FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Powder coating is a combination of pigment and resin that is ground into a powder form and is sprayed on an item to be coated. The powder is charged with high voltage which is then attracted to the electrically grounded item to be coated. The item is heated in a curing oven until the powder flows into a liquid form. After curing for a specific amount of time, the part is removed to cool, leaving a high quality, durable finish.

By combining a base coat with a top coat, incredible custom powder coat colors can be created. Not only are unique, personalized colors created, but the durability, impact, scratch and wear resistance of the coating is enhanced with a two coat application as well.

Powder generally has a shelf life of 6 months if it is properly stored in a cool, dry place.

Try increasing the oven temperature or dwell time. Try reducing the thickness of the coating by lowering the voltage or spray time.

Ensure the oven temperature and cure time is correct. Remember, the cure time starts when the substrate reaches the cure temperature, not when the part is placed in the oven.

If the color looks yellow, the oven temperature is too high or the dwell time is too long. .

The substrate was brought to temperature too slowly, or the powder was applied too heavily. Ensure the oven has reached the correct temperature before placing the parts in the oven.

The first letter in our Control # denotes its chemical make-up. E=Epoxy, H=Hybrid, P=Polyester, U=Polyurethane. E and H are not UV stable. P and U are UV stable. To be safe, adding a clear coat to any powder can increase its life.

The coating is under cured, had a poor pre-treatment, or the film thickness is to heavy.

All of Prismatic's 6500 colors are made to order. We do not stock powder on the shelf because we have so many colors. Materials arrive for processing continually, sometimes there are time and demand issues that keep us from same or next day shipping. For orders that must ship same day, Prismatic offers an Expedite service which guarantees your order to ship same or next day. Ask a representative for more details on our Expedite service.

Because all powders are made to order, we must charge a 50% return fee once your powder has been manufactured. Returns cannot be accepted after 30 days from shipping. Powder that has been used or damaged will not be accepted. Please contact Customer Service for a return merchanize authorization number which must be written on the outside of the box to ensure your credit is processed correctly.

Generally 2 -3 weeks. This depends on the response time from your references.

We now offer International Shipping to over 50 countries. All major credit cards and wire transfers are accepted for international orders. Call Customer Service for wire transfer details.

Our topcoats, including candies and transparent metallics, are sprayed over brushed aluminum. To achieve this look, a basecoat of Super Chrome (USS 4482) or a bright silver metallic can be used.

Some powders will start cross linking when temperatures exceed 100F for extended periods (I.E over weekends and holidays). To avoid lumpy powder, avoid weekend and holiday shipping. Prismatic offers low cost flat rate air shipping. Ask a Customer Service Representative for details.

Powders that contain certain metals will oxidize when exposed to the elements. In some cases a clear coat is recomended or required. Ask a Customer Service Representative for specific product requirements.

Because it was not cured for enough time.

Because they shot hot.

Double coat base color.

Scotchbright blow off and discharge.

When metal reaches temperature part should be cured for 15 minutes. This will result in a total cure time of approximately 45 minutes at 400F.

K.V. fry base coat 45 K.V. top coat drop down to 30 K.V. keep gun away from part on top coat. When shooting the base coat, the K.V. should be 45. On the top coat, drop to 30 K.V., and keep the gun further away from the part.

If you get a substrate that is hard to shoot, double coat the transparent by first putting down a light coat, and then putting down a second medium to heavy coat.

Any metal that is able to withstand the curing temperatures involved with the powder coating process. Generally 350 - 425 degrees F.

Powder coated surfaces are more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than other finishes. Color selection is virtually unlimited with high and low gloss, metallic, textures, and clear finishes available.