Common Appearance Issues in Liquid & Powder Coating
Some common appearance issues can occur in liquid and powder coating if the process has not been carried out correctly. Naturally, anyone needing to use liquid or powder coating for a task will want to avoid these pitfalls. We would always recommend getting a professional, like TEMA involved, but if you have already started yourself, fear not, help is at hand with our useful guide looking at the common issues faced when using liquid and powder coating, and what to do if anything does go wrong!
Common issues in liquid and powder coating
Problems Caused During Application
If you were to use incompatible or dirty equipment you can expect to find tiny holes or indents across the coating. Operators should work with clean, well-maintained equipment, always making sure they have the right tools for the job. If you notice any issues, stop using the equipment straight away if you believe it is at fault. Furthermore, it is best to always make sure only those trained in the required processes are taking part in this operation!
Coating Composition
When it comes to the appearance of powder coating and indeed their liquid counterparts, the composition is something that can play a part in the overall result. Here we are talking about materials that have been specially formulated whilst creating a delicate balance of potent compounds which could be potentially volatile. Hence these are substances that are sensitive to heat, pressure and humidity, and operators must handle these coating compounds with care. To reduce runs or sags, these compounds should have the same surface tension as the substrate. If you note blooming and blushing across the surface this could also be due to poor quality resin, so best to upgrade to something of a higher standard.
Dirt Contamination
If any dirt finds itself into the booth, the coating can be contaminated, messing up the whole process. Sometimes craters occur that exposes the substrate through the cured film. Another issue caused by dirt contamination is that it can cause bumps in the film as well as blistering or even peeling. And it is not just dirt and dust that can cause these effects, any lubricant such as oil can find its way onto the surface of the material and can be a big problem. To avoid these issues, people working on the task should make sure they have filtration systems for air intake to help ensure the air is clean, and that there is no floating debris within.
Surface Preparation
Liquid and powder coating users must pay close attention to the pretreatment process to avoid creating expensive issues later! You see, both liquids and powders are specifically formulated to bond with defined substrates when a certain condition takes place. Which is why during preparation you need to make sure the entire surface is clean and that there are no bumps (if there are grind them down). Also, look for any other residue on the surface and any visible markings before any applications go ahead. If people skip out the preparation stage, they will only end up wasting more time (and money) when they have to start all over again!
Sometimes it can be tricky to work out what part of the process caused an issue. With this in mind, your best bet is to call in a professional, like TEMA to do the work, reducing your chances of any issues in the first place, and of course, freeing you up to do something else! Professionals will also be able to help you with crucial advice and fill you in on options for transitioning to a new booth system where applicable.
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