Tips & Tricks
Understanding Cure Schedules
Use of an infrared thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the metal of the part itself is reaching full cure temperature before starting your timer. Thicker metals will take longer to reach full cure temperature as thinner metals will reach temperature faster. . Test several spots with your infrared thermometer to ensure an accurate reading.
Do not rely on oven temperature alone. Placing a part into a preheated oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes is not the correct schedule. The metal of the part itself must reach full cure temperature before starting your timer.
Multiple Coat Colors
Candy colors typically require a chrome or silver base coat for the most reflective finish. Candies are transparent colors so whatever is under the candy will show through. You can play with other base coats to achieve unique results. When using a chrome base coat you will want to fully cure it and allow it to fully cool before applying your candy top coat.
Please be aware that the thickness of your candy top coat will affect the final color. Candy Red for example will be more pinkish if it is too light and more of a blood red if it is applied too heavy.
Dormant powders are also a 2 stage color. The dormant color is the base coat and will not "change" into the final color until the top coat is applied.
The Importance of the Ground
Prep work and a solid ground set up are 2 of the most important aspects of powder coating. The ideal set up is to have a dedicated ground rod. 6-8' length is ideal. These can be found at local hardware and big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. We recommend a 6-8' rod mounted in the ground. You can use large alligator clips to run a heavy gauge copper wire from that rod to an additional ground rod that you will hang your parts from.
You will also want to make sure you always use clean hooks, particularly on multiple coat colors where the contact point could have become covered with powder. A clean contact point is a must to ensure a proper ground. The better your ground set up, the easier it will be to get the proper attraction.