Frequently Asked Questions

Is the powder coating process harmful to the environment?
No, one of the best reason for using powder over a liquid finish is that it’s environmentally friendly and virtually pollution free. No volatile organic compounds (VOC s) or solvents to evaporate into the atmosphere. In fact one of the major elements in expanding the market for powder coating has been the implementation over the past 30 years of stringent air pollution controls set by the U.S. environmental protection agency.

What powder is best against weather?
Polyester powders provide superior protection against outside weather conditions. Polyester powders also provide additional advantages in protection against ultraviolet and weather resistance.

Is powder coating more durable than liquid paint?
The most popular liquid finishes are high solid acrylic urethanes which use solvents and hardeners in the application process. Acrylic urethanes are not as hard or flexible as powder resins. Powders are made from resins that need to be heated in order to flow and cross link to the metal. This makes for superior adhesion, making powder coating ten times more durable than the most popular liquid finishes. Powder coat colors also stay brighter and more vibrant longer than liquid finishes.

Can you powder coat over the existing finish?
No, one of the steps in powder coating requires the metal to be cleaned, usually by media blasting, this removes all existing finishes.

What do I need to do to prepare my part for powder coat?
The parts must be totally disassembled and degreased.

Will heat damage your part?
No, the temperature used to cure the powder is less than 425 degrees. Titanium, steel, aluminum, magnesium are not affected by these temperatures. The temperature would have to be heated above 700 degrees to affect most substrates.