, it should still be handled with care before, during, and after the powder coating process. Improperly handling, setting up, storing, and transporting the object may result in dents, scratches, and surface abrasions that cause the usual problems of brittle, chipped, and poorly applied powder coating.
Those are just five mistakes to avoid when powder coating metal surfaces. Fortunately, when executed correctly, powder coating lasts nearly forever. Precise powder coating can protect your possessions for years.