Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions about the powder coating and sandblasting process.

Powder Coating FAQ:

1. Honesty, Transparency, and Communication.
Always be informed when it comes to the progress of your order. Our team will notify and explain exactly what is happening and why throughout the powder coating process.

2. Reliable and Dependable.
Goods will be ready when we say they will be ready. If there’s a problem, we’ll contact you before you arrive for pick-up.

3. Pride in Finish and Workmanship.
It’s the finish that counts. We go the extra mile to ensure your product has a high quality and durable finish.

4. Your Powder Coating Partner.
We understand there are times when you will have tight or unexpected deadlines. Our team will accommodate those last minute jobs that need to be pushed through quickly.

Yes, we have on-site abrasive sandblasting capabilities.

On-site sandblasting facilities reduces the hassle and time required to transport goods to and from external service providers, therefore reducing lead time. As we don't outsource pre-treatment, we can ensure efficient and high-quality surface preparation.

Specialty Powdercoating is currently in the process of gaining our Dulux and Interpon warranty accreditation for steel preparation and coating.

We strive to deliver high-quality finishes with quick and reliable turnaround times.

On average, our turnaround time for new customers is seven days, with an express turnaround service available on request. Turnaround times are affected by the following variables:

1. Size of the Job
Larger quantities of product can take longer to process.

2. Colour, Powder, and Finish.
We may need to order specialty powders, textures or colours as specified. Turn around time can be affected based on order and delivery times on specialty powders. Specialty finishes may also require a longer processing time to complete.

3. Sandblasting and Pre-treatment.
Products requiring sandblasting and aluminium etching may require a longer processing time to complete, particularly if they have previously been coated.

4. Packaging and Delivery.
We take a lot of care to protect the finish on any product requiring pick up and transportation. Packaging large quantities of product can affect lead times.

Please contact our friendly team or submit a message here. We will get back to you within 48 hrs of your inquiry (during business days).

We exclusively work with commercial clients and large production runs. As such, we are not the best service provider for private enquiries such as furniture restorations, security doors, bike frames, or car wheels. We are happy to suggest other closeby reputable powder coaters for such enquiries.

Powder Coating is a method of applying a layer of electrostatic-charged dry coloured powder to a metal surface which is then cured with heat to form a durable hard finish.

Powder coatings have several advantages over traditional wet paint applications such as greater durability, chemical resistance, UV resistance and abrasive resistance than common paint.

Powder coatings are thicker than liquid paints, and in most cases, require only a single layer. Powder coatings dry much faster than traditional paints. With minimal drying time, powder coating is an efficient method of processing large quantities of batch items such as fencing, architectural panels and service bodies. Powder coating is more cost-efficient than wet paint solutions. Powder coating generally requires a single coating and minimal drying time which translates to fewer labour costs.

Powder coatings are more environmentally friendly than wet paint solutions as the process requires less hazardous materials (such as lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium) due to an electrostatic application method. Furthermore, powder coatings are more durable than wet paints which translates to a longer lifecycle.

Powdercoating is generally a one-coat finish, although, in some circumstances, multiple coats are applied. Specialty finishes such as ‘candy’ or metallic coatings involve a preliminary coating of chrome primer, secondary coating of colour, and a final coating of clear.

In these cases, preliminary coats are treated like a zinc primer coat in that a shortened baking process ‘gels’ multiple layers together before the final coat is fully cured.

Powder coatings are thick and durable protective films. With thorough pre-treatment and careful application, powder coating films can last up to 30-40 years. However, many variables can affect the longevity of a powder-coated film.

A superficial pre-treatment process, for instance, will decrease adhesion and cause pre-mature flaking, chipping and scratching. Environmental factors such as excessive wear and tear, salt, exposure to organic material, UV and pollution can also gradually break down powder coating films after several years.

Neither wet paint nor powder coating is inherently better than the other.

Choosing whether to use a wet paint or powder coating solution really depends on the intended application of the product and the desired outcome.

We have listed the advantages and disadvantages of powder coating and wet paint below to help you determine which solution is best for your project:

Powder Coating Advantages:

• Tougher and more durable coating.

• Faster application and curing process.

• Environmentally friendly.

• Better colour retention.

• Lower maintenance.

