Powder coatings are incredibly durable and wear-resistant, but they can still incur scratches, fading, stains and other abrasions. Factors such as sunlight, cleaning products, weather and temperature can damage powder coating over time. Fortunately, you can easily touch up your powder coating if the surface damage isn’t too significant. Painting is an easy way to repair scratches and chips on a powder-coated surface.
At Keystone Koating, we provide commercial and industrial powder coating services with precise attention to detail for varying needs. Although our services don’t encompass the process in this guide, we have outlined some tips you can explore if you’re one for DIY repairs.
Common Causes of Powder Coating Damage
Some common causes of powder coating damage include:
- Environmental factors: Several environmental elements can damage a powder coating. These can include excessive sunlight exposure, which can cause loss of adhesion, and high humidity levels that lead to coating discoloration.
- Improper coating application: Errors during the powder coating application process can damage the coating in the short or long term. Such issues can occur during spraying, oven curing and surface cleaning.
- Long-term wear and tear: Powder coating can last for years. However, wear and tear can occur from prolonged and repeated use.
- Lack of proper care and maintenance: Powder coatings can encounter dust, dirt and other pollutants. Using harsh solvents and cleaning products for maintenance can damage a powder-coated surface, leading to fading and reduced lifespans.
The extent of the damage determines whether you’ll need a touch-up powder coating or a complete coat removal. You can touch up minor damage, but significant issues may require expert restoration or replacement.
When to Tackle Powder Coating Repairs on Your Own
Do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs may make sense for minor cosmetic issues, such as light scratches or small chips. These tasks can be cost-effective and completed on your own time. However, you need some knowledge of which products to use — such as cleaners, primers, abrasives and a coating that matches — and the proper preparation to ensure your repairs are completed correctly without creating more problems.
Touching up damaged powder coatings on your own can lead to higher spending if you don’t get the DIY repair right. Mastering powder coating repairs often requires a learning curve.
If you are unsure if you have the right tools or products to take care of powder coating repairs, turn to a professional. Working with an expert is often best for achieving the highest-quality, longest-lasting results.
When to Seek Professional Powder Coating Repair
Before trying to fix the damaged powder coating yourself, assess the deterioration closely. Significant damage requires expertise and specialized tools to ensure the coating is restored to like-new condition. Look out for the following telltale signs that you should work with a professional for repair services:
- Extensive damage: When the objects have experienced severe damage, like massive flaking and bubbling, professional help is advisable rather than DIY repair methods.
- Heat degradation: Exposure to high temperatures can break down powder coating beyond the surface. In this case, you need expert help to restore the product’s protective layer with heat-resistant powder coating.
- Large-scale damage: When the damage is significant and covers extensive areas, you’ll need experts with years of experience handling large-scale repairs.
In choosing professional help, you tap in to several years of experience and know-how. Experts also have the specialized skills to achieve reliable, precise results, unlike error-prone DIY repair methods that may operate on guesswork.
Plus, an expert can offer custom color matching, post-repair quality assurance and testing to help you get the most out of your investment.
Is Painting the Right Option for My Damaged Powder Coating?
Examine your powder coat’s condition to determine if painting is feasible. If there is significant chipping, rust or uneven coating, the paint may not be able to repair the surface. Excessive chipping or an uneven coat may require a full coat removal rather than painting.
You may be able to remove rust with sandblasting or abrasive blasting. This process uses high pressure to propel a stream of abrasive material against a surface. It can help remove contaminants and create a smoother surface. Consider working with a professional for sandblasting services to remove rust.
How to Apply Paint to a Powder-Coated Surface
You can start painting after cleaning, sanding and priming the damaged surface. Here are two common methods for painting powder coats:
- Brushing: Brushing is more time-consuming than spraying, but it yields a high-quality result. Similar to spraying, you should move the brush in a smooth, horizontal direction to apply the paint evenly. We also recommend using a synthetic brush for the best results. Brushing is ideal for facilities with weak ventilation.
- Spraying: Spray painting is quick and simple if you want something more efficient. It’s especially ideal when painting large objects. Hold the spray can at a distance and try to use smooth movements for effective results. This method requires a facility with strong ventilation.
Whether you’re brushing or spraying, try to apply the paint in multiple thin layers over a few thick ones. Thin paint layers can prevent dripping as they set and dry, improving the overall quality and appearance.
Get a Quote From Keystone Koating Today
While we do not offer powder coating repairs, we provide custom powder coating services for commercial and industrial needs. Our meticulous, eight-stage treatment process helps ensure maximum adhesion so your surface can last for years to come. We offer fast turnaround times and outstanding results for every client. We can also provide finishes for a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, zinc and iron.
No matter your industry, applications or budget, Keystone Koating has decades of experience to deliver the solution you need. Get a quote for powder coating services today!