How do I get started in powdercoating?

[roostin_dale]

I need to know everything i need and how much it will cost?

I would like to get started so I can powdercoat my own small stuff. Nothing big or special, just something I can do to make my bikes look better and something fun to do.

Thanks for any help

[Jeffksf]

try here (http://www.columbiacoatings.com/)

[hash1250r]

http://www.eastwoodco.com/ You can spend $1000 -$100000 if you want. Its just get what you need to get going. You can always upgrade to better stuff.

[K_Fulk]

I have about fifty bucks in my equipement. Bought a chicago gun used and a old kitchen oven. Works ok for small parts. But it just dont work like i want it too.

[roostin_dale]

K_Fulk....do you have any pics of things you did? Thats kind of the way im thinking.

[K_Fulk]

The gun is a pos i can never get all the black out of it no matter what I do but i'll post some pics of some of my stuff I have done.

[K_Fulk]

It seems i have better luck with aluminum stuff. I can't find the pictures but when i do spindles they come out pretty good.

[roostin_dale]

does your stuff turn out ok?? It looks sweet to me!

Can you tell me the step-by-step process by what you have to do? Sorry for being a pest...

[K_Fulk]

I usually bead or sand blast the part, clean it with some metal cleanner (the most important part is the prep) mask off what needs masked, preheat the part, take it out wait a lil bit spray it and put it back in to cure.

Sometimes i'll get a few bubbles. The other side of those front calipers were bubbled but there facing the wheel and you wont see it anyways. And that was before I had any cleaner.

For the most part they come out pretty good unless i try doing bigger stuff. I did a couple swingarms the first one wasnt too good the stock one came out pretty good. But they barely fit in the oven.

[roostin_dale]

thanks for the info. Would it be worth it to buy a new Chicago gun and a used house oven? I am trying to keep it under about $250 and a Chicago gun is only like $136.

[K_Fulk]

I would go with a hot coat gun. But sometimes there are chicago's on ebay between 60 and 80.

Last winter I had a bunch of little parts done and the guy wanted like 400 dollars so i said screw that i'll do them myself.

I would sell you mine pretty cheap if I had the money to buy a better gun.
I got the oven at a salvation army thrift store for 20. I usually wire the part to the oven rack. Make sure you can slide the rack in high in the oven so you have more room.

[danney f]

This should help you.
http://www.caswellplating.com/bbs/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=b6841c968db34205975be56978aa4c7f

[markeg192]

There's an old thread pappy put up callled "powsercoating 101" I think try that. I got a Chicago gun and it works fine for me. You might check with pendry coatings website for powder since his is so cheap.