Almost like the ceramic coatings, correctly done prep works have a vital role in influencing the powder coating applications process. Now, the powder coatings get electrically bind to the surface it is striking, and so it is extremely effective in removing brake dust, road grime, dirt, grease and all sorts of ground-level contaminants from the set of wheels that promote adhesion.
Powder coating is equally strong in removing the “roach rash”, blemish from the alloy wheel surface, even if the car or the motorbike has been driven by a substantially skilled driver, and has encountered the rogue stone chip or the unexpected scuff.
Despite the damages appearing new or ratty looking – the wheels have to be properly prepped for powder coating, so they have to undergo the necessary prep stages.
The Chemical Soak
In the first prep procedure, the alloy wheels have to be soaked in a specialized heated and agitated chemical stripping solution. After being stripped of contaminants and residue, the aluminium alloy underside of the wheels will be exposed, after it has been rinsed.
Since the professionals are handling the process, so they are aware of using non-toxic chemicals, which will neither be harmful to human health nor the environment. Being efficient powder coaters, they make sure to use earth-friendly systems.
Blake and Blast
Now for exposing the stubborn spots, which the chemical dips might have missed, the alloy wheels are placed in the kiln, once they have been rinsed off. It further helps to expedite drying times. Next, it is shifted on to blasting, the process typically involving aluminium oxide spray using a high-pressure hose for removing the lifted debris to the surface.
In the blasting process, the professionals just use aluminium oxide. The other organic media that quickly get embedded in the softer alloys, like the aluminium, are the walnut shells, and silica or sand beads.
Manual Rash Removal
Blasting removes the most stubborn contaminants from the wheel surface, but it will not work for the deeply grained corrosion and pitting. Neither will blasting impact the rock chips or curb rash. So, the experts use a polishing wheel for shaving off the rough edges, unpleasant accidents and imperfects. Next, the wheels are given milder buffing round.
Tape Time
After buffing and deburring are completed, the thermal tape is applied to the areas for protecting them as they are not to be powder coated. The professionals avoid spraying the whole wheel. They mask off the flat face bolting to the hub for guaranteeing wheels are properly seated.
Before the wheel servicing experts apply powder coating, they ensure removing the dirt, debris and old paint. They use the special solvent for removing chipped and old paint. The total time taken for powder coating is dependent on a few factors, and the wheels’ condition is the chief determinant. Clean and damage freewheel will take about 1 – 2 hours to powder coat each wheel. In case, additional sandblasting and cleaning are needed, then the process will take from 2 to 3 hours.
Wheels Specialists 