Powder Coating is a metal coating process of thermoset powders in epoxy, polyurethane, hybrid, and polyester based chemistries. These chemistries allow for special decorative coatings to be formulated that have properties that cure in various arrangements at there reactive temperatures. Two distinctive factors have driven powder coating to the front of the metal coating industry. Environmental concerns over solvent and VOC based coatings, and the ability for reactive powders to achieve depth of color, multiple colors in one coating, and different textures over conventional paints.
Powder Coatings are finely ground plastic particles consisting of pigments, resins, binders, fillers, and hardeners. When exposed to heat, these plastic particles melt to form a continuous film of high durability and chemical resistance. Thermoset materials undergo a permanent chemical change during the cure cycle that will not remelt.

Procedures and process at San Diego Powder Coating.
Please review the photo’s available in our photo gallery, at San Diego Powder Coating we prepare our metal surfaces with a garnet sandblast using a state of the art particulate filtering and sand recovery/recycling system. This sandblast preparation, provides the appropriate cleanliness, and etching profile for a strong and durable powder finish. After blasting, the parts are hung on a rack for blow off cleaning and inspection of the metal preparation.

Once the parts are prepared for coating, we apply the powder/paint with an electrostatic spray process. Some

applications or special color requests require two or more coats of various products to achieve the desired result. For instance if you have wrought iron fencing that will be in the outside weather, we always recommend a corrosion resistant primer before applying the top-coat color. For some decorative “candy” and “vein” a metallic base and/or clear coat is required. During the electrostatic spray process, the powder molecules are positively charged with electricity, while the metal parts are grounded. This allows powder adhesion and build-up of “mil thickness”.
After the powder is applied, The racks that carry the metal parts are manually rolled into our indirect, circulating, natural gas – fired oven for baking to a temperature of 400 degrees for a duration of 15 – 30 minutes. The baking time depends on metal thickness and powder product used; however, it is critical that core metal temperature is achieved for the required cure duration.
In summary, quality durable powder coating is achieved with good sound sandblast prep and cleanliness of parts. Application of the appropriate coatings for the conditions of the end-use of the product by an experienced painter, and finally the correct oven curing temperature and time. At San Diego Powder Coating, we take great strides to insure all of these steps are completed with inspection of your parts after completion for quality assurance.

We are a “Job Shop” specializing in industrial, metal fabrication, custom colors for vehicles, and wrought iron projects. Our large sandblast booth and oven will accommodate up to 34’ long assemblies. We handle all types of items Big and Heavy, to small and tiny. Thick steel to Sheet metal, Brass, and Aluminum.