When creating the perfect finish, powder coating is the preferred choice for many individuals because it is incredibly environmentally friendly and limits wastage. It also offers incredible results simply because the paint can seep into hard-to-reach areas for an even and high-quality finish.
However, if you are curious to know the process of powder coating from start to finish, you are in luck. Here is a short step-by-step guide to powder:
1. The pre-treatment process
The first step of any powder coating process is cleaning the surface that is about to be painted. This includes using a variety of mechanical and chemical procedures to ensure the surface is free from any metal oxides and oils.
Shot-blasting and sandblasting are some steps you can take to give texture so that the powder coating can stick better. The main goal for this step is to create a clean and perfect surface that the powder can rest on, guaranteeing a high-quality finish that does not have to be redone.
2. The application process
Once the surface has been thoroughly cleaned and readied for the powder coating, the application process can begin. The first step here is spraying a layer of electrostatic paint on the surface. The paint gains a positive electric charge using a spray nozzle that is designed to do exactly that. Because of the charge, the powder immediately sticks to the surface, leaving none exposed. Once that is done, heat is applied to melt the powder and create a uniform layer of paint that is later cooled to harden.
The technique can differ from one professional to another. Some may opt to preheat the surface to create a more uniform finish and waste less powder. Others may use a fluidised bed coating where the surface is heated and dipped into powder-filled beds, wherein the powder melts and sticks on the heated surface upon contact, covering it with a uniform layer of paint.
Another similar process also exists where the powder is charged to stick onto the surface once the item is dipped into it. In this case, however, the item is not preheated.
3. The curing process
Regardless of which method is used in the previous step, there is almost always a curing step that follows. This step is vital to ensure that the powder coating has time to bond to the surface, creating that durable finish that powder coating is praised for.
Conclusion
As you can see, the steps are fairly straightforward. Of course, the real process can be complicated depending on the exact application of the powder coating, but regardless of the material, many can agree powder coating is perfect for wheel rims!
That being said, if you are indeed interested in getting your vehicle’s rims repainted, be sure to opt for powder coating. Not only will this lower your carbon footprint, but it will give you access to a durable paint solution that you can truly be proud of.
Wicked Rims are a friendly and professional wheel refurbishment company offering services to bring old, scuffed wheels back to their former glory. If you are looking to change your wheel colour in Essex, contact us today!