Powder coating is applied by heating an object and then dipping it into a tank of fluidised, or aerated, powder coat. The powder coat is heated so it melts and adheres to the object. Powder coat can also be applied by spraying electrostatically charged powder-coat paint onto the object and then heating to finish the process. Powder coating is commonly used as a finish for many automotive parts, including brake calipers, engine blocks and car frames. Before the powder-coating process can begin, the object must be properly prepared to receive the powder coat for proper adhesion.
Remove parts attached to the object that will be powder coated. Loosen and remove bolts or screws holding parts in place and remove gaskets and bearings that do not need to be powder coated from the object. Use a screwdriver, adjustable wrench or pliers to help remove parts.
Sand the object you are having powder coated with sandpaper to remove old paint or rust. Begin with a coarse-grit sandpaper and change to progressively finer grit until the bare metal is exposed and is free of all paint and finish.
Wipe the surface with Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). Wearing gloves and safety glass, pour MEK onto a rag. Wipe the object to remove debris and dust remaining from the sanding process.
Tape off areas of the object, including bolt threads, on which the powder coat should not be applied. Cover the areas to be excluded from the powder coat with high-temperature masking tape.
Cover exposed bolt threads and other small parts that cannot be removed with silicon caps and plugs. Place the caps and plugs securely on the parts.
