Powder coating is an undeniably robust and long-lasting end for therefore many functions. However though it lays out clean when utilized correctly, the character of the fabric can go away a shiny, however not super-glossy, ultimate end. One of many questions that comes up usually is find out how to improve the gloss on powder-painted components.
To get some straight solutions, we turned on to an knowledgeable on powder coatings, Mark Robidoux. Mark is Eastwood’s product growth supervisor and was instrumental in bringing DIY powder coating to the market. He’s experimented with all sorts of powders and base supplies over time and is aware of what works and what doesn’t.
The necessary factor to grasp is that powder paint behaves significantly in a different way than liquid paints. Sometimes, you apply the powder to your half, let it bake and remedy, and also you’re achieved. No slicing, buffing, or sharpening is normally required and even really helpful.
However what in case you’re nonetheless not pleased with the gloss? Right here’s what he recommends to deliver up the shine.
Apply clear powder
If gloss and depth are priorities on your venture, the primary suggestion is to be sure you’re spraying clear powder on prime of your shade coat. “I like to recommend to buyer to do a second coat of gloss clear which is acrylic and nice with UV, chemical substances, and readability,” he explains. “You’ll be able to both spray at room temp or sizzling flock.” On this case, sizzling flocking includes spraying clear powder on a component whereas it’s nonetheless heat from its preliminary software. The powder can start to move out on contact and the return into the oven to remedy.
However Mark advises warning when sizzling flocking clear finishes. “I inform prospects if sizzling flocking to get in and get out. By this I imply modify gun to get a pleasant powder cloud, pull the half from oven and spray rapidly, watching the clear powder hit the floor and move out. Then get the half again within the oven rapidly to maintain it at temp and remedy at 400F for an additional 10 minutes.”
Use a powder polish
To get extra shine out of a cured half, or take away slight blemishes from the floor, use a powder-specific polish. Eastwood developed a powder coating polish that may be utilized both manually or with a buffer/polisher. For greatest outcomes, this could solely be used on non-metallic gloss finishes utilized to clean surfaces.
Hand software is really helpful for gentle scratches and translucent powders to keep away from burn-through. Nevertheless, it will also be utilized utilizing a mushy foam pad on a machine buffer at low to medium speeds. The hot button is to maintain the froth pad moist and to stop warmth buildup, which might trigger the end to melt and probably re-flow in spots.
As soon as polished, a powder coated end will also be waxed to additional improve depth and gloss, if solely briefly.
Reduce and buff solely when crucial
If all else fails and also you need a extra flawless end, you’ll be able to bust out the fine-grit sandpaper and go to city. This could be crucial for correcting runs or tough spots within the end, for example. However Mark cautions, “You’ll be able to lower and buff non-metallic powders, but when the substrate isn’t stage to start with (forged brake drum, for instance) it will likely be exhausting.” In different phrases, the end can solely look nearly as good because the half you’re making use of it to.
As he additional explains, “You might lower cured powder with 1000-grit to 3000-grit and buff for extra gloss, but it surely’s quite a lot of work. Powder doesn’t harden like a 2K urethane topcoat, so slicing or sanding requires extra effort and extra finesse to not go away heavy sanding scratches in end.” After utilizing abrasives, all the time end with a powder polish.
