Powder Coating Aluminum in the Home Shop - How to Basics, Tips, Tricks & More

[351cleavland]

And powdercoating stops the aluminum from rusting!!!!

[wog1guy]

I have enjoyed your videos, thanks for sharing. Just a bit of advice from someone who has been powder coating a long time... Never hold the parts in your hand, some powders will explode into a ball of flame if there is a spark from the cheaper style guns. Search youtube for "powder coating flammability city of Orangeburg" for a great demo.

[saunixcomp]

@wog1guy watched it at v=rgbeJmv5EQQ . I disagree with the of the word 'explode'. It's flammable. So are lots of compounds, chemicals and liquids in any house or machine shop. This video demostration was an open flame and significant powder (2lb!). That's not the same as a few grams of powder and a spark. Takeaway: you shouldn't let pounds of powder accumulate on the floor. Otherwise use standard safety measures including eye protection.

[CaptKROD]

I have some random slightly retarded questions. I'm interested in powder coating Poptabs, and other small pieces of metal. For aluminum pieces that small, would you still bake it for 20 minutes? Is it possible to do a clear coat on top of a color coat? After the powder coat has dried does it smell? And if you have two items both spray painted, if you rub them together the paint will instantly scratch off and both surfaces will look horrible! does powder coated objects do the same?

[icrjws]

@CaptKROD No dumb questions at all. Yes, you still bake for 20-25 minutes, regardless of size. Yes, I believe you can clear coat, but remember that you have have a spot on the part to connect the negative charge to the part. No, powder coated parts will not rub off like a krylon or other type of wet spray. No smell after it has dried.

[PhastSkizzicks]

I've been watching your channel since you were working out of your apartment. I'm retired and I started a business just like you. So you might say I'm a fan. I enjoy your videos very much. You seem like a nice guy, but I have a respectful suggestion. You say "um" and "ah" with every breath. If you'd like to take your videos to the next level I suggest you practice speaking sans those sounds. Listen to mrpete222, he's a master at teaching, and you'll never hear him say "ah." Thanks for listening.

[saunixcomp]

@PhastSkizzicks You know - you're right. Thanks for the tip - I'll work on it.

[CaptKROD]

very cool! makes me want to go out and buy one, and a garage. I have a question. With the same tools and powders, can you also powder coat Brass and Stainless steel???????

[saunixcomp]

@CaptKROD Yes - you can powder coat both brass and stainless steel.

[Films4You]

Good for Computer Modding as well

[racedaemon]

You could clean the parts in a ultrasound cleaner, i've seen all sorts of things cleaned that way, on youtube. No personal experience, but it seems faster and easier.

[sabecon]

I haven't tried mine yet, but after looking at Hossmachine's video, I checked Amazon and picked up the Sears gun for $27.

[JohnGrimsmo]

Great video! I've been powdercoating for a few years, but I prefer anodizing much more, although it's a lot harder to do at home. Powder can go on thick and throw parts out of tolerance, or have drips, but if you're careful and plan for it, it should work great. Hot water and dishsoap or Simple Green with a toothbrush works great for cleaning the parts too! Caswell Plating is also an awesome source for powders.

[saunixcomp]

@JohnGrimsmo Great point re: anodizing being thicker and possibly ruining tolerances. I find powder coating difficult to apply in consistent thicknesses - but that is only an issue if you are looking for very tight tolerances (e.g. 1 thousandth of an inch). We do a lot of anodizing too, but its a lot more work, setup, chemicals, and danger than powder coating. Thanks for the Caswell tip - I forgot about them!

[billdlv]

you can get foam tipped swabs from mcmaster carr and newark online. They are more expensive than q-tips but don't leave anything behind.

Looking forward to the plasma cnc videos. You were wise in getting a water table.

[saunixcomp]

@billdlv Thanks for the tip re: swabs from mcmaster - great idea. Plasma should be delivered today or tomorrow!

[zippy308]

Are you able to mix the powders to make custom colors or would it come out looking like a zebra?

[saunixcomp]

@zippy308 Great question. I've never tried (never had the need to). If someone doesn't chime in here first, I'll give it a try this week. My guess is that mixing colors would cause them to bleed versus zebra-look. I believe the best way to get the zebra look is to mask off parts with high-temperate tape designed to withstand the heat of powder coating.

[BuickDoc]

@zippy308 I have no experience personally, but I have read that you can. In one article, the author prepared a series of Blacks with 0% gloss to mirror gloss. He also made some like blue+yellow= green. I would certainly accurately measure the powder and test the mixture before I used it on an important piece.