Powder Paint on Fiberglass?

RockSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 05:59 AM

I know it is a weird concept, but I have been on a powder-coating binge for this entire project. The "professionals" are doubtful, but here are my thoughts:

- Powder Paints are now available in a wonderful variety of colors.
- Powder Paints are TOUGH.
- Fiberglass is non-conductive, but my experience indicates that it loves to take a static charge (just may have to get really creative in applying the static).
- Powder Paint requires 375-400 degrees to cure. However, Infra-red lamps can do this by heating the surface only, and not the substrate. Also, the newer resins are much more heat tolerant.

I am very curious if anyone on this forum has experimented, or has comments/suggestions.

David
Improvements do not occur without pushing the boundaries.

James Baldwin · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 06:35 AM

There is a company in Ohio that has powder coated hard plastics, but I can't remember the name. I think 427Aggie (Matt) knows the company's name

Some things to remember about powder coating:

1. It does not like to expand and contract with changs in temp. You may end up with stress lines (small cracks) with significcant weather changes

2. The finish will never look deep like a paint job because it is all pigment and no clear coat

3. The finish will never have a high gloss. Most gloss powder coating looks semi-gloss at best.

I am no professional on it but I have powder coated many parts on my car and used powder coating as a significant part of a picture frame manufacturing business.

Just one opinion.
James

RockSnake · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002, 10:36 AM

Interesting input. I was completely unaware of any issue with temperature change. However, I have experimented with bending a piece of coated sheet-metal...with no ill effects.

As to the gloss, I have successfully used a clear powder coat on several occasions. In one case, I put a gloss on an unretouched cast aluminum intake manifold. Very interesting; texture, and gloss on the same piece.

James Baldwin · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 06:09 PM

I have a clear gloss coat on my polished aluminum valve covers and in the right sunlight you can see the stress cracks in the clear. The company who coated them says they will redo them at no charge so I don't know if it is normal to have those cracks or not.

Good luck

Jeff Frigo · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002, 10:11 PM

If done right, there is no worry about temp. change. What do you think wheels from the factoryare done with now a days? Powder coating. No cracks. Now I don't know about fiberglass though.

Captain Speed · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2002, 09:38 AM

The wheels on my mustang have cracks.

Alan Schup · #7 (**permalink**) 10-16-2002, 04:10 AM

My neighbor has powdercoated his aluminum wheels with CLEAR and has very little cleanup to do in order to make them look showroom new before the shows. The wheels look exceptionally bright and shiny. We will see what temperature extremes will do to his wheels now that yankee weather is upon us soon.

-Alan