Powder Coating car

Powder Coating Fleet Vehicles: Benefits and Challenges

When you use fleet vehicles, you want to create a sense of uniformity and reliability. The way your vehicles look can determine how clients and onlookers alike perceive your business. You want your coating to be practical, professional, and durable.

This is where the precision powder comes in. It’s a very interesting option that many businesses are going for nowadays because of its more refined and practical features.

If you’re considering getting your vehicles powder-coated, take a look at the benefits and challenges so you can make a more informed decision.

The Benefits of Powder Coating Your Vehicles

First, let’s take a look at why you might want to get powder coating for your fleet in the first place.

1 – This Finish is Much More Durable and Damage-Proof Than Others

One of the most significant benefits of powder coating is its durability. This finish is much more difficult to permanently damage than other types, such as spray-on or wet paint.

With this finish, the coating gets bonded to the metal on your car. That makes it less likely to chip off or easily get scratched. Even when your vehicle gets a dent, this coat will simply flex and adhere.

2 – It Can Last You a Long Time Without Touch-Ups

The fact that it’s difficult to scratch or damage this finish permanently means it lasts longer than other options. Its components also naturally have a longer lifespan without significant fading, rust, and other damage that would require a touch-up.

3 – It Doesn’t Take Long to Apply

The process doesn’t take long to finish when done correctly, even if it involves curing and going by layers. When manufacturers apply powder coating, they use more of a baking method to ensure that it is fully adhered to and covers the surface in one application.

4 – It Can Cover Up Previous Damage

When you want to repaint a vehicle, you want it to look new. However, it’s not always easy to get a smooth finish. Even if you use the same brand, type, and color, the end product won’t always be as appealing.

Powder coating can cover up any previous dents and scrapes, making the vehicle look as though it was freshly painted. It can even erase marks left behind by old issues.

5 – It Is Eco-Friendly

This coating doesn’t use nasty chemicals to get the desired effect. It is more eco-friendly than other options while still providing anti-corrosive protection. Plus, the excess powder can still be used so that it doesn’t go to waste.

6 – This Provides More Detail

Want a detailed finish on customized vehicles? An experienced individual can use powder to have more freedom and leeway to get into the details.

Challenges That Come With Powder Coating

Before you go ahead and get this done on all your vehicles, you should know some of the challenges that you may face so you can manage your expectations.

While it may be quick, powder coating is not necessarily easy to apply. It is a complex process that requires sandblasting and different layers that each need to be cured. This becomes even more complicated if you have multiple colors involved.

Inexperienced people may be prone to mistakes like over-curing, which pretty much ruins the final appearance of the coating. Plus, if you want to change the base color of your vehicle, it’s not as simple as other options. This would require a longer restart of the entire process.

Of course, these issues can be avoided if you get the services of a professional.

Conclusion

Overall, powder coating can be a fantastic option to consider if you want to get your fleet of vehicles looking great. As long as you get the right experts to apply your coating, you should be good to go.

If you want to improve the look of your fleet, reach out to Precision Finishing. We offer high-quality service and unmatched powder coating in Tulsa.

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Sandblasting sandblasting

Some Benefits and Risks of Sandblasting You Must Know

Professional finishers rely on sandblasting techniques to smooth surfaces to get the best paint job. The method utilizes abrasive materials such as steel grit, glass beads, acrylic, and fine sand. These materials are forcefully propelled to the object’s surface, scuffing any imperfections, like old paint, rust, grime, and oil.

Sandblasting Benefits

Some pros for using this technique include:

  • Cost-Effective: Sandblasting is more economical than other alternatives, such as laser cleaning. Sandblasting is also faster, allowing manufacturers to work on more products. The only additional costs are the setup costs of a sandblasting booth and specific machines, such as the sandblasting clothing, eye protectors, and earplugs necessary to protect workers from hazardous materials.
  • Adequate Coating Application Preparation: The two main functions of coating a product are decoration and protection. A professional finish gives a product the appeal factor; a good paint job is essential to protect metal products, especially outdoors. The coating will last longer on a well-polished surface because of the increased adhesion.

