Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
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Fingerprints on textured powder coat
2002
RFQ: I need a product to remove finger prints from powder coating. Many surfaces are perforated so I cannot use a paste of any type.
Kenny R [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Panama City, Florida
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
Q. We manufacture display elements and one of these elements is a thin walled steel tube which is powder coated using a textured epoxy powder in a silver color. We are seeing fingerprint-like mottling of the surface over time and handling. The only ways that I have been able to remove this is with MEK / methyl ethyl ketone (which I suspect is removing a layer of the coating and also dulls the finish slightly) or by stripping and re-painting. Is there any other possibility for removing this? Is it possible that something is reacting with the steel (it is not primed but does go through a wash system)?
Rob Madayexhibits - metal manufacturing - Eagan, Minnesota, USA
2004
A. Dear Rob,
Your problem is quite a common one - Aluminum powder finishes can be made from leafing or non-leafing aluminum flake. The defects you describe suggests your powder is made using leafing aluminum flake. This means that during the baking cycle the Al flake floats to the surface of the applied powder giving a very bright finish. The aluminum on the baked film surface is subject to attack from perspiration excretion of uric acid), and things can become even worse if handled by the gentler sex at certain monthly cycles.
Non leafing results in the powder flake being entrapped in the powder film and thus protected from finger marks but produces a duller aluminum finish.
Terry HicklingBirmingham, United Kingdom
2004
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