Powder coating can provide long-lasting protection for a variety of surfaces than normal painting process. It is the best choice for a variety of electric appliances, cars, sports facilities, outdoor furniture and countless other items. Today, we will learn about the advantages of powder coating which provides both a stylish appearance and impressive durability for your wheels and rims.
Opting for custom rims every time you want to spruce up your vehicle is not a feasible option. Instead, consider investing in powder-coated wheels, which can add a visually appealing touch at an affordable cost. While car experts have debated the advantages and disadvantages of painting versus powder coating wheels, we’ll demonstrate why powder-coated wheels are the superior choice.
Intro of Powder Coating
Powder coating can alter the color of various components of your vehicle, including wheels, trim, and panels, while simultaneously providing extra protection. This process involves electrically charging pigments and resin particles, which are then sprayed onto the desired material. The electrostatic nature of these particles enables them to adhere to the surface, resulting in a durable finish.
Regardless of which vehicle component you choose to powder coat, it will require baking to facilitate particle blending and curing. Once the item has been baked, the end result will be a striking and long-lasting finish.
Powder Coating Process
As previously mentioned, powder coating utilizes an electrical charge rather than an adhesive to adhere to the surface. To begin powder coating wheels, it’s necessary to remove the tires and any weights or valves attached. It may be beneficial to pressure wash the wheels beforehand to eliminate stubborn dirt.
To strip the rims of their prior coating or paint, they should be immersed in a chemical stripping tank. Afterward, a final pressure wash should be performed to guarantee a clean surface for coating. Next, a material blast is conducted to eliminate any corrosion or imperfections. It’s essential to inspect the wheels carefully after this step to identify any signs of damage.
The next step is baking. Similar to a Thanksgiving turkey, the wheels must be preheated to approximately 400 degrees in an industrial oven for approximately 20 minutes. This process de-gasses the alloy before the application of the powder coat primer.
Once the wheels have reached a temperature of 150 degrees, they must be allowed to cool. If a custom or bespoke finish is being applied, an additional 40 minutes in the oven will be necessary for curing. To complete the baking process, a clear coat should be applied to the wheels before baking at 200 degrees for an additional 20 minutes.
With the final step accomplished, the wheels can now be reinstalled, with new valves added and balancing weights positioned inside the wheels to avoid interfering with the powder-coated finish.
Benefits of Powder Coated Wheels
First, let’s talk about what should be done before the actual powder coating work – the pretreatment process. In addition to providing a distinctive color, powder-coated wheels offer a range of protective benefits.
Powder coating is a widely utilized technique in the industry and has become a favored method of paint application. One of the key advantages of powder coating is its ability to prolong the lifespan of the coated metal.
Once the coating has been cured, it transforms into an exceedingly robust and resilient finish. This added layer of protection can help guard against corrosion, heat, wear and tear, adverse weather conditions, and everyday scratches. Despite resembling a typical two-coat paint application, powder coating is much more than it appears.
Powder coating is highly resistant to chemicals, spills, and even brake fluid, which can penetrate and damage painted surfaces.
Comparison between Paint vs Powder-Coated Wheels
While wheel paint may appear to be a budget-friendly option, powder coating offers a range of advantages that paint simply cannot match.
So, what are the downsides of paint? Let’s examine the disadvantages:
- Paint may come off more easily
- Not durable
- Prone to premature corrosion
- Short-term solution with no long-term benefits
Compared to liquid paints, powder-coated wheels also offer superior coverage, ensuring that even the most hard-to-reach areas of the wheels receive adequate coverage that liquid paint cannot reach. This is due to the electrostatic properties of the particles, which facilitate a more comprehensive application.
Finally, powder coating can save you money in the long run. While it may be initially more expensive, its exceptional durability translates to fewer touch-ups, resulting in cost savings over time.
Versatility Advantage in Powder-Coating
All in all, paint simply cannot compare to the versatility of powder-coated wheels. While powder coating is typically used on metal materials about 90 percent of the time, it can also be applied to non-metal components, provided that the heating process is taken into account.
Powder coating requires items to be able to withstand the baking process, which opens up the possibility of applying it to a wide range of materials. Additionally, powder coating is more efficient than paint in terms of material usage since all of the powder is typically used during the application process.
When it comes to painting, a significant amount of material is lost due to evaporation during the application process. This means that you end up paying for more paint than you actually use, resulting in wastage and unnecessary costs. In contrast, powder coating has a utilization rate that is close to 100 percent, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment.
Conclusion
After weighing all the pros and cons, powder coating clearly outshines traditional paint in terms of versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you want to update or restore the look of your wheels, powder coating is the most practical option to choose. It may cost more initially, but the investment is definitely worth it in the long run.
While these advantages and disadvantages may not apply to every driver, the versatility of powder coating cannot be overlooked. Investing in an application that cannot compete with its counterparts is a waste of money. The verdict is clear: powder-coated wheels always come out on top.
Contact us to learn more about powder coating and check our series of Powder Coating Machines for you.
