Powder Coating

[Tony White 3Participant @tonywhite3]

Hi I hope someone cam help me with a question I have???

I'm looking to powder coat some fishing lures/pirks,I will be coat ing them fully but would like to give them some detail using an airbrush of some sort.Does anyone have any knowledge of using one if these with powder coat paint and if yes,could you please recommend what I should be looking to purchase.I've tried a little kit dinated to me but with no success,ive seen clips on youtube but they don't give much info regarding the kit they use.

Thanks in advance

Tony

[Tony White 3Participant @tonywhite3]

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Powder coating involves specialised equipment, using some high voltages (15 Kv – 25 Kv ) and requires special guns, operating at low air pressures.

So the usual airbrush is totally unsuited for this.

It also requires an accurately temperature controlled oven to cure the powder.

Unless you invest a lot of money in the correct equipment, it is NOT a D I Y procedure.

See my recent post POWDER COATING.

If you PM me, I can put you in contact with Brian Parker, who may be able to help you.

Howard

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi Tony, there is an article in Model Engineers' Workshop No.283 August 2019 about powder coating at home by Chris Gabel, weather this is appropriate to your needs, I don't know but it may give you an idea as to what is involved.

Regards Nick.

P.S. Just had a look at the article and it describes what you need, the basic process and the first steps to take and it doesn't involve high voltage electric. The article is to be continued.

Edited By Nicholas Farr on 22/08/2019 11:38:47

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

I got the impression that the articles in MEW were more about constructing your own equipment.

Having seen Brian Parker's set up, both slides and demonstration, (He has demonstrated at more than one Club, I believe ) and his permanent home set up, it is very professional, as one would expect from a qualified electrician.

Brian's presentation and demonstration makes it look fairly straightforward, but he has the right kit, and knows how to use it. He can make a tin can look as if it is copper or chrome plated!

Both are electrically safe, and produce very good results. He emphasised the need for absolute cleanliness and learned how to produce excellent results with a variety of powders, and on a variety of materials.

It was surprising to see that it is possible to coat wood and glass, and that it is possible to mask (But using a special tape, not ordinary masking tape )

He has plated a light bulb on one side, so that it acts as a reflector.

You have to have the right equipment, to clean, (Bead blast  ) coat the work, and to and cure the powder.

In view of the high voltages used, care has to be taken, and the cure temperatures are well above that of boiling water. Again something where care has to be taken.

Powder coating is not an undertaking to be undertaken lightly, because of the cost, complication , and safety aspects.

Howard

Edited By Howard Lewis on 22/08/2019 11:50:59

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I would suggest reading Chris Gabel's articles in issue 283/284 as a good introduction which also covers using a triboelectric gun to avoid having to use nasty voltages, as well as advice on prepping the work and suitable ovens for DIY.

My impression is that care and scrupulous preparation is needed, but that it's no more challenging or risky than anodising.

Neil

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

My wife would be enamelling (UK spelling?) them, I think..

What are they made of? Might melt at enamelling temperatures.

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