With powder coating you can create some truly amazing finishes that are both visually impressive and durable, but if something goes wrong with the application it can be a real headache to remove and start over.

Beyond the basics of cleaning and prepping, here are some practical powder coating practices/tips that will help ensure the best possible finish outcome.

1. Spray Samples

After receiving your powder take the time to read through the TDS document (Application Guide) for your powder, and before you pull the trigger on your production work always spray out a sample piece, doing so will help ensure that you know how the powder behaves in your specific environment and will help prevent unwanted surprises. The relatively short amount of time it takes to do this is worth it, especially if the alternative means laboriously stripping powder from your parts.

2. No Shooting Hot

We are aware of the temptation to shoot parts while they are hot whether to save time or to make the powder stick easier. While this method is not necessarily wrong, it is risky. When shooting hot, the powder begins to melt on contact making it easy to apply too much powder which can cause texturing or coloration issues. With a clean secure ground and when a spray gun is properly setup and adjusted for the given conditions, the powder should have no problem adhering when spraying parts which have cooled to room temperature.

3. Check Your Work

We are advocates of taking the time to check your work before the powder fully cures. Doing so means you have the opportunity to correct certain issues in the event that you need to. There is a small window of opportunity right after the powder flows out or 'gels' when you can touch up specific areas without having to respray the entire piece. It is also the perfect time to add a second coat if you find that the first coat is too thin.

4. Don't Skimp on Equipment

Purchasing entry level or hobbyist equipment is okay for the beginner or hobbyist but their shortcomings will become apparent when trying to accomplish custom 2 or 3 coat finishes or when tasked with the non-stop duties of a job shop.

Custom powder coating calls for more specialized equipment. Maximum flexibility from your entire spray system is key, which includes; broad range voltage adjustment, control over powder atomization, deep earth ground, various spray gun nozzles and a fluidizing hopper.

5. Practice Your Technique

Powder coating takes some skill, and like all skills, it must be honed to become not only adequate but proficient. It would be unreasonable to assume that one could simply buy powder and a cheap spray gun and inherit a mastery of the craft. Expect to make mistakes, so be patient and allow yourself room for those mistakes to take place. Practice with the finish types that require a higher level of skill before moving on to the production work or project. Never assume anything, and be willing to learn by asking questions of those who know the trade.