Super wet black and scratches

[oldgoat69]

Just got my Harley frame back from the powdercoater (my oven is not big enough to hold the frame), I had it done in Super Wet Black . I am doing the rest of my bike in Super Wet Black also. If I touch the parts after coating, I get marring and scratches. Will a good grade of wax prevent this?

Also, what is the best cleaner to use before powdercoating? I have tried acetone and brake cleaner and it is hit or miss if I will get a good finish. Sometimes the finish looks like there was oil left behind or the cleaner left a residue. Sometimes I will clean the part 2-3 times before coating and still get blems in the coating. I usually sand blast the parts before I clean them. If I don't blast first, it doesn't seem to make a diffrerence. I always pre bake the parts, to outgass before I coat them. I am at a loss as to why I am having this problem. I have had to do some parts 2 or 3 times to get a good overall finish.

Thanks

[Harleydad]

The high gloss powders (95) tend to do that. A waxing will help, I clear those types of powders.
As far as cleaning I use Acetone, don't use anything petroleum based. How long do you outgas? You may need to do it longer, along with a final clean before coating and lightly run a Mapp or Propane torch over the part to remove any remaining dust or rag lint.

[CarWiz]

Try using a phosphated cleaner such as Caswell's SP degreaser before sand blasting. Also, do not touch the frame with bare hands or rubber gloves (latex) once cleaned.

[oldgoat69]

I usually outgass at 425 for an hour. I wear nitrile gloves when I am using the cleaner and try not to touch the part after it has been cleaned. I use needle nose pliers or hold it by the wire that I hang it from when it gets hung in the oven. After the outgass, I have a new pair of gloves on, while still trying not to touch the part, as I transfer it to the PC booth.

CarWiz, are you saying that I should clean the part before I sandblast? I use the cleaner after I sandblast. I will get a new can of Acetone and try again. The can I have might have somehow got contaminated.

[Harleydad]

Yes, clean and degrease before you blast. Simple green or something similar. Rinse well.

[CarWiz]

Yes, degrease before sandblasting and/or sanding. If you blast first, you drive the contaminates into the substrate. Cleaning after may not get oils out of the pockets and may leave chemicals embedded below the surface. If you look at metal that's been sand blasted or sanded under a microscope, the surface is covered in craters and pockets. Sand blasting can also cause small fissures to form that will wick chemicals.