In addition, the coating will protect the metal product and increase its service life. Scuff marks can affect the final quality of the paint job and should be removed with sandblasting before applying new paint. For manufacturers of metal products, sandblasting is an essential step in preparing for coating.

  • Efficient and Safe: Most abrasives used in sandblasting, such as glass beads and walnut shells, are non-toxic. Finishers typically use non-toxic materials because they’re recyclable. 

The only element of sandblasting that can harm people is the dust produced in the process. It may contain toxic silica, a known cause of lung diseases, but companies protect their employees by providing protective clothing and well-ventilated booths. 

However, even with the workers protected by these safety procedures, there’s always the possibility of exposure to hazardous material for those unaware of the dangers.

  • Fast: Sandblasting machines make the process of preparing metal for scuffing easy and quick, and they reduce labor costs. The person operating the sandblaster can work alone instead of needing a dedicated sandblasting and clean-up crew. 

After the sandblasting job is complete and can be collected and reused, a team of people would be required to complete the task.

Sandblasting Risks

Since there are potential risks involved in this process, we won’t short-change you by ignoring the potential dangers of sandblasting your items. Remember the following before attempting any remodeling or finishing project:

  • It is better to hire a professional to sandblast a surface than to attempt it yourself. Too many uncontrollable factors can ruin a DIY sandblasting project: too much rain, too little rain, cold temperatures, hot temperatures, etc. 

Different types of abrasive blasting techniques can be used, such as bead blasting, dry ice blasting, wet abrasive blasting, hydro blasting, and bristle blasting. A professional will use their expertise to determine which techniques are best for your job.

  • Wood products should not be scraped because this will damage their surface. Some metal products may have wooden parts, but sandblasting these parts risks damaging the product’s structural integrity. Sand isn’t soft on wood. Instead of cleaning wood, it wears it down and eats into it. 

Instead of blasting these parts, you can wipe or buff them with a wood-friendly solution sprayed or spread on a piece of cloth.

Final Thoughts

Protective coatings are essential for manufacturers, as these layers improve the effectiveness of liquid and powder coatings and increase product longevity. Manufacturers who utilize sandblasting services will also enjoy quick turnaround time, higher production rates, and increased profit margins.

However, always work with professionals to ensure the utmost quality and safety, like those from Precision Finishing! We specialize in sandblasting in Tulsa and nationwide, with a staff dedicated to offering the highest quality powder coat finishes. We will work with you to get the finished product you desire. Call us now at (918) 605-0445!

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Powder Coating wheels

Everything to Know about Powder Coating Your Wheels

There’s a lot to know about powder coating wheels, from how it’s done to what kind of effect it will have on your car. Are powder coating wheels for you? Here’s everything you need to know about powder coating wheels!

The Basics of Powder Coating

Powder coating wheels is one of the most common ways of getting wheels that you want to last for as long as possible. Besides, no one wants their wheels to get damaged on the road.

While it seems like the process is easy and only requires the wheel to travel through the powder coating machine to be coated, a lot goes into the process.

It uses powdered paint, which is then sprayed onto the wheel. The wheel is then cured. Then, the last step is to apply another layer of powder coating to ensure the wheel is strong and long-lasting.

The process of powder coating wheels is relatively quick. It takes around 2-3 hours to finish coating your wheels.

The Reason Behind Powder Coating Wheels

Powder coating wheels is a highly-preferred option for car owners who want to protect their car’s wheels from wear and tear for as long as possible.

The process has been popular for a long time because it does an excellent job of protecting wheels from wear and tear. It can even prevent scratches from forming on the wheel.

The material used for powder coating wheels is considered a permanent coating. So, even if the wheel’s surface gets scratched, the coating will protect the wheel from further damage.

How to Choose the Right Powder Coating

Two types of powder coating media are commonly used today: Thermoset and Thermoplastic. Each type has its benefits, from how it looks to how it lasts in the long run.

1. Thermoset

Thermoset paint is the most commonly used type of powder coating wheel. This type of powder coating wheel is quite flexible and can be used to coat parts that need to be bent.

Thermoset powder coating can be used to coat wheels of different sizes and shapes. They’re also relatively easy to remove if you want to apply another type of coating to your wheel.

Thermoset powder coating wheel is made up of an epoxy resin composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The process of mixing the resin, the resin hardens and becomes the final product.

