Powder coating is a finishing process to repair scratches and curb rash or simply improve the look of your car. Find out how this process can keep your rims looking new.
Powder coating is a dry finishing process of using coating materials on wheels or body panels. While this process seems like regular painting, it’s not the same – it’s actually much better. It utilizes an electric charge to make the powder stick on the surface, giving your wheels a new look while also repairing any scrapes or scratches.
Powder coating is mainly used on wheels because the rims are often subjected to curb rash. This process offers a superior finish and excellent protection compared to traditional wheel painting. This type of finish is also perfect for rim repair, wheel repair, and curb rash.
Give your wheels a new look
As we all know, wheels commonly suffer is a curb rash and scratches rim after hitting a pothole or any other obstruction. The best way to fix your rims is with wheel powder coating. Using powder coating to repair wheels has several benefits. Not only does it do a better job than other traditional finishes, but it also lasts longer. This type of finish is resistant to corrosion, weather, and other chemicals, keeping your car in a good state for about 15-20 years. Also, the coating can be used to repair minor nicks and scratches, giving your wheel a better aesthetic and functional value.
Materials
Wheel Powder Coating is a multi-step process that requires the right tools and expertise. Here are the materials needed to keep your rims looking new:
- · Alloy cleaner
- · Sandblasting cabinet
- · Brush
- · Degreaser
- · Powder coating oven
- · Powder coating material
- · Spray gun (1)
The Steps
The wheel finishing process goes through the following steps.
1.) Pre-treatment for powder coating
The first step is the pre-treatment stage where the wheel is exposed to the cleaning. To start, the wheels are removed from the car so we can ensure a complete coating and rebalancing of the wheels before putting them back on the car. Next, a special alloy cleaner is used to manually clean and degrease the wheel. Sandblasting is then done to loosen and remove any tougher particles that manual cleaning won’t be able to remove. This stage is followed by another manual sanding of the wheel to remove any stubborn grime. Finally, a brush and degreaser are used to remove any remaining particles. After the pre-treatment, the wheels are hung out to dry before the final powder application is made.
2.) Powder Application
After the pre-treatment process, the rims are then heated in an industrial oven to remove gases that could affect the final finish. The powder coating material is then applied using a spray device with a powder delivery system an electrostatic gun. The electrostatic gun directs the flow of the powder through a nozzle, which controls the pattern, size, and density of the spray. Powder particles pass through the ionized field of the electrostatic gun and become charged. The charge applied to the particles allows them to attach to the surfaces of the wheel. In order to cover the wheels properly, it’s advisable to hang them freely in a well-ventilated room due to all of the chemicals used in the coating process.
3.) Curing
After applying the powder, the wheels should be placed in an oven preheated to about 400 °F. Different powders and materials will require different temperatures. Make sure to always refer to the labels before you cure the wheel.
Conclusion
Powder coating is a very high-quality finish you can use to change the color of your wheels, repair scratches, and improve your car’s overall look. It’s easy to do, with a straightforward process to follow and the availability of companies to do it. The results are better than most liquid finishes and last longer. Hence, it’s worth trying.
If you’re interested in powder coating your wheels, stop by Precision Finishing and speak to a professional about the process. We offer expert powder coating services for the rims and other parts of your car in order to enhance its durability. To learn more or to schedule your services, give us a call today at (918) 605-0445 or contact us on our website.
