Powder Coating - Part I

Powder Coating 101

The piece of metal Paul is showing above has been powder coated (by Paul). It looks like it was spray painted, but there was no liquid applied, just powder.

How's that work?

Powder coating uses thermoset plastic (heat will melt it) mixed with coloring, and pulverized to a powder. It is usually sprayed on the metal parts with an electrostatic spray gun that applies a high voltage to the metal part, which attracts the plastic spray. As a result there is little, if any, overspray. Also, there are no runs, and no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or smell.

Also, if you have never seen powder coating in action, it's really cool. The spray from the gun comes out like a regular spray gun, then it all magically redirects itself towards the part being coated, due to the magic of high voltage electricity. There is no (or very little) overspray. 

The part is then placed in an oven for a while, and voila, the plastic melts forming a nice surface that is tougher than paint.

In summary:

1. no smell or VOCs

2. thicker coatings with out drips or sags

3. overspray can be recycled.

4. less hazardous waste.

5. equiptment is low cost, if your wife lets you use her oven!

Paul ordered these samples to see which one matched the fuselage tubing on the glider.

Yup, you buy it by the pound, or in the case of this company, 1.2 pounds is the standard size

Paul laid the samples on the fuselage to see which one matched the best

Preeeeety close, what do you think?

Paul's been busy