PowderCoating??

[Mas]

I'm looking at a couple of my motors and thinking some painting may be required...especially with my '50 Johnson 5hp project. I've read a couple of threads with people having good results with aerosol cans with factory color etc, but having just had an aluminum railing powder coated...it got me thinking...which is usually bad!

This finish on my railing is very hard....but I'm not sure what additives might be used that would react poorly with salt water?

You know where I'm going, so what are your thoughts?

MAS

 

[arks]

Re: PowderCoating??

Sure, you could have your motor parts powdercoated, but consider this:
- each part must be completely disassembled and all gasket material removed.
- each part will undergo (at least) a 3 stage cleaning process before coating.
- after coating, each part will be subjected to oven curing of at least 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
- parts with a large mass (aka engine blocks) have to be heated longer for proper curing, and they take longer to cool.
- castings can be particularly difficult to coat properly due to rough textures.
- because of the electrostatic application, some internal areas will get coated unless completely masked or plugged before coating.
- aluminium and alloy castings can be difficult material to get good bonding (adhesion), resulting in potential finish peeling.

Powdercoating done properly is a very tough finish and will withstand saltwater spray, but it's downfall is that when corrosion starts (usually from a pinhole or scratch). it can go undetected under the coating for a long time.
Remember- in simplistic terms, powdercoating is nothing but a plastic dust that's melted over the part.

I used to be the plant manager of a powdercoating shop and while it's an extremely good coating when properly applied, it definitely has its limitations.
In the shop, our gospel was written on a big sign "Preparation is Everything". Believe it.

 

[F_R]

Re: PowderCoating??

arks, thanks for that excellent information. I was wondering about the same question.

 

[Mas]

Re: PowderCoating??

...ya thanks...another bright idea down the drain! I'll stick to the aerosol can...you scared me away.

MAS