How to Touch Up Powder Coating?
Powder coating is remarkably durable and resilient to chemicals, contaminants and the weather. Proper maintenance and care greatly assist with preventing damage and extending the life span of your powder coating. Yet, even superior quality coatings can show wear and tear and need repair as time passes.
Can You Powder Coat Over Existing Coating?
Generally speaking, you can touch up existing powder coating with the same substance. New powder coating adheres well to the existing material and can restore a like-new finish. It’s best to examine and research the type of damage you see to determine if recoating is the best option.
What Are the Types of Powder Coating Damage?
Because of its continuous exposure to the elements, pollution and ultraviolet light, powder coating may exhibit several different types of damage. These include:
- Scratches
- Oxidation
- Flaking
- Splintering
- Chalking
- Fading
Chipping is another common issue, resulting from a buildup of surface contaminants. Fortunately, you can repair a powder-coat finish with a fairly straightforward process. This is the recommended procedure for how to fix scratched powder coating in the field.
Steps for Touching Up Powder Coating
1. Inspect the area around the chipping carefully for splintering — those are areas with the potential to chip in the future, and you’ll want to address them at the same time. Prepare the surface by cleaning away the loose and flaking coatings with a putty knife or wire brush. Sanding the area will also help remove some of the more stubborn chipping, but stick with fine-grit options to prevent additional scratches.
2. Grind the repair area with a power hand grinder or wire brush to bare metal. Grinding will result in a smooth, even surface that is ready for you to touch up the powder coating area. Be sure to remove any dust that results from the grinding process prior to applying the touch-up powder coating.
3. Use high-quality tape to mark off the area you’ll be repairing with the powder coat touch-up paint. Choosing a premium tape prevents adhesive residue.
4. Consider using a zinc-rich primer before applying your main touch-up material. It is not mandatory but is highly recommended. The liquid coating should be applied with a brush. Apply in thin layers until you have attained the appropriate color and manufacturer’s recommended film thickness.
5. Match your liquid paint or color spray to your original color if desired. Be sure that any prior coatings have completely dried before applying the color match spray touch-up.
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Contact Us for More Information
Feel free to contact us for advice on how to perform a do-it-yourself powder coating repair project. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