• Cost-efficient, especially for large quantities.

Powder Coating Disadvantages:

• Hard to apply to materials that aren’t metal.

• Requires special equipment.

• Can’t be done on-site.
  

Powder coating is generally preferred for any objects that are exposed to extreme wear and tear through environmental factors, such as fencing and gates, or preferred for heavy-duty equipment such as tractor harrows.

Wet Paint Advantages:

• Easier to apply multiple colours.

• Can be applied on site.

• Less equipment required.

• Simple and easy.

Wet Paint Disadvantages:

• Much harder to apply without drips, streaks etc.

• Takes longer to dry and set.

• Less environmentally sustainable.

• Easier to chip, scratch, and flake.

Wet paints may be more suitable to apply to objects that are fixed in place or can’t be heated in a powder coating oven. Please contact our team if you are unsure whether a powder coating or wet painting solution is best for your project.

The cost of powder coating varies according to factors such as the type and condition of the metal, the intended environment of the product, and the required colour or finish. The easiest and fastest way to get a price on your project is to call our team or submit a quote.

Below are some of the factors that influence the price of your quote:

1. Type of Metal -

Different metals require different treatment and baking processes to ensure the powder coated finish is durable. For instance, stainless steel typically requires light abrasive blasting and a top coat, whereas aluminium requires an etching process to increase powder adhesion. As each different metal requires a varying amount of time to service, the cost of service can differ accordingly.

2. Surface Area, Complexity, and Weight -

More powder needs to be applied to larger surface areas, and highly complex shapes and patterns can require more careful application and time by the sprayer to ensure all curves, corners and crevices are coated. Large and heavy products can require machinery such as a forklift to move through our pre-treatment facilities, spray booth, and oven. As such, more time and energy is needed to safely move heavy objects, influencing the price.

3. Zinc Priming -

Metals are exposed to different environments with varying levels of wear and tear. For instance, a four-wheel drive bullbar is constantly exposed to harsh elements like sun, rain, and wind, whereas a table base stored in a living room has significantly less exposure to the elements. Zinc-priming is recommended to increase the durability of metals exposed to the elements, which requires extra time in the spray booth as well as an additional curing process in the oven.

4. Sandblasting -

Sandblasting lightly strips metal, rust, welding scale, and oxidation from metal surfaces to clean and smooth impurities in raw metal which helps to create a better finish and increase coating adhesion and durability. However, sandblasting time can vary according to the softness of the metal and whether the surface has previously been powder coated.

5. Powder and Finish -

Powders are supplied by manufacturers such as Dulux, Interpon, Oxytech, and Jotun. However, not all powders are priced equally, and some powders can cost more to use. This is particularly the case with specialty finishes and textures. Furthermore, some finishes require more time and attention to execute which increases labour and therefore cost.

6. Quantity -

Large quantities of products in batches generally cost less to coat than one-off products, particularly if the same colour is specified. Each time a new colour is needed in the spray booth, the spraying team must clean all spraying equipment as well as the spray booth to avoid any possible colour contamination.

7. Disassembly -

Products that require disassembly before powder coating or sandblasting require more labour which naturally raises the cost. We recommend disassembling metal pieces from any materials or objects that do not require powder coating. For instance, car rims should be separated from the tyres with all tyre weights removed.

Powder coating is often quoted in different formats for private and commercial customers. Private customers, such as a customer wanting their outdoor furniture coated, are typically quoted based on a one-off job. On the other hand, a commercial customer such as a fencing supplier is typically quoted based on a cost-per-square-inch basis.

Please speak to a team member or submit a quote to get an accurate cost for your project.

Please Note:
Specialty Powdercoating has a minimum cost of $300 for private customers.

Powder Coating Process FAQ:

Generally speaking, any surfaces and materials that can hold an electrostatic charge and withstand temperatures of 210 degrees Celsius can be powder coated.

Metals such as mild steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, iron, aluminium and alloys can all be powder coated, with some requiring varying pre-treatment processes.

Plastic can also be powder coated provided that it can withstand temperatures of 210 degrees Celsius. Most plastics are non-conductive which can hinder the electrostatic process causing the powder not to stick to the object. Alternative methods are needed such as heating the objects to temperature first before applying the powder to melt and bind the powder on the surface. Glass also requires a similar method of pre-heating as glass is not very conductive, and often requires multiple coats.

