Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Gold Leaf adhesion to exterior grade powder coat

We have a large number of pressed iron decorative parts for an exterior sculpture which are to be gold leafed. To prolong the life we are proposing to yellow passivate zinc plate and then powder coat which seems to work fine in tests. But we are worried about the long term adhesion of the oil based size which is used to fix the gold to the powder coat surface. Has anyone done anything similar?. Is there an external powder coat that offers superior adhesion generally or would we be better off just priming?

Simon Dormon
Manufacturer - London, U.K.
July 6, 2011

---

You could use a powdercoat instead of gold leaf.
And it would not be possible for any other than an expert to tell that its not gold leaf.
We've done finials that way. Looks like Gold leaf, feels like it, seems like it, most believe it is - but its polyester.

Geoff Crowley
Crithwood Ltd.
Westfield, Scotland, UK

July 7, 2011

---

July 11, 2011

Hi,
I have a little experience in this field.
Some years ago a religious sect approached me about powder coating segments of roof panelling for a house of worship they were building.
They had assembled a very impressive array of experts from all over the world.
They had never employed Powdercoat previously.
I agreed to experiment with them.
The results were remarkable.
The thing they stressed was that the Powdercoat must be Golden Yellow or equivalent.
The substrate was non conductive and therefore I required to pre - spray it with colloidal graphite.
I do not know what was done to my work after I coated it with yellow.
I can only suggest that it could have been a solvent wipe to remove excess wax and possibly an abrasion to encourage adhesion.
The end result however was spectacular and possibly life changing.
To be invited as a failed Christian to take off your shoes and enter these people's sacred space and then experience the peace within will always be with me.
Pax Vobiscum, Allah Akbah, what is the difference?
Bill Doherty

William Doherty
Trainer - Salamander Bay, Australia