Getting started in powder coating, am i missing anything

[UnorthodoxCreations]

Well as soon as I locate a cheap oven(saw a free one on the way to work i have to go back and check out) I will be making an order with Caswell to get started in powdercoating. I've read the stickies as well as many other sites and wanted someone with experience to tell me if I'm buying everything I need. I plan on doing mostly aluminum enigne parts like valve covers, manifolds, etc. I plan on purchasing
-Caswells gun(havent heard any complaints, good price)
-One roll of the high temp masking tape
-1lb of black,chrome and maybe one other color just to get started
-1 pint of Iron phosphate primer(I should be using this right)
-moisture filter

I like the silicon plug kits but i dont think i can bring myself to spend that much. I already have a sand blaster. I'm gonna weld up tray to sit on top the oven burners to heat up the iron phosphate. Am I missing anything that i really need or am i buying anything i dont. I a total beginner and just want advice.
Thanks
Adam

How do you mask raised letters?

[CaptainChauncy]

You are going to need a compressor and a spray booth. You can make the spray booth yourself. I also use a respirator when spraying powder.

[daveg]

Welcome to the forum,

A piece of advice when coating aluminum...it really helps if you preheat the part first as to prevent outgassing of the aluminum. If not when you coat the part and it heats, the pores in the aluminum will outgas and call tiny bumps or bubbles all over your finish. I usually preheat my aluminum parts to 400 for about 15-20 min. Someone else here may be able to explain this a little better than myself.
To mask raised letters, all it takes is high temp tape, an exacto knife or single edged razor blade, and a really steady hand. Just apply the tape over the letters, trim around the letters, apply powder and cure. After your powder is cured just peel the tape off to expose your letters.

Hope that helped

David

[daveg]

Oh, and I also meant to add,

There are different opinions on this, but after preheating aluminum parts, I spray the powder on while the part is still warm, around 200 usually, then put it back in to cure. I very rarely have a problem with outgassing with this method.

David

[LeeParsons]

Deffently get a reporator or at least filter masks. I also use latex exam gloves when powdering to keep from getting oils from my hands on the parts and to keep the powder off my hands.

[sswee]

As for the silicone plug kits go. I got the flange kit for studs & bolt holes and it saves alot on taping. It'll depend on the kind of work your doing as to how needed it. SS

[UnorthodoxCreations]

Originally Posted by CaptainChauncy

You are going to need a compressor and a spray booth. You can make the spray booth yourself. I also use a respirator when spraying powder.

I got a compressor and respirator so they are no problem. I'll be building my spray booth in a few days. I was hoping there was an easier way to mask raised stuff but thats what i expected. I've read about outgassing so I'll be doing that.

Is that Iron Phosphate needed?

Is there a cheaper alternative to the silicone plugs? I dont need near that many just afew of each size?

Thanks for the help, great forum!

[pickleboy]

also i am sure you know from reading but you need a good final degrease product. i have used breakclean, acetone, and mek. this is for final wipedown of the parts just before the powder. as for iron phospate i have not used it yet but if corrosion is a factor to control it is probably a good idea. also i would recommend tack rags that you can get at any paint supplier, these are good for the final wipe down since they dont leave behind lint. welcome to the board and best of luck.

[CaptainChauncy]

Originally Posted by UnorthodoxCreations

I got a compressor and respirator so they are no problem. I'll be building my spray booth in a few days. I was hoping there was an easier way to mask raised stuff but thats what i expected. I've read about outgassing so I'll be doing that.

Is that Iron Phosphate needed?

Is there a cheaper alternative to the silicone plugs? I dont need near that many just afew of each size?

Thanks for the help, great forum!

I have used alluminum foil instead of plugs a couple times, they will get the job done but dont work as well as the plugs do.

[Netnut]

I use the infrared thermometer to measure the part temperature and a kitchen count down timer...

Iron phosfete is for iron, but caswell have some other material for aluminium, but for your engine parts I don't think you need it

Get 4-5 extra powder container for your gun, easier when change from base color to clear cover coat

Welcome and have fun

fr