Engineered woods like high-grade MDF can also be powder coated with a highly technical process involving humidity control to maintain a charge as well as low-baking temperatures or a UV-curable powder.

Our facilities are set up to specialise in coating metal surfaces. We do not powder coat plastics, glass or wood.

A durable and flawless finish is achieved with thorough pre-treatment preparation. Surfaces must be clean and free of oils, greases, dust, rust, impurities and imperfections to make sure the coating has optimal contact to the metal.

Certain types of metal require varying methods of pre-treatment. For instance, the method of preparing aluminium isn’t the same as galvanized steel as aluminium has a layer of oxidation that must be removed with specialised chemicals to create adequate adhesion.

Most metals require the following treatments:

ABRASIVE BLASTING:

Abrasive blasting, otherwise known as sandblasting, blasts small particles of sand at metal surfaces to lightly strip metal, welding scale, and oxidation. Blasting also smooths impurities in raw metal which helps to create a smoother finish.

CLEANING & DEGREASING:

Abrasive blasting does not remove contaminants such as oils, greases, waxes and dust from surfaces. A pressure washer with non-corrosive soap and hot water is an effective way of removing oils, dirt and leftover sand particles from the blasting process. Afterwards, it is essential to dry the metal in an oven to evaporate all moisture and heat the metal to an optimum temperature for coating.

ETCHING:

As mentioned earlier, metals such as aluminium have a layer of oxidation that must be removed to increase the adhesion properties of the coating. Dipping or coating the aluminium in an acid-based chemical etches the surface and increases the level of adhesion and ultimately, the durability and longevity of the coating.

While it is possible to re-coat powder-coated surfaces, we don’t recommend it.

After a layer of powder has cured it has already bonded to a surface. Applying another layer will not activate a chemical reaction called ‘cross-linking’ which bonds powders together in a network-like structure. This will reduce the adhesion and strength of the powder-coated layer and cause pre-mature flaking, chipping and deterioration.

We recommend removing any previously coated layers with abrasive blasting to produce optimal durability and longevity.

Coatings must be applied on-site as the powder coating requires specialist industrial equipment and facilities.

Powder Coating Colours FAQ:

Powder coatings are available in a variety of colours and finishes.

Powder Coat manufacturers such as Dulux, Interpon, Oxytech, and Jotun produce and supply hundreds, if not thousands, of standard colours and finishes.

To see a full range of colours and finishes available, browse through our supplier's colour charts and catalogues below

• Dulux Powder & Industrial Coatings

• Interpon Powder Coatings

• Oxytech Powders

• Jotun Powders

While colour choice is largely a personal preference or project requirement, there are a few factors that should be considered before settling on a particular colour option.

Colours reflect and absorb varying amounts of light, and therefore, heat. Certain industries may favour specific colours to control heat absorption and reflection. It is also worth mentioning that brighter colours are also prone to fade as they absorb light as well as remit brightness which can damage pigment over the long term.

Need a specialised powder or colour? Let our team know and we will be happy to source any powder needed for your project specifications.

Yes, powder coating colours can be matched to paint.

If a colour can’t be matched to a standard colour range by an individual powder manufacturer such as Dulux, Interpon, Oxytech, or Jotun, a custom powder can be created in small or large batch size.

Custom colours can be ordered and produced by select individual manufacturers such as Dulux. Please get in contact with our team if you require a custom powder coat.

Yes, our team can order a unique powder coat or brand for your project. Please get in touch with our team if you require a unique or custom powder coat.

Yes, we stock a variety of common textured and specialised powders.

Textured and specialised finishes are selected for varying aesthetic and functional properties. Certain textures are selected for functional properties like non-slip surfaces and decorative finishes, while specialty coatings are favoured for specific purposes such as food-grade coatings, metallic coatings, coatings designed with electrical properties, rustic coatings, anti-graffiti, timber-look and many others.

Please get in touch with our team if you require a unique or custom powder coat.

No problem, we can order in a specific brand or powder for your project. Please contact our team to discuss your project requirements.

Sandblasting FAQ:

Sandblasting, or otherwise known as abrasive blasting, is a pre-treatment activity where abrasive sand, bead or shot particles are blasted directly at a surface at high velocity.

