anodized aluminum Archives

Powder Coating Confidential: How to avoid problems with your powder coater

July 20, 2018 by pcnearme

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Troubleshooting is the most overlooked aspect of powder coating

Going over what your getting is important as much as what to go over when working with a powder coater. The most overlooked aspect of powder coating is knowing the level of restoration you’re going to get for that perfect powder coat finish.

When going to your local coater be sure to ask how they go about restoring your project. Most quality custom coaters use a 5-stage restoration process to make sure your project gets done right. When you’re working on your prized or sentimental project it’s important to know that you’re getting it done right so be sure ask so you know what you’re getting into because restoration can be expensive and time-consuming.

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1. Stripping is a chemical process using a compound called methylene chloride which activates the paint to bubble up and pull away from the surface to be removed with an abrasive tool like steel brush, steel wool or paint scraper.

2. Blasting through a pressure pot at a high psi(air pressure) and is next to help remove the excess paint left over from stripping and raise the metal surface to bond better to the new coating. There are few different kinds of media available which when combined with pressurized air become the ideal dry prep

3. Metal Prep Wash should be used especially when older metal or grimy parts are being done. There are (alkaline) salt remover solutions and acid-based solutions depending on the type of metal being powder coated. They help in removing extra fine debris and mil-scale rust or corrosion not seen by the naked eye.

4. Powder Coat & Curing is by where the metal is electrically charged to attract the powder particles then baked at temperatures not exceeding 500 degrees with specific time limits. When the powder is cured it means that the powder has bonded together(flowed out) and fully harden when the metal cools

5. Inspection is the very last step to ensure that the finish is lacking cross-contamination and other surface issues like outgassing, peeling, and fish-eye which can be common issues in restoration. Be sure to go over your project with you powder coater at the time of pick up.

A final note: To help customers search for quality coatings there are powder coater member groups which custom coaters can be affiliated. One of them is called the Powder Coating Institute (PCI). A hallmark of PCI is their Powder Coated Tough Mark. It is used by coaters and manufacturers to make consumers aware that their products are finished with this environmentally friendly process.

PCI Gold -Since 2017

For a simple directory, search nationally by going to Powder Coating Near Me. Those needing powder coating services can search this directory for coaters in their area who are committed to providing a certain types of specialty.

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About us

RossKote is committed to sharing their experience in metal coatings, painting, and restoration so customers & powder coaters can navigate the process of powder coating and make the best choices for getting their projects done.

RossKote regularly contributes helpful videos on his blog and YouTube channel.

Join us. As we build a powder coating community online to share our passion for performance finishes by subscribing to RossKote’s Powder Coater Podcast

Connect with us. Comment below. What would you like to know more about? I love to answer everyday questions to the consumer market wants to know about powder coating.

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Perfect Patina in Paradise

April 27, 2018 by pcnearme

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Introducing Patina Powder Coat©

Innovation is happening rapidly in the powder coating industry, from powders reaching new heights in durability and longevity to custom coater creatives. It’s an exciting time to be in this industry. With projected hi-growth into the second decade, you can expect powder coating to touch aspects of architecture, automotive and home goods like never before.

So it is with great pleasure that Maui Powder Works, a local powder coater serving all-islands, introduces a new twist on achieving a realistic patina copper effect to metal in a non-traditional way. We call it a patina simulation with powder coating or a non-living patina versus a living finish or an induced effect.

A heavily distressed patina effect to a resort side gate in Maui, Hawaii

Ross Scott, the owner of Maui Powder Works and his new line of distressed powder coating called Powder Effects© . He credits his outcome on working 15 years in furniture refinishing before getting into the metal coating business.

“Our patina effect is perfect from day one,” says Scott. “You no longer have to wait for aging to occur.” Achieving a perfect architectural effect immediately without waiting for change over time is important to the resort and luxury home markets. These high-end markets demand ready-made finishes but seek the quality of being environmentally friendly, meaning they are safe for people to be around. This appeal is an added bonus when most patina effects are created today using layers of harsh chemicals to encourage the same effect to metal.

There’s one more bonus…cost. Copper is a very expensive metal to use. We can achieve a similar effect using gates and railings made out of cheaper substrates, like aluminum and steel. It’s a win-win for the manufacturing and contracting market.

