Powder Coating?

[snapperbait]

Anyone here ever had a t-top or other large piece powder coated?... What was the cost?<br /><br />I have an old t-top that I picked up along the way, but the anodized surface is shot... Scrached up, and some pitting from salt spray...<br /> <br />Don't really want to paint it, but as a last resort I might....<br /><br />Tried stripping the anodize off with a die grinder and a scotch brite pad (which works great) and polishing it, but theres alot of metal there and at the rate I'm going (full bore), it'll be next year before it's done.. <br /><br />Any suggestions?

 

[scamper]

Re: Powder Coating?

One suggestion, sand blast it with very fine sand.<br />-----------------------------------------------<br />There are old sailor, and bold sailors,<br />But no old bold sailors.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Powder Coating?

B.J.B,<br />Not Exactly what you're asking, But down the same road.....<br />I've just completed a Semi-Rigid Bimini(80"X110"X74") for my boat.... I built it out of Alum. conduit,+ Whatever Alum. pieces I could find laying around.... Some Anodized, Some not.... To weld the pieces, they must be Wire Brushed clean with a Stainless Brush.... The Anodize Must come off because it doesn't conduct Ele.,+ your Welds will be patchy......<br />AnyWay... After a year an' a half of Cutting, Fitting, Brushing, Welding, Grinding, Brushing, Welding, Grinding, Brushing,Etc... I had to decide WHAT to Paint it.....<br />That's when I decided to go Back Over Every Single Square Inch of the Miles of Tubing, with my 4" Grinder,+ a Stainless Steel Cup Brush(this is the ONLY Way to clean Alum.).... Using Short Strokes of about 3 or 4"... The Effect was Pretty Cool... I completed the task in two nights, Then shot it with Clear Lacquer......<br />So Far, the Tests Look Good..... It's looking Exactly like it did when I brushed it.... My test pieces started turning oxidized/Gray in Only a couple weeks.....

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Powder Coating?

Bondo, you built your own Bimini? You're my hero man!

 

[jimchere]

Re: Powder Coating?

Ralph,<br />Seen lots of powder coating in the Navy, we do it on lots of things. As a corrosion preventative, it is excellent, but only if surface preparation is done perfectly. The problem with powder coating is the finish is very brittle. It fares poorly in any situation where the metal is either hit (gets hit by impact such as rocks, tools, etc)or flexes. What happens is once the powder coating is chipped (which happens easily) then moisture and especially salt gets underneath and it goes bad very quick. Don't know about the cost that much, but it is more expensive than painting though not exhorbitantly expensive. It is excellent, however, if done correctly and for something that doesn't receive more than light abuse. Otherwise, take a look or search for EuroNavy epoxies. I've used this extensively in bilge areas on ships and other harsh environments and it lasts a long time.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Powder Coating?

Hey Jim,<br /><br />I was with Raytheon and I remember any aluminum we used for the Navy was anodized.<br /><br />Ever hear of NESP when you were in the Navy?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Powder Coating?

Ya Ralph,<br />Part of a Railroad Crossing..... A couple Hospital Bed parts.... A Bunch of Alu. Conduit....<br />Getting ready to start another for my New Old Boat......<br />Using Street Light Arms as the up-rights......<br />Their a Really Cool Oval Alum. tube......<br /><br />Did it All but the Sewing.... It's Full ensinglass All Round....<br /><br />I wish I had a digicamera, I'd show ya....

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Powder Coating?

Bondo, Thanks... I read that somewhere before about the lacquer... I'd like to see that bimini too.... sounds cool.... <br /><br />I went out there tonite and just looked at the thing, finally comming to the realization that you just can't polish a turd.... It's beat, bent, and corroded..... So, I'm just gonna straighten it up a little, scuff it up, and paint the dang thing with some rattle cans.. Maybe get at least a year or two out of it.... <br /><br />When i get set up with a new mig welder, i'll probably make a new top out of stainless and be done with it...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Powder Coating?

snapperbait,<br />Don't give up yet.....<br />I'm telling you, it's an Equal amount of labor to paint it, as it is to hit it All with a 4 1/2" Grinder(if you don't already own 1, you need 1... about $100. for a Good 1) equipped with a SS cup, or pancake Brush(about twice as much as Steel, But a nessesity)....<br />I found my lacquer at Lowes in Rustolium rattle cans, It took 5.......<br />All them Scratches,+ Corrosion will Disappear....<br />There's a work of Art, Under that Turd in your garage....

 

[Red Rider]

Re: Powder Coating?

snapperbait! There is a product that is used on aluminum to clean it. For the life of me I can't remember any of the brand names as I haven't been around it or used it in years. But it is used to clean the aluminum coils etc. on air coditioners, aluminum fuel tanks on semi-trucks, and so forth. <br /><br />It is a strong alkiline solution (not an acid solution). It is brushed on and washed off with water a few minutess later. (More than one application may be needed). It removes all the oxidation, anodizing, dirt, etc. and leaves aluminum a bright white (milk) color. <br /><br />This white finish will start to turn gray after a few days, or it can be polished with some of the many aluminum polishes out there. I think one aluminum polish that makes it shine like crome and protects it is caller "outer" (pronounced water). Or you can use a rouge polish on it. I am not sure but I think white or green rouge, not red or black rouge is used on aluminum.

 

[Trent]

Re: Powder Coating?

Red Rider may be thinking of Alumiprep? This place has alot of neat stuff.... web page

 

[iwhitevt]

Re: Powder Coating?

How about the aluminum wheel cleaner from the auto parts place? just a thought.

 

[vegard]

Re: Powder Coating?

what about stuff used on outboards and outdrives? that stuff is durable when done right