Powder coating can be applied directly over chrome surfaces, but their surfaces must first be rough enough to grip onto the powder coating properly. Sandblasting parts is an effective way of getting this result and should always come first before any product application.
If you want a cost-effective way to protect chrome-plated items, this DIY project should be given serious thought. Just follow these guidelines for success:
Sandblasting
Powder coating is an alternative to chrome plating that can create various finishes, colours and textures. This process applies a thick coat of powder electrostatically before baking in an industrial oven to produce an extremely durable, scratch resistant and chip proof finish that resists chipping.
Prepping surfaces properly before powder coating is key to achieving success, including sandblasting chrome surfaces to remove their shiny, slippery exteriors and expose an ideal surface suitable for gripping powder coat.
During sandblasting, it’s crucial not to oversandblast, as doing so could damage the metal underneath and result in poor powder coating or an orange peel effect (where parts appear split apart). Wear a dust mask and use a hose to clear away any sandblasting residue left on parts after blasting.
Preparing the Surface
When powder coating chrome, it’s important to remember that the process involves several key steps. First and foremost is stripping away its existing chrome coating as this allows powder coating to stick more securely than on its smooth, slippery surface – something which chrome has in abundance! Powder coating cannot adhere well enough if exposed for too long without prior preparation.
Sand blasting is a commonly-used technique to strip chrome plating off parts. This technique relies on high-pressure air propelling a stream of abrasive particles against the chrome surface to rapidly strip away its plating, leaving behind metal that’s primed and ready for powder coating applications.
After sandblasting, it is imperative to carefully clean the metal surface. Use metal wash to eliminate grease, oil and dirt deposits on your object before rinsing your part thoroughly for best results. Furthermore, hanging your part in an area without moisture as powder coating won’t adhere properly if it remains wet for powder application.
Spraying the Coating
Powder coating protects metal surfaces from corrosion. While most often associated with automobile wheels, this technique can also be applied to other exposed components. Powder coating offers an efficient and cost-effective method for keeping car parts safe from weather hazards as well as chemicals or other potential risks.
However, applying powder coat is more complex than simply stripping away chrome and applying the coat. Sandblasting must first take place to create a rough surface which the powder can adhere to; the process often leaves behind dirt or debris which must be rinsed off prior to proceeding with application.
Once chrome has been sandblasted and cleaned properly, it’s ready for powder coating. However, keep in mind that powder coating requires an industrial oven and this could increase costs and turnaround times; PChrome spray chrome kits offer a more portable solution that can be completed at home without needing an oven.
Curing the Coating
Protecting metal parts is key for their durability and resistance to wear-and-tear. There are various methods available for this, such as chrome plating or powder coating; powder coating involves applying a powdered plastic resin with an electrostatic charge to a surface and curing it with heat until a durable finish forms.
Powder coating requires a smooth, textured surface in order to properly adhere. Because chrome is too smooth and slippery for powder coating to adhere properly, sandblasting may be required prior to application of powder. Furthermore, it’s also crucial that the appropriate type of powder coating be selected; one designed specifically for metal surfaces with high adhesion ratings would be most ideal.
Final curing should take place to protect the chrome layer from damage. Usually this is accomplished using an oven with temperatures and duration less than 350deg Fahrenheit.