Powder Coat on 4130

[Phil]

Hello
Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that show
that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family, they always
refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing etc. , this evening
they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and when it came time to paint
the machine they said that powder coat couldn't be used because of the heat
involved would ruin the 4130 tubing , seems like a lot of engine mounts and
other A/C parts will have to be junked , would like to hear some thoughts on
this concept , as an A/C welder it is of interest to me.
Thanks
Phil Lohiser
EAA 12873

[clare at snyder.on.ca]

On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:29:15 -0400, "Phil" > wrote:

>Hello
> Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that show
>that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family, they always
>refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing etc. , this evening
>they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and when it came time to paint
>the machine they said that powder coat couldn't be used because of the heat
>involved would ruin the 4130 tubing , seems like a lot of engine mounts and
>other A/C parts will have to be junked , would like to hear some thoughts on
>this concept , as an A/C welder it is of interest to me.
>Thanks
>Phil Lohiser
>EAA 12873
>
Powder coating won't hurt 4130, but is NOT RECOMMENDED for aircraft
use because it can hide developing cracks.At least that's what I've
been told.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

[oilsardine]

<clare at snyder.on.ca> schrieb im Newsbeitrag
...
> On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:29:15 -0400, "Phil" > wrote:
>
>>Hello
>> Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that show
>>that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family, they always
>>refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing etc. , this
>>evening
>>they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and when it came time to
>>paint
>>the machine they said that powder coat couldn't be used because of the
>>heat
>>involved would ruin the 4130 tubing , seems like a lot of engine mounts
>>and
>>other A/C parts will have to be junked , would like to hear some thoughts
>>on
>>this concept , as an A/C welder it is of interest to me.
>>Thanks
>>Phil Lohiser
>>EAA 12873
>>
> Powder coating won't hurt 4130, but is NOT RECOMMENDED for aircraft
> use because it can hide developing cracks.At least that's what I've
> been told.


tell that to Sonex Ltd

[Ernest Christley]

clare at snyder.on.ca wrote:
> On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:29:15 -0400, "Phil" > wrote:
>
>> Hello
>> Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that show
>> that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family, they always
>> refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing etc. , this evening
>> they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and when it came time to paint
>> the machine they said that powder coat couldn't be used because of the heat
>> involved would ruin the 4130 tubing , seems like a lot of engine mounts and
>> other A/C parts will have to be junked , would like to hear some thoughts on
>> this concept , as an A/C welder it is of interest to me.
>> Thanks
>> Phil Lohiser
>> EAA 12873
>>
> Powder coating won't hurt 4130, but is NOT RECOMMENDED for aircraft
> use because it can hide developing cracks.At least that's what I've
> been told.
>

Bwhahaha!!

Powder coating is done at what, 275 degree F? I gotten my airframe
hotter than that by cussing at it when members wouldn't meet up
properly. 4130 will see it as a pleasantly warm temperature, suitable
for shorts and maybe a light sweater.

Some people don't recommend powder coating because it may hide
developing cracks. Others swear by it because it give better protection
to keep cracks from ever forming. Truth is, if the only thing you have
to identify developing cracks is a visual inspection, you're not going
to have much luck. Use white powder coat, and linseed oil inside the
tube. A hairline crack will seep the oil and make and ugly black mark.

[J.Kahn]

Ernest Christley wrote:
> clare at snyder.on.ca wrote:
>> On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:29:15 -0400, "Phil" > wrote:
>>
>>> Hello
>>> Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that
>>> show that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family,
>>> they always refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing
>>> etc. , this evening they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and
>>> when it came time to paint the machine they said that powder coat
>>> couldn't be used because of the heat involved would ruin the 4130
>>> tubing , seems like a lot of engine mounts and other A/C parts will
>>> have to be junked , would like to hear some thoughts on this concept
>>> , as an A/C welder it is of interest to me.
>>> Thanks
>>> Phil Lohiser
>>> EAA 12873
>> Powder coating won't hurt 4130, but is NOT RECOMMENDED for aircraft
>> use because it can hide developing cracks.At least that's what I've
>> been told.
>>
>
> Bwhahaha!!
>
> Powder coating is done at what, 275 degree F? I gotten my airframe
> hotter than that by cussing at it when members wouldn't meet up
> properly. 4130 will see it as a pleasantly warm temperature, suitable
> for shorts and maybe a light sweater.
>
> Some people don't recommend powder coating because it may hide
> developing cracks. Others swear by it because it give better protection
> to keep cracks from ever forming. Truth is, if the only thing you have
> to identify developing cracks is a visual inspection, you're not going
> to have much luck. Use white powder coat, and linseed oil inside the
> tube. A hairline crack will seep the oil and make and ugly black mark.

