Powder Coating Best Practices: Videos and Checklist

Our Powder Coating Best Practices Checklist and Video Series

Powder Coating technology provides a quality finish when properly handled and applied. Use this Best Practices Checklist and video series to help improve your powder coating practices!

Click here to download the Best Practices Checklist

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO POWDER COATERS?

For a coating to adhere and perform to its full potential the substrate must be prepared and the applicator must use correct techniques. This basic guide will help you get started, but we recommend consulting your powder coating supplier for information specific to your product.

For more training in powder coating application, we also recommend:

• Powder Coating Institute (https://www.powdercoating.org/): an industry non-profit offering basic and advanced training.
• Chemical Coaters Association International: The Finishing Industry's Education & Networking Resource with a powder coating video series. https://www.ccaiweb.com/page/finishing-tips

ARE THE POWDER COATINGS PROPERLY STORED?

• Protect powder from high-temperature, humidity and contamination during storage.
• Store powder in zip-tied plastic bags in the original boxes with tops closed.
• Avoid high-temperature or high-humidity storage to prevent clumping.

IS THE BOOTH CLEAN?

• Clean booth surfaces and check for residual powder before and after powder coating.
• Ensure dry and oil-free compressed air for cleaning.
• Maintain ventilation during cleaning to remove excess powder.

IS THE EQUIPMENT CLEAN AND READY FOR USE?

• Regularly clean powder coating equipment, especially the gun.
• We recommend cleaning at every color change.
• Use compressed air for a quick cleaning and disassemble for thorough cleaning.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper cleaning procedures.

ARE YOU PROTECTING YOURSELF WITH PROPER WORKER SAFETY?

• Understand OSHA rules in your region.
• Wear safety glasses, earplugs, and durable clothing.
• Use grounding gloves to avoid shock.
• Do not use compressed air to blow powder off clothes or skin.
• Be aware of powder toxicity for enhanced safety. Refer to TDS and SDS.

IS THE PART CLEAN?

• Clean all parts thoroughly to remove manufacturing residues, seen and unseen.
• Invisible contaminants like mill oils, machining oils, and rust preventatives are likely present.
• Utilize wash, pre-treatment products, and manual sandblasting. Clean parts prior to sandblasting to prevent contamination.
• Verify cleanliness of your part with solvent wipes.
  
  

IS THE PART WELL GROUNDED?

• Properly ground parts using hooks for effective powder coating.
• Ensure metal-to-metal connection for a good ground.
• Use grounding gloves for personal grounding and protection against shock.
  

IS THE POWDER GUN SET TO CONDITIONS AND PART SHAPE?

• Consider airflow, powder volume, and electrical settings simultaneously.
• Use a flat tip for coating Faraday areas.
• Consider a conical tip for wrapping around round or irregular parts.

HOW WILL THE PART BE CURED?

• Understand and interpret cure time/temperature parameters.
• Start timing when substrate is up to temperature.
• Use temperature meters for accurate temperature measurement.
• Perform cure tests such as solvent rub and crosshatch adhesion to ensure proper curing.