How to Use a Powdercoat Paint Process on Metal Automotive Parts

Powdercoat painting of automotive parts and equipment is one approach to colorizing metal. In addition to both matte and glossy colors that can be used, the process also creates a surface that is far more durable than traditional enamel paint. A critical step in the painting involves cooking the paint onto the metal part so that it not only adheres but bonds with the metal. This requires special equipment to not only prepare paint on the part but to cure it with a heating process.

Instructions

1

Hire a sandblaster to sandblast or media blast the metal parts so that no paint or dirt residue is left on the parts' surfaces. Deliver the parts to the blaster and allow sufficient time for the work to be performed. Tape off areas you do not want painted (i.e. threaded ends, bearing races, areas that will remain bare metal, etc.)

2

Pick up the blasted parts from the sandblaster and deliver them to the powdercoating facility. Choose the powdercoat paint you want the parts painted with. Hang the part on a metal hook from a metal rack that can be moved. Paint the part with powdercoat paint using an electrostatic charging paint gun. Apply the paint so that the part's desired surface is covered thoroughly.

3

Move the painted parts into a curing oven large enough to fit the part and hanging rack. The parts should reach the middle of the oven to allow full heat circulation. Close the oven and turn it on, raising the temperature setting to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Allow the curing process to take at least 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations of the powdercoat paint you are using.

4

Turn off the oven after heating. Open the door after venting the oven and pull the part rack out, allowing the parts to cool to room temperature. Wrap the cured parts in plastic to protect them from rubbing or scratches until they are installed.