But if the hairline crack doesn't break the paint film the oil will
still be contained. Besides the oil, weld a boss on a longeron tube end
and install a tire valve and pressurize to 100 or so psi pressure during
the annual. The pressure should be enough to make the paint film fail
and cause leakdown. Find the leak by listening or water/soap.

Llama helicopters charge the truss permanently with dry nitrogen and
have a pressure gauge that is in view behind the cabin and can be
checked on a DI.

John

[Don W]

> But if the hairline crack doesn't break the paint film the oil will
> still be contained. Besides the oil, weld a boss on a longeron tube end
> and install a tire valve and pressurize to 100 or so psi pressure during
> the annual. The pressure should be enough to make the paint film fail
> and cause leakdown. Find the leak by listening or water/soap.
>
> Llama helicopters charge the truss permanently with dry nitrogen and
> have a pressure gauge that is in view behind the cabin and can be
> checked on a DI.
>
> John

Now that is an interesting way of doing it. Just
check the pressure on preflight, and you'll know
there aren't any cracks if it's still holding
pressure. Plus, if charged with an inert gas such
as nitrogen, helium, or argon, you also know there
will not be any corrosion inside the tube.

Don W.

[Rich S.[_1_]]

"Don W" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> Now that is an interesting way of doing it. Just check the pressure on
> preflight, and you'll know there aren't any cracks if it's still holding
> pressure.

Well . . . you will know that the gauge pointer hasn't moved. For fire
extinguisher classes, I had a demo extinguisher which was cut open so's you
could see the interior. The gauge still read in the green.

Rich S.

[Drew Dalgleish]

On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:40:12 -0400, "J.Kahn"
> wrote:

>Ernest Christley wrote:
>> clare at snyder.on.ca wrote:
>>> On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:29:15 -0400, "Phil" > wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hello
>>>> Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that
>>>> show that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family,
>>>> they always refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing
>>>> etc. , this evening they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and
>>>> when it came time to paint the machine they said that powder coat
>>>> couldn't be used because of the heat involved would ruin the 4130
>>>> tubing , seems like a lot of engine mounts and other A/C parts will
>>>> have to be junked , would like to hear some thoughts on this concept
>>>> , as an A/C welder it is of interest to me.
>>>> Thanks
>>>> Phil Lohiser
>>>> EAA 12873
>>> Powder coating won't hurt 4130, but is NOT RECOMMENDED for aircraft
>>> use because it can hide developing cracks.At least that's what I've
>>> been told.
>>>
>>
>> Bwhahaha!!
>>
>> Powder coating is done at what, 275 degree F? I gotten my airframe
>> hotter than that by cussing at it when members wouldn't meet up
>> properly. 4130 will see it as a pleasantly warm temperature, suitable
>> for shorts and maybe a light sweater.
>>
>> Some people don't recommend powder coating because it may hide
>> developing cracks. Others swear by it because it give better protection
>> to keep cracks from ever forming. Truth is, if the only thing you have
>> to identify developing cracks is a visual inspection, you're not going
>> to have much luck. Use white powder coat, and linseed oil inside the
>> tube. A hairline crack will seep the oil and make and ugly black mark.
>
>But if the hairline crack doesn't break the paint film the oil will
>still be contained. Besides the oil, weld a boss on a longeron tube end
>and install a tire valve and pressurize to 100 or so psi pressure during
>the annual. The pressure should be enough to make the paint film fail
>and cause leakdown. Find the leak by listening or water/soap.
>
>Llama helicopters charge the truss permanently with dry nitrogen and
>have a pressure gauge that is in view behind the cabin and can be
>checked on a DI.
>
>John

I find it very hard to believe that forces strong enough to crack 4130
wouldn't be strong enough to crack powder coating.
I suspect the real reason for not powdercoating the chopper frame has
a lot to do with filming schedules.

[Morgans[_2_]]

" jls" > wrote
>
> Whatever the reason for the FAA hostility for powder coating, I have
> receive pma'd parts that were powdercoated, or "powercoated" as a
> member of my EAA chapter calls it.

Cute <g>

Although I have never had, or seen, an aircraft "powercoated" part crack, I
have seen other powder coated steel parts crack, and the powdercoated crack
remained hidden.

I would not choose powdercoating for a finish for anything I built.

Besides that, I can spray paints, myself, and can not so easily powdercoat
anything.
--
Jim in NC

[jls]

"Drew Dalgleish" > wrote in message
[...]
> I find it very hard to believe that forces strong enough to crack
4130
> wouldn't be strong enough to crack powder coating.
> I suspect the real reason for not powdercoating the chopper frame
has
> a lot to do with filming schedules.