The purpose of sandblasting is to lightly strip metal, rust, welding scale, and oxidation from metal surfaces to clean and smooth impurities in raw metal which helps to create a better finish and increase coating adhesion and durability.

Sandblasting requires specialist safety and blasting equipment.

Many materials can be sandblasted including metals, glass, stone and concretes. As a powder coating service, we routinely sandblast the three following materials:

• Metals

• Brass

• Aluminium

Sand blasting removes all oils, dirts, paints, rust and corrosion from metals.

While sometimes not visible, oils, dirts, and rust particles can interfere with the powder coating process causing imperfections in the finish, flaking, and premature wear and fading.

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend sand blasting all metals before powder coat.

While sandblasting can be performed on-site, we don’t offer mobile sandblasting services.

We recommend connecting with a mobile sandblasting service if you require sandblasting on surfaces or objects too large to move such as footpaths, stone walls, and large metal tanks.

The cost of sandblasting can vary according to the job. For instance, variables such as the surface area of the object, size and weight of the object, and the hardness of the metal can influence the cost of sandblasting.

Larger surface areas take more time to blast, and heavy objects can require more care and time to safely move and position. Delicate and thin metals can also require a softer blast which may increase the amount of time in the sandblasting booth.

Furthermore, objects that have been previously coated with powder can take a significantly longer time to sandblast. Powder coating is an incredibly durable coating that is highly resistant to abrasion; even sandblasting won’t easily penetrate the surface.

Care & Maintenance FAQ: 

Dirt, oils, salts, organic matter and pollution can accumulate on coated surfaces. Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend the life and finish of coated surfaces.

Cleaning powder coated surfaces is very straightforward:

Use a non-abrasive cloth and a non-corrosive cleaning product to wipe the surface. We recommend using a soft microfiber cloth with warm water and mild household detergent. Rinse surfaces with fresh water afterwards to remove all traces of the non-corrosive cleaning product and allow to naturally dry.

Please Note:

• Avoid rubbing surfaces excessively.

• Avoid corrosive cleaning products such as turps, spirit based cleaners, thinners and citrus based cleaners.

• Clean powder coated surfaces when the temperature is below 25°C.

Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain the finish and durability of powder coated surfaces.

The frequency of routine cleaning should vary according to the environment in which the surface exists in. In general, all powder coated surfaces should be cleaned every 12 months.

However, surfaces exposed to the following environments should be cleaned every three to six months:

• Direct sunlight and high levels of ultra violet light.

• High atmospheric pollution from salts, dirt, oils etc

• High winds, particularly in dusty environments.

• High humidity.

• High touch surfaces.

Environment & Safety FAQ:

Powders are made from a dry blend of resins, pigments, additives and curing agents that are designed to melt and mix at elevated temperatures.

Powder coatings are more environmentally friendly than wet paint solutions as the process requires less hazardous materials (such as lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium).

Wet paint solutions require chemical agents to spray, bond and accelerate paints to surfaces. On the other hand, the powder coating process utilises a number of chemical reactions to bond and dry coatings.

Powder is sprayed using compressed air rather than carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide propellants. Then, a negative electromagnetic charge is imparted on the powder during the spraying process which sticks to a grounded surface, therefore, no chemical bonding agents are required. An elevated heat source causes the powder to melt and interlace to form a seamless layer. Finally, surfaces are naturally cooled to set into a hardened film.

A well-applied powder coating is far more durable than paint which decreases maintenance while increasing the surface’s life cycle. Powder-coated metals can be recycled.

Powder coatings are non-flammable in an atomised state.

Powder coatings do, however, present a minimal fire danger during the application process where large quantities of fine dust are present. Spray booths are designed to extract and minimise large quantities of airborne particles.

Powder coated objects can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius, with specialised ‘heat resistant’ coatings able to withstand higher temperatures up to 550 degrees Celsius.

Food-grade powders are recommended for surfaces that are in frequent contact with organic matter.

Food-grade coatings have unique properties such as a non-stick finish, an ability to withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures, bacteria & mould resistance, and an ability to withstand frequent exposure to oils, fats, waters and steam.

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Please Note: We exclusively service commercial clients and large production runs.