According to Trail, the average...
According to Trail, the average thickness of a single coat of powder is typically 2 to 3 mils. The part number on our particular alternator bracket was weakly stamped, but it's still clearly visible after a single application. Adding primer or clear will add to overall finish thickness and can lessen the definition of small details.
HPP: Can a powdercoated finish be smoothed like a conventional finish, and how does it age?
JT: A certain amount of orange peel is inherent in a powdercoated finish, but much like conventional paint, it can be wet-sanded and buffed to remove roughness or a run. Also like paint, a powdercoated finish can fade over time if neglected, but that can be prevented with routine exterior finish maintenance, which typically includes the same polishing you'd perform on paint. If fading does occur, a cleaner wax is usually all that's required to restore a finish's original luster.
HPP: How can you repair a powdercoated finish?
JT: Repairs are tough. Light scratches can be wet-sanded and buffed, while some moderate scratches can be heated with a heat-gun and reflowed. Deep scratches, dents, or chips are difficult to repair, and the process usually involves removing the existing finish. Cured powder can sometimes be blasted off or removed with a high-strength chemical stripper. It can also be burned off, but that requires a temperature of about 650 degrees F. Once it's stripped to bare metal and the necessary repairs made, the piece can be recoated from start to finish.
HPP: Can you powdercoat exhaust components?
JT: There are high-temperature powders on the market designed for coating an exhaust system, but I haven't been overly impressed with them. It seems the product just isn't durable enough to take extreme heat, like ceramic. I feel that if you're going to coat exhaust, ceramic is the best choice.
American Muscle Authority...
American Muscle Authority in Omaha, Nebraska, commonly uses Trail Performance Coating when restoring vehicles not destined for concours-type competition. Most of the suspension and underhood components of this '65 GTO were powdercoated during its restoration.
HPP: Can you provide some general comments about home-use kits available to hobbyists?
JT: Most commercially available powdercoat kits are suitable for the home hobbyist and will yield good results, but quality is relative to price. I've had good success with kits from Eastwood (www.eastwood.com) in the past, but one must keep in mind that they're not professional-grade, so the results can vary greatly with technique.
I strongly suggest that hobbyists practice on a spare piece before attempting to coat a valuable component, and that the correct tape and/or plugs be used for masking. I'd also suggest not using the oven in your kitchen when curing powder at home because each powder has its own distinct odor, and all the family members in your household might not welcome that!
Conclusion
After learning more from Trail about the powdercoating process and the quality finish that results, it comes as no surprise that powdercoating is a popular choice amongst hobbyists and professionals alike. With the wide range of colors available, it's likely that we'll see a greater number of components powdercoated in the future.
About Trail Performance Coating
Twenty-eight-year-old Josh Trail grew up an avid automotive and motorcycle enthusiast, so it's no surprise that he started a business specializing in that field. Trail began his career ceramic-coating exhaust components and learned the technique of powdercoating in his spare time using an Eastwood kit. In 2003, he established Trail Performance Coatings in Omaha, Nebraska, intending to specialize in ceramic coating and use powdercoating as a subsidy.
Trail reports that powdercoating presently represents over half his business. To accomodate that, he moved his operation into a new 4,000-square-foot facility within the past year, adding a plethora of updated equipment at the same time. Trail Performance Coating currently employs two full-timers, and a few part-timers to accommodate its present workload.
Trail reports that powder...
Trail reports that powder is available in virtually any color imaginable and he maintains a large inventory. Though custom colors are available, customers are usually able to choose a color from the myriad charts he has. He adds that Pontiac Engine Blue (up to 1965) is also available.
Trail Performance Coating...
Trail Performance Coating has four ovens available and can accommodate components of all sizes. With the recent addition of this large, walk-in oven, the company now has the ability to powdercoat oversized items such as full-size vehicle frames. General pricing starts at: accessory brackets and pulleys, $15 each; larger parts, such as radiator support and inner fenderwells, $75; and steel wheels (one color), $50 each.