mortimersnerd's Powder Coating Thread

[mortimersnerd]

Originally Posted by TDN1979

I thought this was interesting lol, mortimer, what's the story behind this?

I got the scratches when using it for lan parties. It got the curved scratch and then one of my friends thought it would be funny to make it into a question mark

[TDN1979]

haha, well I just got home with a new air dryer for my compressor system and found out that I forgot a fitting. So, I'm leaving out again to see if I can get it. I'm wondering if my last dryer was teh cause of the problems that I was having? I guess we will find out.

[TDN1979]

Well guys, I'm sorry to say but this will be the last case that I will be doing. For some reason, the powder just won't lay right and look good. As some of you know, I have had a problem with shooting powder ever since I started. I'm forced to strip the parts back down and shoot them again and hope they turn out right. Well, that is not the case with this one.

This black chrome is a heavy metallic and went on great. But, after I took it out of the oven, I noticed right away that there was something wrong. I'm going to shoot another coat over this one to see if it will lay right, that's right, a free second coat. If not, then I will have to strip it down adn do it again.

I'm just at the end of my rope and I can't take it anylonger. This happens on every case that I do, hell, every part. I have one of the best dryers, I have built a spray booth, there is nothing that is getting on the powder, I just don't think it's for me.

Everyone, I'm sorry but this is it for me. Below is something that I have not showed anyone, the mistakes that are happening. So, here they are. Comment away.

[ErBall]

i still think it look sexy.......

[neobloodline]

Looks like you're very close to having the right technique. I've always heard humidity is the key.


From this page:
http://cr.pennnet.com/display_articl...art-to-finish/



Humidity headaches

Fluctuations in humidity can also contribute to defects in a powder-coated finish. Powder is extremely sensitive to moisture; excessive humidity can cause the powder to agglomerate, or clump. Consequently, the ability to spray the powder consistently and fluidly is compromised, causing little spits or balls of powder that can clog the pump and other equipment. According to Mike Preston, president of MaxAir Environmental Systems (Burlington, Ontario; www.maxairev.com), “Powder loves 72 to 75°F and 50 percent humidity. If the humidity is too high or too low, sometimes the powder goes on clumpy, or too thin, or it won’t stay on the part long enough to make it to the oven.”

Excessive humidity, as well as excessive dryness, can also cause problems with electrostatics, making it difficult or impossible to impart a charge to the powder particles as they are sprayed. “With electrostatics, we’re discharging energy off of a small wire at the end of the spray gun,” explains Hale. “This energy is actually ionizing the air molecules. There’s a certain range of moisture in the air that helps us to be able to do that: If there’s an excessive amount of moisture in the air, it doesn’t allow us to conduct the charge onto the paint particles as they pass through the ionized airfield. If it’s too dry, there’s not enough moisture for the process to work either.” Without the proper electrostatic charge, the powder will not adhere properly to the substrate.

[TDN1979]

The powder does look good where it laid right. But, in teh spots that it did not, I have no clue what it happening. I have been doing this for 5 years and when I had my Wagner gun, I didn't have this problem. I got this gun so that I could do the candy's and multi coats but I think it's my downfall.

The powder is not clumping up, it goes on fine. It's when it flows out that there is a problem. I'm just going to hang it up and let CyberDruid have all the powder coating work. It's not worth it anymore. I have lost money on every job that I have done.

[Mmansueto]

Originally Posted by TDN1979

The powder does look good where it laid right. But, in teh spots that it did not, I have no clue what it happening. I have been doing this for 5 years and when I had my Wagner gun, I didn't have this problem. I got this gun so that I could do the candy's and multi coats but I think it's my downfall.

The powder is not clumping up, it goes on fine. It's when it flows out that there is a problem. I'm just going to hang it up and let CyberDruid have all the powder coating work. It's not worth it anymore. I have lost money on every job that I have done.

I am sorry to hear that man.

[TDN1979]

you win some you lose some. I just lose more than most. Sorry OCN. I'm putting my request to have my Artisan status removed and I will be making a new name.

[TDN1979]

I think I found out what the problem is, well one atleast. But still done have the cash to get the item that I need.

Anyway, here are the final pics. There are 48 of them so it will take two posts. Mortimer, let me know what you think.

[TDN1979]