The benefits of powder coating are indisputable, making this finishing technique ideal for general commercial equipment, vehicle parts and even industrial plant machinery. The advantages of the process include durability, high level of protection and aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, these coats can sustain damage due to natural wear, or the surfaces might chip due to poor application techniques. If this happens, you should plan for immediate repair for optimal performance. Here are essential tips to keep in mind for quality powder coat restoration.

1. Consider Direct Recoating

If the damage to the powder coating is superficial and minimal, you can recoat the surface directly. This approach is favourable if you are dealing with a fresh finishing coat. Simply speaking, if there is no significant contamination on the specific component or structure, another light powder coat can be applied over the damaged area. The primary benefits of this approach include lower costs, minimal time and better protection. However, the method might be unsuitable for delicate parts with tight dimensional tolerances.  

2. Plan for Surface Sanding

Sanding is essential if direct recoating is not an option for your restorative work. If the surface has significant chips, bumps, dirt and general marring, it is important to prepare it before recoating. In general, you will need to inspect your equipment for defects. If there is flaking, you can use a knife, brush or scraper to scrub the area. Then, sand the material to remove the old coating and ensure that the edges of the area are feathered. Utilise progressively finer grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth. You should be careful not to damage the surrounding areas while working on localised spots.

3. Use a Suitable Primer

Priming is not considered to be compulsory while repairing a powder-coated surface. However, it is beneficial if you are interested in improving the level of protection for your metallic surfaces. For instance, a coat of zinc-based primer will provide additional protection for steel. If you are planning on priming, you should plan on isolating the sanded area using tape. This will prevent the spread of the primer to the undamaged parts. Ensure that the tape used is of good quality to avoid sticky residues. Then, apply a light layer of a compatible primer before proceeding to surface recoating.  

If the powder coating damage on your equipment, structure or machinery is not localised, you should plan on stripping the entire finish. This process will allow you to eliminate all the defects on the surface and apply a fresh quality coat. 

For more assistance, contact powder coating companies.