FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About Powder Coating

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Q: What is powder coating? 

A: Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder (similar to baby powder) using electrical charge to coat an object. Unlike conventional liquid paint, which is delivered via an evaporating solvent, powder coating is applied and then cured under heat or with ultraviolet light. The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating metals for agricultural, automotive and recreational equipment, household appliances, aluminum extrusions, drum hardware, bicycle frames, outdoor signs, retail displays and more. 

Q: Why powder coat?

A: It’s tough, it looks great and it lasts a long, long time. Jensen Powder Finishers coatings protect the roughest, toughest machinery out there as well as the household items we all depend on daily. It’s simple: powder coating is the best finish you can get! 

Q: What metals can be powder coated?

A: Typically, any metal object that can hold the electrostatic charge needed to affix the sprayed powder and can tolerate the high heat levels of the curing process can be powder coated. These include steel, titanium, brass, copper, magnesium, bronze and aluminum. 

Q: Anodized vs. powder coated aluminum – which is better? 

A: Powder coating provides a more consistent finish, free from grains and the light or dark blotches often found on aluminum extruded parts. It hides imperfections such as welding or grinding marks, fabrication discoloration and scratches. Powder coating offers far more color options than anodizing (to match branding, design, or logo needs) and allows for multiple materials – such as steel and aluminum – to be color matched. Powder coating is more resistant to scratching and chipping than anodized surfaces and can be touched up in the future.

Q: Is powder coating better than liquid paint? 

A: Yes, powder coating is baked onto the metal part, forming a thicker layer of protection that is stronger and more weather-resistant, more rust and corrosion resistant and minimizes scratching, peeling and fading when compared to liquid paint. Powder coating is also much more resistant to most chemical solvents. 

Q: How thick is powder coating? 

A: Electrostatic spray coating typically results in thicknesses between 0.001″ and 0.030″ depending on the technique and material used. Fluidized bed coatings are generally 0.007″ to 0.025″ thick. 

Q: How long does powder coating take?

A: We generally target a 7-10 day turnaround time. However, due to some variables in the coating process, it can take as long as two weeks. 

Q: Is powder coating environmentally friendly? 

A: Much more so than liquid paint. Consider this – using powder coating instead of a solvent-based spray paint reduces the carbon footprint by 50%! In addition to being the more durable and attractive choice, powder coating is also highly protective of our environment. Unlike some finishes, environmentally friendly powder coating is not toxic. It contains no heavy metals, such as lead, and cadmium and eco-friendly powder coatings emit zero or near zero solvents that are known to produce volatile organic compounds (VOC). Powder coating is considered a “green” technology that reduces finishing line emissions, produces far less harmful waste by-product, and doesn’t pose a significant health risk to our employees or neighbors.

Q: How big of a part can you paint? 

A: Jensen Powder Finishers has some of the largest equipment around. We can handle parts 36”W x 68”H up to 40’ long and up to 1,200 lbs. 

Q: How do you care for a powder coated surface? 

A: As with any protective coating, it takes some care to keep the decorative and protective properties of powder coating intact.  
– Try to avoid harsh elements: Whenever possible, keep your objects protected from the harsh elements, particularly too much sun exposure and moisture. If you’re worried that your outdoor furniture, for instance, might not make it through the winter, place a heavy-duty cover over the set. Powder coating does protect, but it can’t do its job if it’s not being cared for. 
– Don’t use harsh cleaners: Aggressive solvents can damage the powder coating. There are many harsh cleaners out there that might seem safe to use, but cause more harm than good. If you damage an exterior it is far more susceptible to future deterioration. Life expectancy can drop significantly if you use the wrong product. Ask a powder coat specialist what’s safe to use and what you should keep clear of. 
– Use mild soap and pressure clean: If you’re spot cleaning powder coating, use a soft brush or cloth and a mild soap with warm water. Use a soap that has a mild emulsifier if there are tough stains or spots on the object. If the object is exposed regularly, a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning will prolong the life of the powder coat significantly. The most effective way to clean coated surfaced is with a pressurized hose. This will remove dirt and grime in a safe manner, but remember to use any pressure-washer on a lower setting and with filtered water. 

Q: How long does powder coating last? 

A: Powder coating can last for decades with the right surface preparation, application and powder. Before you coat any metal part, you will want to speak to one of Jensen Powder Finishers’ experts to ensure we apply a powder capable of withstanding the conditions you are going to put your products through. If your products are intended for use outdoors or under prolonged exposure to sunlight, consider using a primer coat to extend the lifespan of your coating. From start to finish, we use trusted products and processes to ensure quality work you can depend on for years. With nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, we know which types of powders perform best under any conditions. We use our expertise to make sure your coating exceeds all your expectations. Regularly scheduled cleaning and maintenance using our suggested methods will help extend the life of your powder coating.

Q: How does powder coating work? 

A: Powder coating involves several steps that apply a powder to a metal using electrostatic properties and then heating it. Jensen Powder Finishers’ multiple continuous-loop paint lines have proven to be highly beneficial in terms of quality, efficiency and productivity. 
Powder coating steps:  
1. Parts are hung in a row on a conveyor, ready to receive powder coating typically hanging on metal hooks at about eye level. The parts are then washed using our mulit-stage, nano-technology based, wash process. After a trip through a dry-off oven which drives off water and preheats the part, they’re ready for powder. 
2. Jensen Powder Finishers’ professional powder coating specialist, wearing personal protective equipment, will begin the process of spraying the baby-powder-like dry paint onto the part. The spray guns used to apply the powder also imbue the powder with an electrostatic charge, allowing it to adhere to the substrate easily. The powder sticks to the metal the same way a balloon will stick to the wall if you rub it on your head. 
3. Until you bake it though, the powder can be easily brushed off. It needs heat to make the powder flow and form a permanent coating. 
4. Following an even coat of powder, every piece goes into a specially designed curing oven. Items with a powder coat cure at around 400°F. Curing the powder puts the powder through a chemical process that fluidizes the powder, allows it to adhere to the substrate, and it then activates the hardening that forms the permanent protective coating.

Q: What is masking?

A: Masking is an essential step of the powder coat process. Regardless of what is being coated, there will likely be an area on your part where you don’t want any powder coating to be applied. PEM nuts or studs, threaded holes, precisely machined surfaces and sleeves or cylinder interiors are some of the places where powder will interfere with the fitment needed during assembly. If powder gets in the wrong place, it can definitely cause problems down the line. High temperature masking can be applied to special surfaces such as threads or high tolerance areas to keep them from being coated. We also use high temperature silicon plugs for threaded holes or shafts.