Powder Coating on the Cheap

[Renron]

Big Bear,

Zinc Phosphate is a "conversion coating" which is applied either with a sprayer or wipe on. (I use an old clean T-shirt) I'm cheap. It is NOT a paint, Don't use Zinc primer under Powder Coating, it will outgas and peel.
It can be used on any metal surface prior to Powder Coating (PC).
The Zinc Phosphate is a phenomenal rust inhibitor and adhesion promoter, it is the same as "bluing" used on firearms. Good stuff.
I bought mine from an auto paint supply store. Kragens or Grand Auto won't have it. A quart was ~$16, and I suspect I will never have to buy more in my lifetime. A little goes a long way. After application set time ~1 - 2 minutes, it is rinsed off under tap water. Some prefer to use Deionized Water, if I were doing it commercially I would use DI water.

It is called Zinc Phosphate!

The PC equipment I purchased from HF is NOT variable HV, I have not found the need for variable voltage yet. I'm just a hobbiest.
I suppose you could use a Variac to adjust the voltage if needed, I have not tried that yet. The only thing the "box" does is supply low amperage high voltage to charge the powder inside the gun while spraying powders.

I have used several types of powders and I like TGIC polyesters the best. Good weather resistance, ease of application, good corner adhesion, flexible with a durable finish. Lays down nice and provides a smooth professional finish. Not as good at chemical resistance as an epoxy. Epoxy's are brittle and harder to spray a good finish with, but are a great insulator. I used an epoxy on my Aikido Preamp build...still in progress. I'll put up a pic later today.

Ever done any PCing yourself?

Ron

[bear]

I thought that was what you were talking about... now I have to ask which store in specific did you find the Zinc Phosphate?

I've never seen it around here...

I've never done any Powder Coating, have had some done by professional powerdercoaters... but visited someone whose small biz is doing it and I was impressed by the results. It gives a nice finish that is good in many ways. It does seem "thick" compared to a lacquer for example, but not every finish is good for every circumstance, and Powder Coat seems like a very good option to have available!!

I'll check out the HF gun next time I visit their store...