Thermoset powder coating wheel can be applied to parts that are made of leather, plastic, steel alloys, and plastic. However, it is not applied to aluminum alloy wheels.

2. Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic powder coating wheels are the most commonly used type of powder coating wheel today. They are flexible and can be used to coat almost any type of material.

Thermoplastic powder coating wheels are usually used to coat parts made of rubber and steel, but they can be applied to other surfaces.

The primary material used in thermoplastic powder coating wheels is urea. The material is applied over a wheel that is made of steel and rubber. The powder coating wheel is then cured to produce a plastic-based coating that’s scratch-proof and durable.

Time for a Coat?

Powder coating wheels is a great option to ensure your wheels aren’t damaged. The coating is cured to prevent further damage and to ensure the wheel lasts a long time. Today, powder coating wheels is a popular choice when it comes to coating parts that need to be flexible. You can use thermoplastic powder coating or thermoset powder coating.

For quality powder coating in Tulsa, Precision Finishing can help. We are dedicated to providing the highest-quality powder coating for vehicles in the area. Get in touch with us!

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Powder Coating Powder Coating

Care and Maintenance for Your Powder Coating Finish

Are you thinking of getting precision powder coating for your car rims? A powder coating is much more durable than paint and can take on more wear and tear. 

However, even the toughest finishes still require proper care and maintenance to ensure lasting results despite harsh weather and terrains. Excessive contact, weathering, and organic buildup can weaken the powder-coated surface and lead to damage.

This article will run you through some care and maintenance tips for your powder-coated wheels.

Getting a Pretreatment

Giving your rims a pretreatment can help you maximize the life of your powder coating. A pretreatment can clear up the surface, remove existing corrosion or coatings, and thoroughly clean the exposed metal. 

This pretreatment will ensure that the electrostatically charged powder coating will adhere properly to your rims. This helps prevent chipping and the short service life of your powder coating.

Care and Maintenance

A powder coating can be dependable and survive through the harshest weather conditions. However, it is best to practice some care measures to maximize the lifespan of this finish. Here are some maintenance tips:

1 – Avoid Excessive Cleaning

You may need to clean your wheels after a long road trip or remove dust and dirt buildup. However, it is harmful to clean your powder coating too much as this can lead to premature erosion.

You can simply clean your wheels at the beginning of each season. 

2 – Avoid Abrasive Tools

You don’t need to use abrasive cleaning tools on your rims as powder coating usually cleans easily. Abrasive tools like scouring pads, steel wool, and other products are unnecessary and can damage the powder coating finish of your rims.

It is best to use sponges, brushes, and other tools to wash a car.

3 – Use a Gentle Cleaner

Abrasive cleaners like solvents and detergents can remove or damage the powder coating finish. Avoid using such products to clean your wheels. 

A gentle cleaner like mild soap and water can remove dirt and grime buildup without hurting the finish. If you need a solvent-based cleaner, start with the weakest cleaner and always have a test spot first.

4 – Apply Wax Protection

You can also use high-quality car wax to protect your wheels and preserve the finish. This creates a barrier that extends the life of your finish. This is particularly important in high contact areas that people frequently touch.

You can also get a car wax that offers extra protection by blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays.

5 – Get Your Powder Coating Repaired

While powder coating is tough and can withstand the harshest conditions, it may also get damaged due to various factors. You may have an accident that impacted your rims. You may have used a harsh cleaner on it or any other event that may weaken your powder coating.

If you notice damage to your powder coating finish like chips, scratches, or cracks, you need to get this repaired. If the damage is limited to the powder coating layer, you can still fix it with a touch-up. 

For more severe damage, you may need to get a recoat as you may risk corrosion.

Conclusion

Powder coating is a tough coating that can withstand the harshest conditions. However, you still need to do proper care and maintenance to maximize the lifespan of your powder coating and protect it from damage. You can follow this guide to keep your powder coating looking new and fresh.

Are you looking for powder coating experts in Tulsa? Precision Finishing offers the quality custom powder coating you desire. Call us now to learn more!

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PRECISION FROM START TO FINISH
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We Are Precision Finishing

PRECISION FROM START TO FINISH