Powder Coating

[beeser]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of powder coating steel wheels? The cost is about the same here as solvent based type paints.

[Glenn]

I don't know about disadvantages, but powder coating is definitely durable.

[jpflat2a]

Steve, Glenn powdercoated his wheels several years ago; has been very pleased. They don't nick and scratch anywhere near as fast as painted. I went overboard on my Jeep: front bumper, roll cage, tow bar, draw bar, hood catches, all were powdercoated gloss black. With me, it seems rattle can paint faded in 2 weeks or less; got tired of painting. I also 'coated my sand tire wheels, 14"wide, for the dunes; very happy with them ! A quality job will last a very long time !

[Glenn]

I did? Obviously we're talking a different Glenn. ;)

[jpflat2a]

I am talking about member jeepngem; his name is Glenn also. Hellooooooo !

[ljspop]

Hey Jim,

Any recommendations for a powder coating place? I like to get my roll bar done.

Thanks,

Bob

[jpflat2a]

There are 2 or 3 places here in Riverside; I don't know of any in your area. I found mine by letting my fingers do the walking..... Talk to some of the hot rod guys in your area...they will know where to go.

[beeser]

Hey Jim,

Any recommendations for a powder coating place? I like to get my roll bar done.

Thanks,

Bob
There are tons of places in the phone book. I called most of them in the East County yesterday for my wheels and just chose the cheapest quote with the least turn around time. I didn't know enough to ask the kind of questions in selecting the most qualified. If location was not an issue, I would've used R.W. Little on Pacific Hwy. I've used them on other commercial projects involving special coatings. They also do powder coating now.

[jpflat2a]

I really don't think they can screw it up no matter what. Some places may offer more color selection than others, if you are looking for something specific or trying to match a color.
My other opinion is if you are going to be bolting something back together after powdercoating, tire rack, brackets, whatever, enlarge the holes very slightly BEFORE 'coating as the 'coating can fill the holes and make the diameter of the hole slightly smaller, then you end up redrilling or chipping the 'coating to get the bolt to go through. NOTE: not necc to do this on the wheels Steve.

[Boyink]

Hmm...I had a bumper done years ago, a custom 4" tube job on my old Plymouth Scamp. I had it done in gloss black.

I was never happy with it - it seemed to mar as easily as paint, and it oxidized something terrible.

But it wasn't done by an automotive-related place either, and was probably just a quality issue.

[jpflat2a]

I would think the process is the same; maybe the quality of the coating material; oven temp ?

[beeser]

I went overboard on my Jeep: front bumper, roll cage, tow bar, draw bar, hood catches, all were powdercoated gloss black.
Yep, I noticed your handiwork. Nice!

[beeser]

Hmm...I had a bumper done years ago, a custom 4" tube job on my old Plymouth Scamp. I had it done in gloss black.

I was never happy with it - it seemed to mar as easily as paint, and it oxidized something terrible.

But it wasn't done by an automotive-related place either, and was probably just a quality issue.
I did a little reading before taking my wheels to a powder coater. As Jim stated, the selection of material makes a difference. Apparently, the epoxy type powders, while good for corrosive environments, do not do well in sunlight. I finally chose a polyester/TGIC powder that supposedly is durable and weathers well in sunlight.

[jpflat2a]

I finally chose a polyester/TGIC powder that supposedly is durable and weathers well in sunlight.

What does TGIC stand for ?

[ljspop]

Come on guys - I was looking for a "this place is dirt cheap and does great work" kind of answer. :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

I called one place a while back and it seemed kinda steep (IIRC ~$250 - $360 - I have a full roll cage). Krylon's about $4 a can. Does that price sound ballpark, or should I call some more.

Not looking to do this right away - just investigating options.

Thanks,

Bob

[beeser]

Bob,
Try Valley Powder Coating and Sandblasting at (619) 390-5072. They are doing my wheels at $30 each. I'm no expert but I would say $100 for a rollbar is appropriate. In calling around, I found the shops that were the busiest (evidenced by long lead times) were also the most expensive.

[ljspop]

Thanks Steve!

:beer:

[beeser]

What does TGIC stand for ?
I don't know but I think it has something to do with the way the polymers are crosslinked.

[jpflat2a]

I think I paid $150 for the full rollbar and cage; I also have full size wheel well plates that the roll bar is welded to... a lot more surface area to coat...

[manden68]

What does TGIC stand for ?
I don't know but I think it has something to do with the way the polymers are crosslinked.

TGIC: Triglycidylisocyanurate
Here's a safety sheet on the stuff

http://www.nicnas.gov.au/publications/pdf/infosheet15.pdf

[jpflat2a]

Now I know why we just say TGIC ! That sounds like a serious health problem !
Thanks manden68 ! :beer:

[JohnyJeep]

TGIC= thank God it's complicated :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[vanguard]

Steve,

Were you happy with the way your wheels turned out? I called Valley Powdercoating and they wanted $75 to sandblast and powdercoat my new grill. Seems pretty reasonable.

[beeser]

Steve,

Were you happy with the way your wheels turned out? I called Valley Powdercoating and they wanted $75 to sandblast and powdercoat my new grill. Seems pretty reasonable.
They did a good job on all 5 of my wheels. No complaints. But why powder coat instead of the standard solvent based paint?

[vanguard]

Mostly cost plus thoughts of a stainless steel grill cover. :D Local body shops seem to want about $150 vs the $75 for powdercoat. Grill covers seem to run about $100 or so online. Plus theres the bling factor. R)

[beeser]

Joel - Just remembered the only part of the powder coating that I didn't particularly like was where the inside and outer part of the rim come together. The coating didn't appear to reach inside far enough or fill the crack because a small amount of rust has developed. Someone mentioned this problem before with powder coating rims. It's not that big of a deal though. I grill should turn out great.

[craig66cj]

powder coating = a thicker coating and typically a more durable finish, all in a single coat.

Body shop probably wanted more for solvent paint because a typical automotive solvent paint job (from bare metal) would involve primer, one or more coats of color, followed by clear coat and possibly wet sanding/polishing. If you tell them you want a durable, industrial type finish rather than show car shine they may be able to give you a better price.

Big advantages for automaker in powder coats is:
no solvents = less pollution control required, reduced health risks
less waste = powder "overspray" is reclaimed and blended with "virgin" powder in effect recycling the overspray waste and saving money.

However, most OEm automakers are still using solvent paints for color and clear coats in order to achieve quality of showroom shine required to be competitive. Powder is used mostly for primer where a thick durable coating can offer maximum rust protection and cosmetics are not an issue.

[Steamer]

Crud, I was hoping powder coating was going to be a slick way to go. I'm not sure I'd want to see rust again anytime soon after spending a fair coin or two. Might stick with having them painted after all. Gotta check into this a little more, I guess.