Whatever the reason for the FAA hostility for powder coating, I have
receive pma'd parts that were powdercoated, or "powercoated" as a
member of my EAA chapter calls it.

[cavelamb himself]

Morgans wrote:

> " jls" > wrote
>
>>Whatever the reason for the FAA hostility for powder coating, I have
>>receive pma'd parts that were powdercoated, or "powercoated" as a
>>member of my EAA chapter calls it.
>
>
> Cute <g>
>
> Although I have never had, or seen, an aircraft "powercoated" part crack, I
> have seen other powder coated steel parts crack, and the powdercoated crack
> remained hidden.
>
> I would not choose powdercoating for a finish for anything I built.
>
> Besides that, I can spray paints, myself, and can not so easily powdercoat
> anything.


Besides that, the stuff is heavy!

[Morgans[_2_]]

"cavelamb himself" > wrote

> Besides that, the stuff is heavy!

Yeah, what he said! <g>

I can't believe I didn't think of that, too.

The stuff sure is pretty, though.

Another thing is, it is so tough, that it is not likely to show damage when
something smashes into it. If something hits my metal hard enough to chip
or mark paint, I would want to know about it. That stuff wouldn't show a
mark.
--
Jim in NC

[J.Kahn]

Drew Dalgleish wrote:

>
> I find it very hard to believe that forces strong enough to crack 4130
> wouldn't be strong enough to crack powder coating.
> I suspect the real reason for not powdercoating the chopper frame has
> a lot to do with filming schedules.

Drew, I believe it is related to the fact that the film is somewhat
flexible and tough so that it can accommodate a small subsurface change.
It's a bit like polyurethane paint's ability to hide filiform
corrosion, which really hurt Cessna owners back in the 80s when their
late 70s 172s started showing filliform corrosion under the paint
because Cessna used washer primer instead of epoxy primer when they
first went to urethane paints.

John

[J.Kahn]

Rich S. wrote:
> "Don W" > wrote in message
> . ..
>> Now that is an interesting way of doing it. Just check the pressure on
>> preflight, and you'll know there aren't any cracks if it's still holding
>> pressure.
>
> Well . . . you will know that the gauge pointer hasn't moved. For fire
> extinguisher classes, I had a demo extinguisher which was cut open so's you
> could see the interior. The gauge still read in the green.
>
> Rich S.
>
>
It's probably overkill to have a gage reading continuously anyway. The
gage would change for some reason and you'd panic and ground your
airplane. Better to just hook something up during an annual.

John

[jls]

"Morgans" > wrote in message
...
>
> " jls" > wrote
> >
> > Whatever the reason for the FAA hostility for powder coating, I
have
> > receive pma'd parts that were powdercoated, or "powercoated" as a
> > member of my EAA chapter calls it.
>
> Cute <g>
>
> Although I have never had, or seen, an aircraft "powercoated" part
crack, I
> have seen other powder coated steel parts crack, and the
powdercoated crack
> remained hidden.

I wouldn't use powdercoat on an engine mount, for sure and not on a
4130 fuselage. But it came on the lift strut of a PA-18 and a
rudder-- both PMA'd.

I would use it on the step (or stirrup) that helps you get into the
cockpit. There you need it because of all the wear you would have on
paint.

I have seen it used with great esthetic appeal on yokes.
>
> I would not choose powdercoating for a finish for anything I built.
>
> Besides that, I can spray paints, myself, and can not so easily
powdercoat
> anything.

Eastwood has a kit you can buy which is cheap and easy to use. You
just need an oven to cure it in once you've got it sprayed on your
part. The powder is attracted to the part by a high voltage.

I would not use powdercoat on highly stressed parts but it certainly
has a use in places on some aircraft, especially where the wear on
paint keeps you having to recoat it.
> --
> Jim in NC
>

James in WNC
:)

[Drew Dalgleish]

On Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:09:01 -0400, "J.Kahn"
> wrote:

>Drew Dalgleish wrote:
>
>>
>> I find it very hard to believe that forces strong enough to crack 4130
>> wouldn't be strong enough to crack powder coating.
>> I suspect the real reason for not powdercoating the chopper frame has
>> a lot to do with filming schedules.
>
>Drew, I believe it is related to the fact that the film is somewhat
>flexible and tough so that it can accommodate a small subsurface change.
> It's a bit like polyurethane paint's ability to hide filiform
>corrosion, which really hurt Cessna owners back in the 80s when their
>late 70s 172s started showing filliform corrosion under the paint
>because Cessna used washer primer instead of epoxy primer when they
>first went to urethane paints.
>
>John

Thanks John I thought powder coat was more like ceramic and
inflexible.

