Why should you powder coat aluminium? When you come to Lightning Laser Cutting for our powder coating services, we’ll take your metal and add a protective layer that will hold up against wear and tear, corrosion, fading, and chipping.
Keen to learn a bit more about the process before booking powder coating services? In our guide we’ll discuss the different options available to you, from types of powders to how to add patterns.
Before we unleash our inner powder-coat artist, let’s take a moment to get to know the medium. Powder coating comes in various types, each with its unique characteristics. One style of powder coating might be better for your project than another (your powder coating services tech will be able to point you in the right direction). Here’s our quick guide to the types of powder coating available:
This type is known for its excellent adhesion, durability, and chemical resistance. Epoxy powder coating’s tough surface makes a good electrical insulator. Epoxy coatings become brittle when exposed to UV, making them best for indoor or underground uses.
If you’re looking for versatility, polyester coatings are the way to go. They come in various colours and finishes, and weather really well, making them ideal for everything from metal furniture to outdoor equipment.
Polyurethane coatings are renowned for their next-level UV resistance and colour retention. If you’re worried about colour fading outdoors, this is the right powder coating for you. They’re perfect for surfaces exposed to the elements, like outdoor signage and architectural elements.
Most commonly used in architectural projects, fluoropolymer coating stays glossy and colourful even under the most extreme corrosion and weather conditions. This is one of the trickier types of powder coatings and is best left to the professionals at Lightning Laser Cutting.
Let’s give it up for a classic — Polyvinyl Chloride! From electrical lines to chain link fencing, there’s a wide range of projects that are perfect for PVC coating. Approved for contact with food, this is your best option for kitchen or food industry projects.
Now that you know your options, it’s time for us to roll up our sleeves and get to work! Proper surface preparation is key to a successful powder coating project. Unfortunately the right prep involves a few tools — from sand blasters and pressure washers to chemical stripping. If our checklist is making you feel out of your DIY element, let our expert team give you a helping hand. Here’s how we get the best results when we powder coat aluminium and other metals:
Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove dirt, grease, and contaminants. A clean surface ensures the powder adheres correctly. Clean reverse osmosis or deionised water is the best choice to remove dirt, dust, grime, and grease from the substrate. Beyond degreasing cleaners, we also recommend you give your surface a good pressure wash.
Unfortunately we’re still not done with the cleaning! If your surface has existing coatings or paints, you’ll need to remove every last speck. Find a stripping agent specifically for the coating you’re dealing with, and give it a good soak. If it’s really rusty or dirty, even an uncoated project will benefit from a wet strip.
Now we’re onto the fun stuff. To maximise your adhesion, consider profiling the surface with sandblasting or chemical etching. The technical name for this step is “media blasting”, but essentially what we’re doing is using a form of grit to very finely sand the surface of your metal. This step provides a rough texture for the powder to grip onto.
Once you’ve rinsed your sanded metal, we’re up to the last (optional) step of prep. If you’re working on a complicated project and only want some areas coated, use masking tape or stencils to protect the parts you want to remain untouched.
Let’s get down to business! With your surface ready, an electrostatic spray gun is used to evenly apply the powder. We’re always careful to maintain an appropriate distance and even speed for consistent coverage. We like to use a series of hooks to hang the piece, making sure we can get to all sides of our projects at once, for the most even result.
Abra-cure-dabra. Once the powder is applied, curing is the magic step. Place your coated item in an oven, and watch the powder melt, flow, and bond into a seamless finish. The curing temperature and time will depend on the type of powder you’re using, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Absolutely! Your creativity isn’t limited to a simple coat of powder. To add depth and a bit of uniqueness to your project, consider asking your powder coating expert to use these techniques:
You can adjust the curing temperature to control the final finish. Higher temps create a smoother, shinier surface, while lower temps result in a more textured appearance.
Experiment with blending multiple colours. Ideally using different colours of the same style of powder coating, you can change up the tone as you go. You can achieve ombre effects, gradients, or striking contrasts simply by layering and blending powders.
It’s easy to create unique designs by layering different coats of powder. Apply a base coat, cure it, and then add a second layer with a different colour or finish. After curing again, you’ll have a multi-dimensional masterpiece.
Possibly the most straight-forward option, you can use masking techniques to create patterns or designs. Cover the areas you want to keep one colour and apply a different powder to the exposed areas.
Ready for some flair? Take your project to the next level with our creative tips, and you’ll add a little more interest the next time you powder coat alluminum.
To give your project some texture, use a textured powder or apply a clear topcoat with texture additives. This can mimic the look of leather, sand, or even waves.
If you’re feeling artistic, try stencilling or using custom-cut masks. You can add patterns or intricate designs to your project with ease. Just remember to peel the mask off before curing!
Want to get really creative? You could look into using a specialised technique called water transfer printing. This method allows you to apply intricate graphics and patterns that are transferred onto your coated item. It’s a bit more advanced, but the results are jaw-dropping.
Whether you’re revamping an old piece of outdoor furniture or adding a unique touch to your car parts, the powder coated possibilities are endless. With the right powder, surface prep, and creative techniques, you can nail a wide range of effects and finishes. To make sure you get a perfect result every time, contact Lightning Laser Cutting to tackle your next project. With years of experience under our tool belts, you won’t regret making our team your go-to for powder coating services. We’re here to help!
