Powder Coating

Archive for April, 2009

When a frame has already been put through special heat processes to lighten the frame? (i.e. Super Therm Air Hardening)

Thats a VERY good question, and the answer is no.

Powder Coating is not like paint… it is powder that is applied with a special gun. This powder is then "melted" onto the frame using heat- but the heat is nowhere near what is necessary to damage the frame.

Your frame was not lightened by virtue of the air hardening process, but it was made stronger. The material actually gets stronger as it cools.

I would like to paint over some metal furniture that currently has a Powder Coating. Can this be easily done? What is involved? What kind of paint works best?

I did it to my patio set which was powder coated and it is time consuming but can be done. First, inspect all of the joints, sometimes they use welds that rust and if that is the case wire brush off any loose pieces. Use a good cleaner and make certain any grease or dirt is removed prior to priming. I used the Rustoleum rust encapsulating and resisting primer even though my set is aluminum because the welds were all rusted. Then I used the Rustoleum metal paint and I chose the Textured Wrought Iron Black because the powder coating I went over had a pebbled texture and I didn't want to sand. I love it because it looks like new years later, doesn't rust and can be washed off with a hose. BTW, I do NOT recommend the Hammerite products, they do not encapsulate or resist rust and you will be repainting the set in a couple of years like I am repainting every piece I used it on. Another hint, invest a few dollars in the triggered spray gun attachment for the top of the spray paint. It really helps save your fingers and helps to give long, even sweeps. Also, maintain the distance suggested by the paint manufacturer using light coats to avoid runs and drips.

Is there an affordable company that does quality work?

There is a good place here in Stockton a little outside the bay but they do good work. Dynamic Coatings & Fabrication (209) 464-1083