Powder coating

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rlh5window

Junior Member
Have any of youse guys ever tried chrome powder coating instead of chrome? Does it shine as well. Does it last?

Comments??

Randall
 
rlh5window said:
Have any of youse guys ever tried chrome powder coating instead of chrome? Does it shine as well. Does it last?

Comments??

Randall
Click to expand...

I did a set of snap rings for a '31 Buick some time ago. The coating gave me what I desired and as such, I was pleased. Do NOT think you will a chrome like appearance with powder finishing. You will get a silver coating... quite unlike and easily detectable from chrome plating.
 
I have my headers on my avatar roadster coated with "cermachrome" which is a "chrome like" powder coating but not as shiny as regular chrome. It has been on my car since 2002 and still looks good. In my public album of my 32 roadster, I think there is a picture of the headers.
There are many powder coaters that skimp and don't use the best powder and don't powder prime stuff so for ANY powder coating you do-- ask about such things. You probably have seen powder coatings that peel of in sheets and is not durable. They do it because it is cheaper.
 
In the attached photo the headers were powder coated using a chrome based powder coating process. The valve covers are chrome plated which gives some idea of the difference between the two. Because I didn't want the headers to be the focus on the engine I elected to use a chrome powder that had less reflectivity. As I recall it was possible to select a chrome powder that offered more reflection like chrome plating. Those headers were coated 4 years ago and still look the same as when they were coated which gives you some idea of how that process holds up. I will second deuce roadster's observation that when it comes to powder coating "buyer beware..."
 

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I have used the almost chrome product from Eastwood, it was as Kube stated; fine for my purpose but easily distinguishable from chrome. If you go that route test a couple pieces to get the cure time/temp correct. I noticed the hue changed between various batches and believe it was due to the cure cycle- I used the old two stage process, chrome and then a clear powder over it.

Also, there is a difference between the plastic (polyester?) powder coat and the ceramic coating. The plastic powder cures at about 400-450F and will burn right off a header.
I have not used the ceramic products.
 
Powder coated paint fails if the surface to be coated is not perfectly clean.
As I understand it the surface most be slightly ruff and not shiny or it won't
adhere. I Have a motor home with electric operated steps that was made of
hot rolled steel that had black oxide coating. In several years the powder
coating peeled off in large pieces. G.M.
 
deuce_roadster said:
I have my headers on my avatar roadster coated with "cermachrome" which is a "chrome like" powder coating but not as shiny as regular chrome. It has been on my car since 2002 and still looks good. In my public album of my 32 roadster, I think there is a picture of the headers.
There are many powder coaters that skimp and don't use the best powder and don't powder prime stuff so for ANY powder coating you do-- ask about such things. You probably have seen powder coatings that peel of in sheets and is not durable. They do it because it is cheaper.
Click to expand...
You bring up a very good point. That being a consumer must be certain he utilizes a coater that knows what he is doing! Priming most certainly makes the job last much longer as does (of course) the proper preparation.
I have been fortunate in taht a close friend owns a company that does this type of service and he is perhaps as "picky" as I am.
 
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