stupid questions about powedercoating. its all your fault, guys.....

so, ive decided to try the kool-aid.

bought a small oven, and a powdercoating rig from harbor freight.

so after reading the directions, couple of questions:

1.what is proper prep for powedercoating?

1. what do i do about threaded holes, etc?

2. is there a reliable way to keep powder off what i dont want coated, like gasket surfaces?

3. my oven has a grate in the middle. sit on a grate, or somehow hang/stand the part?

4. do i have to worry about runs, etc with powdercoating?

5. any tips to make this stuff as duarable as a hammer?

When I had some parts powder coated the threaded holes were plugged with heat resistant plugs. Those areas that were not to be coated were taped off with a heat resistant tape. I'm sure that Eastwood Co. has these items for sale.

1. Same as for paint. Get it clean. Then, bake said part at 50* higher than you'll cure it at to de-gass it and burn off any remaining contaminants.

1b. Thread bolts into the holes or buy silicone plugs.

1. You can mask it off with tape, then pull the tape off before you bake it, or you can buy fiberglass masking tape that is made to take the temps you bake at.

2. I hang the parts, but that's only if you want every surface coated. You can lay it on the grate if you don't need that surface coated.

3. No. The part won't take more powder that it can hold.

4. Good prep, good coat. Watch the part as it bakes. When it goes liquid, let it cure for 15-20 mins before you let it cool somewhat gradually. I just open the door for 5 minutes, then pull the part out and let it sit at room temp till I can handle it. Get better powder. Prismatic poweders is a great place to order from. You can order 5 samples at a time for free. They'll send a strip of aluminum that is coated in the desired powder. That's a HUGE bonus for me. I can see how it actually look on aluminum in real life.

All those silicone parts, fiberglass tape, stainless wire, etc. comes in the Eastwood kit.

For prep, I media blast, wash down with brake cleaner and cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Threaded holes are plugged with silicone plugs. Eastwood has them.

I hang everything from the rack. Spray it while hanging and then slide the rack in the oven. When it's done cooking, I pull the rack and set it on sawhorses to cool so I can slide in the next rack. Having several racks makes life a lot easier.

I haven't had a problem with runs. My problem is usually not getting enough powder rather than too much. Put on more than you think you need.

Gasket surfaces, I'm not sure about. I haven't come across that problem yet. I would assume there is a tape you can use. I would check with Eastwood.

Edit: Damn, the Doc types faster than I do.

Toyman01 wrote: For prep, I media blast, wash down with brake cleaner and cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Threaded holes are plugged with silicone plugs. Eastwood has them. I hang everything from the rack. Spray it while hanging and then slide the rack in the oven. When it's done cooking, I pull the rack and set it on sawhorses to cool so I can slide in the next rack. Having several racks makes life a lot easier. I haven't had a problem with runs. My problem is usually not getting enough powder rather than too much. Put on more than you think you need. Gasket surfaces, I'm not sure about. I haven't come across that problem yet. I would assume there is a tape you can use. I would check with Eastwood. Edit: Damn, the Doc types faster than I do.

I agree, more than one rack is nice to have. I also cut the little, I'll call it a leg, on the back of the rack so you can slide the rack in level as opposed to having to tilt the rack up to engage the groove in the side of the oven.
And yea, I have more of a problem getting enough powder on than too much. I have been using an LED flashlight to inspect the part first. If there's any thin spots, that bright light will find it for you.
Now that I'm powder coating, I have put my paint cans away. If it'll fit in my oven, it's getting coated.