Powder Coating DIY

If you’ve got all equipments needed, and you want to do powder coating yourself, make sure you are following these guides strictly.
 
1. Properly prep your piece:
 

You must remove any corrosion or previous coatings before powder coating. Just as you would prep the part for a high quality paint job. Corrosion can be removed with abrasive blasting, wire brush or chemicals. Pervious coatings can easily be removed with liquid paint stripper

 
2. Properly clean your piece:
 

After you have removed any corrosion or coatings thoroughly wipe down the part with lacquer thinner or acetone to completely remove any residual grease or oils

 
3. Masking:
 

You must mask any areas where you do not want powder. Powder is very durable and therefore it is very tough to remove. The supplied tape is used to mask areas and the plugs will mask any threaded holes.

NOTE: The masking tape and plugs are applied before powder application and removed after the oven cure and cool down.
TIP: Tip mask large areas you can use aluminum foil along with the masking tape.
 
4. Part hanging:
 

Parts can either be hung from below the oven rack or set on top. Just as with liquid coating if any area of the part touches the oven rack lit will leave a mark, so you best finish is obtained by hanging below the rack with the supplied hooks.

TIP: You can also use un-coated coat hangers or steel wire to hang parts
 
5. Spraying:
 
Powder application is very simple and straightforward. Simply fill the powder cup with your desired color of powder and spray!
 
6. Curing:
 

The powder must be heat cured to transform it from a solid powder (similar to flour) into a gel state that allows the particles to melt and adhere to the surface. This operation MUST be performed in a non-food prep oven. The oven is preheated to 400F; once the part is powder coated carefully move the oven rack into the oven. Check the part every 5 minutes until the ENTIRE part has turned from a dry powder state to the gel state (this is easily identified as the powder will be glossy and look wet). Once this happens set your timer for 20 minutes. Once cured allow the part to cure and put back in service.