Powder Coat Prep

[cv2065]

For those that had their panels powder coated, did you do anything specific to the panels to prep for the powder coater, or do they do that themselves? I’ve cleaned up the printed numbers and marker with laquer thinner, but still lots of fingerprints, etc.

[j.miller]

Powder coaters do the prep themselves. If you were dealing with pieces with welding slag or spatter you would be best to do yourself....but you're not so just hand over the parts and walk away.....walk away and don't look back.....no, no ! DON'T LOOK BACK! ya just had ta look back.....now ya have to deal with the emotional trauma…….what were we talking about ??? ...da bat

[cv2065]

LOL...Thanks DB!

[michael everson]

My powder coater guy gives them a light scuff with a DA. My former guy just washed them and coated them. Both came out fine.
Mike

[gkp200]

How are you labeling/tracking the panels? Some are photographing each and then sending to powder coating. Is that necessary? There is a drawing in the back of the manual. Is that enough for people to identify them once they return? Looking for simple ideas to keep them organized but no go overboard.

[Al_C]

You'll most likely need to pre-drill some holes for the powder coater so they can hang the parts from a rack. These can also be the holes you'd use to attach them in the build. I got some metal label pieces - the type you use to label plants in a garden - and scribed a number on to each. Then, just wire that to the panel and you're good to go. It worked pretty well for me. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Gardening-Durability-Applications-Aluminum/dp/B01LP3KFWS/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1533052005&sr=8-13&keywords=plant+label

[gkp200]

Al C, perfect. Just ordered the tags.

[cv2065]

How are you labeling/tracking the panels? Some are photographing each and then sending to powder coating. Is that necessary? There is a drawing in the back of the manual. Is that enough for people to identify them once they return? Looking for simple ideas to keep them organized but no go overboard.

I fitted and drilled all my panels in advance. As others have said, there really is only one way for the panels to assemble, so you really don’t need labels IMO...

[steno]

My coater asked me to “ease” the sharp edges a bit so the powder will look good on sharp edges. The rest was up to him!

[Avalanche325]

The one thing you need to know is when panels meet, which one goes on top.

[cv2065]

Thanks again for the replies.

One other question. If one needs to touch up the Satin powder coat finish on the new frames, any suggestions there for the best match? I've dinged it up a tiny bit in two places when I was fitting panels and I want to use a small brush for touch up.

I think POR15 is out as its mostly a Semi Gloss or Gloss. VHT has a Satin at Advance Auto and I can get SEM around here as well in a Black Satin. I know that the sheens aren't consistent from one brand to another, but the areas are small and just want to get close. Thanks!

[Avalanche325]

Rustolium gloss black us what I use. I use a qt can and an artist brush.

[Paul2STL]

What Avalanche said Rustlium Gloss black matches pretty good and clean up the holes you drilled for fitment. Any hanging shards will cause the powder to streak when shot.

[Fixit]

Since we're of the (seemingly) 1st few "Satin Black Chassis" guys, I've found that Krylon's Satin Black rattle can isn't a bad match. If it's just a few dings, spray some on cardboard, and daub it in with a brush/Qtip.

[cv2065]

Since we're of the (seemingly) 1st few "Satin Black Chassis" guys, I've found that Krylon's Satin Black rattle can isn't a bad match. If it's just a few dings, spray some on cardboard, and daub it in with a brush/Qtip.

Thanks John. That’s exactly what I’m looking to do.