Powder Coating

[Stonewall]

Does anyone have any experience having parts powder coated? On every project that I've ever done, the worst problem was the low quality and quick fade and wear of the spray-can paint that I typically use. I was wondering if having my stuff powder coated would be a good idea. I have been considering having my 950's steel parts powder coated,(as well as some old Honda 3 wheelers I've also been working on) but I'd like some opinions on it. How expensive is it? Does it last? Is it worth the money? Any input will be greatly appreciated!

[fasteddiesllc]

Stonewall you happen to be in great luck this a.m. I owned a sandblast, paint and powdercoat company several years ago...Powdercoating is basically ground up plastic in a variety of colors. it is more durable than paint as it seals the steel inside the plastic during the baking process. My suggestion is to have a thin coat applied to your parts...too thick it will shatter and chip. I still own all of my equipment but have too much EPA laws here close to me to start up again...have a fella trying to buy it all from me recently...is it worth the money??? you bet!! remember that powder goes a long way when it is electrically charged to a part your typical 950 frame should be around 3 to 3.5 lbs. but like paint there are different qualities of powder and prices reflect this...buy a good powder and you won't be disappointed...hope that this helps...

[Dirty Harry]

Powercoating is very nice, but like anything else, it often depends on choosing the right man/company to do the job. Lots of folks out there claim to do great work, but many of them have just bought the basic equipment needed but don't have the required experience to do the job right, and well enough to make their work stand up to the test of time. Check around and ask around for recommendations on good powdercoaters locally for your work. Shop for the best prices & options for what you need/want. In lieu of powdercoating, you can also look into painting your parts with POR-15. Follow the instructions on the cans and you can do it yourself and the stuff is damn near bomb-proof. Hope this helps.

[Model Citizen]

With the exception of my goofy grape color on the trailing arms on the SS, we powdercoat everything we can. All the other springer's arms are powdercoated & they all look as good as the day they were done, which is nice considering all the rocks & gravel that get thrown at them when riding out here. The paint on the SS arms has not held up as well to the abuse.

We've found powdercoating to be very reasonably priced for what you get in return. Just remember to try to gather as many things as you can to get powdercoated at one time when/if you go that route. You'll probably get a better price that way.

Bridget

[Stonewall]

Powercoating is very nice, but like anything else, it often depends on choosing the right man/company to do the job. Lots of folks out there claim to do great work, but many of them have just bought the basic equipment needed but don't have the required experience to do the job right, and well enough to make their work stand up to the test of time. Check around and ask around for recommendations on good powdercoaters locally for your work.

I found a shop in Memphis that claims to be the largest sandblasting and powdercoat facility in the area, I think I will check them out first. I don't plan on having a little side-of-the-road shop do my powdercoating.

With the exception of my goofy grape color on the trailing arms on the SS, we powdercoat everything we can. All the other springer's arms are powdercoated & they all look as good as the day they were done, which is nice considering all the rocks & gravel that get thrown at them when riding out here. The paint on the SS arms has not held up as well to the abuse.

We've found powdercoating to be very reasonably priced for what you get in return. Just remember to try to gather as many things as you can to get powdercoated at one time when/if you go that route. You'll probably get a better price that way.

Bridget

Glad to hear it does good around gravel, most of the roads around here are dirt and gravel as well and it eats up spray paint quick. I will have plenty of stuff to take too... My Hustler frame, roll cage, body band, plus 3 or 4 old Honda 3 wheelers should be a truck load or more lol

[Stonewall]

Fast Eddie, what do you think would be a reasonible price for a Hustler frame and a Big Red 3 wheeler frame sandblast and powdercoating?

[SlimChance]

I have to agree with the POR-15 comment. I work in a plant that does powdercoating and if the metal is not super clean BEFORE the powder is applied, you are getting no better than a spray bomb paint job.
Powder-coating properly done is better than paint, but it's abilities to resist corrosion are WAY oversold. Take a look at powder-coated ball hitches and step bars on pickup trucks and you'll see what I mean.
Just my opinion.