The effect itself can be modified to the buyers’ specs. With this unique proprietary process, different effects can be created. Similar to what you find in nature, the effect can range from simple distressing to heavily distressed, aged looks. Maui Powder Works can use different colors to create different effects, the sky’s the limit.

Read more on this about this location in a related article.

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About us

RossKote regularly contributes helpful videos on his blog and YouTube channel.

Join us. As we build a powder coating community online to share our passion for performance finishes by subscribing to RossKote’s Powder Coater Podcast

Connect with us. Comment below. What would you like to know more about? I love to answer everyday questions to the consumer market wants to know about powder coating.

MAUIPOWDERWORKS.COM
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About Maui Powder Works

February 17, 2018 by pcnearme

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From Maui Boat Captain to Powder Coating Innovator

Ross Scott set out to solve the seemingly endless process of metal degradation not only on the boats he sailed but for every man’s daily challenges. He’s bringing new finishes to the powder coating industry and new opportunities to Hawaii businesses and residents.

In Hawaii, everything around us is subject to rapid degradation because of climate extremes like UV sunlight and salt air. Nobody knows this better than Ross Scott, the owner of Maui Powder Works who has been in the restoration business his whole life.

How it all started

The restoration process was an endless challenge as Scott transitioned from a master of the sea to a master of powder paint. Liquid paints have slow dry times, are subject to surface rejection, and require endless primer coats. “I was frustrated with painting liquid paint on metal” he shared, “I knew there had to be a better way.”

In 2004, he started researching solutions. “Ever the ‘do it yourself-er’ I was seeking a new way to achieve that perfect metal finish, that’s when I found out about powder coating,” explains Scott.

Powder coating was mainly known as a commercial service and often reserved for large industrial projects. Large ovens meant small projects had big costs and long wait times. Scott saw an opportunity. He built Maui’s first powder coating shop specifically designed to serve customers at all levels with unique oven configurations and multiple oven sizes.

As a Maui resident for nearly 40 years, it means a lot to Scott to work with his local community. Collaborations with top welders and contractors in Hawaii has given this local company a chance to play a role in big public projects.

Chances are you’ve been to some of these spaces like the Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali, The International Market Place in Waikiki and the Kapa Bar & Grill in Wailea. Scott shares, “When you see your work in a public space, it brings a sense of pride and contribution to the community.”

What sets them apart

What really sets Maui Powder Works apart is their innovative finishes. Scott brings decades of restoration experience with faux finishes to the powder coating industry. This empowers Maui Powder Works to offer never before seen powder applications like anodized bronze and patinas perfect for gates and railings.

“I built this company from the ground up so that I can provide my customers the quality finishes that I wanted for myself.” Scott disclosed.

Since 2010, Maui Powder Works has been a thriving sandblasting and powder coating business with a home base in Maui and serving all islands.

More on this Green Business

Their projects range from everyday projects like custom rims and railings to large-scale commercial projects like the trellised lower level shopping area at Whaler’s Village. Some of their clients include local businesses like Air Maui, Atlantis Submarines, CheeseBurger in Paradise, Padilla Designs and Pitzer Construction.

The company sponsors Maui Raceway Park and will soon partner with local schools to offer educational opportunities for students.

One of the newest members of the Maui Powder Works crew is Ravin AhPuck, a 2015 Lahainaluna graduate.

“Joining the team at Maui Powder Works was a full hands-on experience. When I get to do custom colors and it turns something from an eyesore into a work of art, I’m amazed. Each piece we powder coat gives it a totally new life!” AhPuck commented.

What’s next

What’s next for this fast-growing company? We’re going to offer a series of video tutorials so that other custom applicators can learn these techniques to expand their skill set and scale their business.

“By sharing our coater effects and our story we can inspire others to build on their success”, said Scott.

More on Maui Powder Works

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”MPW Blog Form Mobile” _builder_version=”3.29.3″ global_module=”12659″ saved_tabs=”all”]
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”2020 blog wrap up” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ global_module=”18725″ saved_tabs=”all”]RossKote is committed to sharing their experience in metal coatings, painting, and restoration so customers can navigate the process of powder coating and make the best choices for getting their projects done.

