What tools do you need to powder coat?

Is powder coating on your next list of endeavors but you’re uncertain about what it entails? You are not alone, and considering the importance of the process, we have decided to help you understand the whole powder coating business.

So, whether you’re a novice or an expert, the best tools will help you do a perfect powder coat and, in this post, we take our time to define the best and necessary powder coat tools. We will outline the various tool options available, their uses and overall application.

Let’s get started!

 

Essential Powder Coating Tools

There are different tool types designed purposely for powder coating and their classification is based on how they are used in the procedure. Here are the tools depending on the processes:

●       Pretreatment tools

●       Application Tools

●       Curing tools

 

Pretreatment Process Tools

Cleanliness is a requirement for every item that needs powder coating. it is essential to clean any debris from the item so as to ensure the powder’s quality, durability, and efficiency is not compromised.

Ideally this makes it essential for a proper pretreatment procedure usually performed using unique tools. Just like with painting, cleaning the item to be painted ensures the quality of the paint job remains superb.

Below are a few vital tools:

●       Blast Room: Essentially this is an integral tool used to conduct a thorough cleaning on the item to be coated. This enclosure works by using compressed air in thrusting abrasive material against your product’ surface.

●    A quality Dry-Off Oven:  This represents another essential tool used in the coating process.  The washed products are heated to ‘dry off’ the vapor remaining on them. Having this particular tool ensures that the product you intend to coat will attain the required temperature needed before you start coating.

 

Application Process Tools

Applying the coat is of course the most important process. Like with the other procedures, it is also accomplished through a unique set of tools that include:

 

A Standard (Spray) Gun

The primary purpose of this equipment is electrostatic charging of the powder to allow proper application. Ideally, the entire process starts with compression of air, which is used to push the powder from this instrument towards the item you are coating.

 

Such is the pressure in this instrument that it disperses the powder in cloud form. It is this charged cloud powder that covers the item and permanently attaches the coat to your item.

 

An Exclusive (Spray) Booth

When working with powder coats, it is important to ensure that your space remains clean and well-lit for you to perform a good coating job. Like with normal painting, some of the paint, in this case, coat is usually left on the floor or around your workstation. The best way to remove this ‘overspray’ is usually by using a unique tool called a booth.

 

This unit features among others a strong fan that is designed to collect this overspray. Furthermore, it has unique airflow that contains the overspray giving you a clear sight view to see as you coat.

 

Curing Equipment

Finally, the other procedure necessary in the coating is called curing and uses a distinctive equipment called an Oven.

 

Curing Ovens

Once you have finished applying the powder coat, you must finalize it by placing the product in this special tool.

A curing oven allows for temperatures as high as 450° Fahrenheit, which exposes the products to specifically heated air for an exact time frame. After completing this process, you remove the products and allow them to cool before handling.

Curing ovens operate using different mechanisms including infrared emitters, natural gas, electric heaters, and LP-fuel.

The difference between the infrared ovens and the rest is that the latter options use heated air that moves over your painted products, and they are relatively cheaper. Nonetheless, the curing process can take between a few minutes to an hour or so for proper curing.

 

Final Word

Ultimately, we hope that this post has helped you understand the powder coating process and all the necessary tools. Next time you want to know more about powder coating, or want to get the best powder coating tools for your project, you should choose a reputable provider for the best results.

At Ramseier Koatings, we are your one stop shop for high quality, durable and affordable powder coat equipment and accessories.