Design Tips
Excellent powder coating starts with good design
The appearance and performance of powder coatings is greatly influenced by details in the design of the fabrication. Considering these issues at the outset will help you avoid unnecessary complications and achieve the best possible result.
- Insert correct venting and drainage points for both galvanising and powder coating to ensure that the fabrication sinks fully into the chemical pre-treatment tank and zinc bath, and drains completely on removal.
- For complete coverage of galvanizing avoid blind holes and air traps.
- Sharp edges must be rounded off - they cause localised thinning of the coating for any finish, zinc, paint or powder coating.
- Recesses that are deeper than they are wide may not powder coat completely.
- Check rivets and welds to ensure that chemicals will not become trapped and then ‘boil out’ during curing to cause bubbling in the final coat .
- Consider the metal’s final site. For marine location, narrow gaps and blind crevices should be avoided and the surfaces should be free draining and easy to clean.
- Identify the ‘seen’ faces of the design. Locate suspension points (for jigging) in positions unseen after installation.
- Remove all surface contamination including marker pen.
