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Powder coating of auto underbodies

I have just recently opened a custom car business. I have been working with different plating techniques and finishes for the past fifteen years. I would like to know a little bit about some technical information on powder coating. It has been brought to my attention that many are using this method on underbody applications and would like to know how wind would affect the process. Thank you.

JD Kelley
custom car and audio - Barryton, Michigan, USA
1999

Powder Coating is an electrostatic operation that the powder is charged and the part is grounded. Once applied the powder will need to be cured out at a part temp of about 350 to 400 degrees. If you are planning to apply this in a windy area, it will cause problems. The powder will blow away before it gets to the part. Once the powder is cured it will look like a liquid paint job, but have 10 times the protection and life.

Wayne Duguay
- Houston, Texas
1999

Dear Mr J D Kelley,

In addition to what Mr Wayne has correctly predicted about the Powder blowing away you should bear in mind that wind will also bring dust with it which will codeposit with the powder, and pit and mar the finish.

Talking about your Custom Car business, I wonder if I would use powder coating on a car, because if a customer came back to ask for a touch up job, recoating would make you wish you never started the business in the first place because then the entire panel would have to be reworked after stripping and curing , unlike a paint touch up job which can be accomplished on the vehicle itself.

Yes for internal parts which may not require rework , by all means go for Powder coating.

Make a good choice !

Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

1999