RossKote regularly contributes helpful videos on his blog and YouTube channel.

Join us. As we build a powder coating community online to share our passion for performance finishes by subscribing to RossKote’s Powder Coater Podcast

Can you powder coat over powder coat?

November 14, 2017 by pcnearme

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When powder coating over existing powder coat

Hands down, one of the most frequently asked questions in this business on how powder coating works.

Yes! Typically if the coating is newer and recently powder coated. However, there are some variables that could play into whether you should coat over it or not.

Here are the top four things to consider when powder coating over powder coat.

Ask yourself

Is the current coating sound and without flaws? If the coated metal project has imperfections i.e. bubbling from outgassing, fish-eyeing or spots where the coating has resisted, recoating may not be the first solution.
Was it cured properly the first time? If the original coating hasn’t cured properly the first time recoating will not be the solution this time.
Is there existing rust or corrosion from exposure already? As expected re-coating would not be the solution here because powder coating does not stop the process of decay.
Is it a painted finish instead of being powder coated? Believe it or not, many customers bring in projects they assume to be powder coated when in fact they are painted. We find this especially in the outdoor furniture and fixture market because many of those products come from China and have the appearance of being powder coated when in fact they are not.

Determining these important features to your metal project is best left to the experts.

Something as easy as a color change or color match may not be so simple. It may, in fact, require a full restoration process.

Find out more about how long does it take to powder coat your rims about how to prep rims for powder coating and what products to use when degreasing rims before powder coating.

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How long does it take to powder coat wheels?

November 14, 2017 by pcnearme

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Customizing rims with powder coating

It’s an inexpensive way to get your car to look good. But how long does it take?

The short answer to the question is it can take about 1-2 hours per rim, from sandblasting and prep to coating and curing.

The long answer is it may take longer if you don’t have an appointment or you need additional services like two-tone color, clears and candy translucent coats.

Preparing your wheels ahead of time is also vitally important if you’re needing a quick turn around time. See our blog post on the following topics for info on prepping rims and the best way to de-grease before bringing them in.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.29.3″][embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4a1_KUqx1w&width=1080&height=810&iv_load_policy=3&rel=0[/embedyt][/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.29.3″]Although most coaters carry many colors in-stock, you may be looking for that perfect match and that may require a special order. Look for a coater who serves wheel and rim customers best. Typically, they have smaller ovens and can get your project done faster. That way you may not have to wait for your project to get done with someone else’s or batched with other jobs.See my post on dry times or oven curing for powder coating.

Find out what the top color trends are in rim powder coating

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”MPW Guide form mobile” _builder_version=”4.0.9″ global_module=”12668″ saved_tabs=”all”]
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.29.3″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.29.3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”2020 blog wrap up” _builder_version=”4.5.1″ saved_tabs=”all” global_module=”18725″]RossKote is committed to sharing their experience in metal coatings, painting, and restoration so customers can navigate the process of powder coating and make the best choices for getting their projects done.

RossKote regularly contributes helpful videos on his blog and YouTube channel.

Join us. As we build a powder coating community online to share our passion for performance finishes by subscribing to RossKote’s Powder Coater Podcast

Can you powder coat over anodized aluminum?

October 11, 2016 by pcnearme

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Yes, you can powder coat over anodized aluminum.

In most cases for new anodized aluminum, a light sanding of the surface and acetone wipe will suffice.

However, older anodized aluminum will most likely need abrasive blasting. You can then powder coat to color, put in the oven for curing, then put in service.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.5.1″ _module_preset=”default” show_divider=”off” hover_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”3.29.3″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.29.3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.1″ hover_enabled=”0″]

Download this infographic

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Maui Powder Works is committed to sharing their experience in metal coatings, painting, and restoration so customers can navigate the process of powder coating and make the best choices for getting their projects done.

RossKote regularly contributes helpful videos on his blog and YouTube channel.

Join us. As we build a powder coating community online to share our passion for performance finishes by subscribing to our blog below.

Connect with us. Submit a comment below. What would you like to know more about? I love to answer everyday questions to the consumer market wants to know about powder coating.

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