Parts made from aluminum, steel, brass, copper, bronze and titanium can be powder coated — all metal objects that have an electrostatic charge and can withstand 4OO° F can be powder coated. Powder can be applied to intricate surfaces and still maintain a uniform finish across the entire piece. Magnesium and Aluminum Castings may experience out-gassing causing bubbles in the finish. For the out-gassing, we usually pre heat the parts. The idea is to heat the items to a temp HIGHER than what the cure temp is before we coat them. That way, while we apply the powder and send them in to cure, they are actually cooling from around 425F to 390F, which will have the effect of pulling the coating in to the parts rather than have the gasses pushing out. For 30 years, powder coating has been the finish of choice for a superior, more colorful, longer lasting and more durable finish.

Blasting helps provide a great adhesion and durability of the finish. Sandblasting is a generic term for the process of cleaning a hard surface by propelling very fine bits of material at high-velocity to clean a surface; the effect is similar to that of using sandpaper, but provides a more even finish with no problems at comers or crannies. Imperfections are loosened and can then be easily washed off. Blasting creates a surface profile that increases the performance of the powder coating finish. When you have big pieces, there is no substitute for a "blast room" dedicated to media blasting. Media Blasting is used to remove existing finish, rust, or mill scale to prepare the surface for powder coat adhesion & durability.

Clear powder coating protects the underlying finish and adds depth and luster to the surface. Clear powder coat is applied as a second coat. The piece is then returned to the oven for an additional curing process. A clear powder coating may be added for exterior applications and improved mar resistance.

There are powders available to achieve a finish similar to chrome. One thing that must be understood is that these are a 2 - coat processes (add 50%) and they are not an exact match for chrome.

Not necessarily. One reason to strip or sandblast a previously coated piece is if the original finish isn't adhering to the item. If it's not peeling off, you can generally coat over it. To be sure, we would need to see the item in order to give you our professional opinion.