Summary for powder coating brass instruments Discussion
Powder coating brass band instruments is discussed as a possible way to make a marching band’s horns match in color, but the advice is cautious. In the thread, Tom Spear asks whether powder coating will change the sound, whether a phos-coat iron bath will affect brass, whether clear coat can be used on polished brass, and whether a 400 °F oven could distort formed brass. The reply says that, based on opinions found online, coatings probably do not significantly affect sound for marching-band use, especially since plastic horns are already common; however, that might be different for a symphony instrument. The bigger concerns are practical: adhesion to brass can be difficult, previous repairs or soldered areas may be affected by 400 °F, and valves would need careful masking. The answerer recommends a liquid sprayed coating instead, beginning with an etching primer made for brass.
Q. A local marching band wants all their brass instruments to match, color wise. They want my company to powder coat them. Is this advisable? Will the powder affect the sound of the instruments? Will our phos-coat iron bath affect the brass? Can a clear coat be used on polished brass? Will our 400 °F oven affect the shape of the formed brass? Help?
tom spear
accurate mfg. – racine Wisconsin
September 8, 2016
A. Hi Tom. Not being a musician, I googled for some opinions about the effect on sound. From the fact that many, if not most, felt that coatings do not significantly affect the sound, and that plastic horns are becoming commonplace for marching bands, I wouldn’t worry about the possible change in sound. If it was a symphony orchestra, that might be different.
Still, getting reliable adhesion onto brass can be a bear, and I would be worried about solders, patches or other previous repairs, etc., being affected by 400 °F. I’d also be worried about masking all the valves properly for that temperature. So I’d suggest a liquid sprayed coating instead, starting with an etching primer made for brass. My opinion is probably worth what you paid for it 🙂
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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September 2016