Powder coating Aluminum?

[Eddo Rogue]

Not sure if I posted in the right place, but I do ask this as a general question.

Client is asking for powder coated finish on aluminum, probably 6061. Its a small patio gate FWIW.

I have never experienced powder coating aluminum, only anodizing.

Client showed me outdoor furniture in a catalog that stated made of Aluminum w/ powder coated finish...so I guess its possible?

I am assuming if possible it would probably cost more?

I have worked with aluminum a fair share, but never heard of it being powder coated. Figure its worth a conversation.

 

[Roert42]

Seems pointless. Anodizing I think would hold up better.
Paint it and tell him it’s powder coated.

I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t power coat Al or why it would be more expensive the powder coating steel.

 

[Blmpkn]

Powder on aluminum is just as easy and common as on any other material. Even some plastics can be powdercoated.

That being said.. it's a huge debate whether or not you should be doing PC on forged aluminum.. But thats a whole nother rabbit hole.

 

[Lefty]

Not sure if I posted in the right place, but I do ask this as a general question.

Client is asking for powder coated finish on aluminum, probably 6061. Its a small patio gate FWIW.

I have never experienced powder coating aluminum, only anodizing.

Client showed me outdoor furniture in a catalog that stated made of Aluminum w/ powder coated finish...so I guess its possible?

I am assuming if possible it would probably cost more?

I have worked with aluminum a fair share, but never heard of it being powder coated. Figure its worth a conversation.

There is a commercial division at Sherwin Williams that gives excellent advice. They make just about every kind of paint/coatings that there are. Most reasons have a professional chemist/expert who can help.

 

[pjtoledo]

I had aluminum wheels powder coated about 5 years ago, they are holding up quite well.
preparation is important for any coating, removing absolutely all oxidation is a must.
it helps if the material is media blasted to create a texture for the coating to cling to.

on the downside, powder coating is not the easiest to repair if it gets chipped.

 

[sgtsandman]

If I understand powder coating properly, it is stuck to the metal via static charge and then baked to melt it into a uniform coating.

Aluminum should be able to be statically charged, this do able. There are better ways to treat or coat aluminum in my opinion but if that’s what they want...

 

[Bubba Bonanza]

Not sure if I posted in the right place, but I do ask this as a general question.

Client is asking for powder coated finish on aluminum, probably 6061. Its a small patio gate FWIW.

I have never experienced powder coating aluminum, only anodizing.

Client showed me outdoor furniture in a catalog that stated made of Aluminum w/ powder coated finish...so I guess its possible?

I am assuming if possible it would probably cost more?

I have worked with aluminum a fair share, but never heard of it being powder coated. Figure its worth a conversation.

Ecoating works well with aluminum. Not sure about power coating, but I don't see why powder coat wouldn't work.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Seems pointless. Anodizing I think would hold up better.
Paint it and tell him it’s powder coated.

I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t power coat Al or why it would be more expensive the powder coating steel.

Yes...and/or redundant. The point is rust proofing, which aluminum already is.

Client is a she, your average lonely old townhomes landlady...
I think once I present the quote from the powder coating place and along with cheaper and better alternatives, maybe she will compromise.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I had aluminum wheels powder coated about 5 years ago, they are holding up quite well.
preparation is important for any coating, removing absolutely all oxidation is a must.
it helps if the material is media blasted to create a texture for the coating to cling to.

on the downside, powder coating is not the easiest to repair if it gets chipped.

Good point, I will bring up the chip factor.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

If I understand powder coating properly, it is stuck to the metal via static charge and then baked to melt it into a uniform coating.

Aluminum should be able to be statically charged, this do able. There are better ways to treat or coat aluminum in my opinion but if that’s what they want...

Yep its possible, but there are better ways. I'm only bothering so as to look out for the client, and try keep the costs down, especially none that are for my work.

Clients main concern is rust/corrosion, very concerned. Not a "patina" fan at all lol.

I'm gonna offer some alternatives, maybe even make or get some samples.

 

[Lefty]

Powder coating is expensive, but no doubt the best way to prevent steel from rust, especially in high wear areas like the lower frame where the tires will kick up salts and stones.

Aluminum does not require that sort of protection. It doesn't rust. The coating itself is hard but may chip off anyway. Aluminum is after all, a soft metal.

I've got aluminum wheels which have an epoxy clear coat which works just fine.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Powder coating is expensive, but no doubt the best way to prevent steel from rust, especially in high wear areas like the lower frame where the tires will kick up salts and stones.

Aluminum does not require that sort of protection. It doesn't rust. The coating itself is hard but may chip off anyway. Aluminum is after all, a soft metal.

I've got aluminum wheels which have an epoxy clear coat which works just fine.

Yea if I can explain this to the client without getting too technical about it, we would all be in agreement. They just associate powder coat with rust proof lol.

I personally would have it anodized.

 

[Blmpkn]

Powder coating is cheaper than you'd think.. I was recently quoted 175$ to redo an 80s Honda full size trike frame in single stage. That was the all in price.. blasting, cleaning, powder.. I was super surprised.

It's hard to beat the amount of colors powder offers... 2 and 3 stage powders look infinitely better than paint in some cases.

 

[Lefty]

Powder coating is cheaper than you'd think.. I was recently quoted 175$ to redo an 80s Honda full size trike frame in single stage. That was the all in price.. blasting, cleaning, powder.. I was super surprised.

It's hard to beat the amount of colors powder offers... 2 and 3 stage powders look infinitely better than paint in some cases.

A friend drives a Dodge Challenger with oversize wheels and that were powder coated at the factory. The only problem was that one got badly scratched up. He couldn't get it powder coated so he got it painted. It looked stupid. That epoxy paint was not as nice as the powder coat. He drove it that way for a while and finally just bought a new set, this time polished aluminum clear coated with a 2 part "epoxy."

 

[Lefty]

I've got cast aluminum wheels on the family car. One got scratched on a curb, The remedy was sandpaper. The correct grit matched the scuff back into the original finish.