[clare at snyder.on.ca]

On Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:23:40 GMT, (Drew
Dalgleish) wrote:

>On Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:09:01 -0400, "J.Kahn"
> wrote:
>
>>Drew Dalgleish wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> I find it very hard to believe that forces strong enough to crack 4130
>>> wouldn't be strong enough to crack powder coating.
>>> I suspect the real reason for not powdercoating the chopper frame has
>>> a lot to do with filming schedules.
>>
>>Drew, I believe it is related to the fact that the film is somewhat
>>flexible and tough so that it can accommodate a small subsurface change.
>> It's a bit like polyurethane paint's ability to hide filiform
>>corrosion, which really hurt Cessna owners back in the 80s when their
>>late 70s 172s started showing filliform corrosion under the paint
>>because Cessna used washer primer instead of epoxy primer when they
>>first went to urethane paints.
>>
>>John
>
>Thanks John I thought powder coat was more like ceramic and
>inflexible.
Powder coat is basically a thermoplastic.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

[Alphonse Le Creur[_3_]]

" jls" > wrote in news:%9_Mh.30455$sC.5421
@bignews2.bellsouth.net:

>
> "Drew Dalgleish" > wrote in message
> [...]
>> I find it very hard to believe that forces strong enough to crack
> 4130
>> wouldn't be strong enough to crack powder coating.
>> I suspect the real reason for not powdercoating the chopper frame
> has
>> a lot to do with filming schedules.
>
> Whatever the reason for the FAA hostility for powder coating, I have
> receive pma'd parts that were powdercoated, or "powercoated" as a
> member of my EAA chapter calls it.

I believe the reason is that the coating can lift if the surface
underneath gets a bit rusty, forming a pocket where moisture can form
between the coating and the steel. The coating won't deform and flake
off in the same way that paint will and the rust will continue until
it's eaten through something with little or no external evidence that
that is happening. There have been some real problems with tube
airplanes in wet regions and in fact the UK CAA is considering banning
it altogether.


ALC

[John T[_1_]]

Ernest Christley wrote:
> clare at snyder.on.ca wrote:
>> On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:29:15 -0400, "Phil" > wrote:
>>
>>> Hello
>>> Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that
>>> show that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family,
>>> they always refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing
>>> etc. , this evening they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and
>>> when it came time to paint the machine they said that powder coat
>>> couldn't be used because of the heat involved would ruin the 4130
>>> tubing , seems like a lot of engine mounts and other A/C parts will
>>> have to be junked , would like to hear some thoughts on this concept
>>> , as an A/C welder it is of interest to me.
>>> Thanks
>>> Phil Lohiser
>>> EAA 12873
>> Powder coating won't hurt 4130, but is NOT RECOMMENDED for aircraft
Responding to an "old" thread here, but powdercoat cures at about 400
deg. F.

Still not enough to change 4130

>
>
> Powder coating is done at what, 275 degree F? I gotten my airframe
> hotter than that by cussing at it when members wouldn't meet up
> properly. 4130 will see it as a pleasantly warm temperature, suitable
> for shorts and maybe a light sweater.
>

[Stuart & Kathryn Fields]

I have a Baby Belle helicopter that has the entire airframe powder coated.
It was done in 97. No problems to date. I know of several other
helicopters with powder coated airframes. No problems have been reported.
Yep it is heavy. Yep it is tough. If you have to remove some to make a mod
it takes a bit of sanding.
Big mistake was the color black. Friend had his powdercoated yellow and a
small crack showed up like a big black line.
Stu Fields
"John T" > wrote in message
...
> Ernest Christley wrote:
>> clare at snyder.on.ca wrote:
>>> On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 23:29:15 -0400, "Phil" > wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hello
>>>> Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that
>>>> show that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family, they
>>>> always refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing etc. ,
>>>> this evening they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and when it
>>>> came time to paint the machine they said that powder coat couldn't be
>>>> used because of the heat involved would ruin the 4130 tubing , seems
>>>> like a lot of engine mounts and other A/C parts will have to be junked
>>>> , would like to hear some thoughts on this concept , as an A/C welder
>>>> it is of interest to me.
>>>> Thanks
>>>> Phil Lohiser
>>>> EAA 12873
>>> Powder coating won't hurt 4130, but is NOT RECOMMENDED for aircraft
> Responding to an "old" thread here, but powdercoat cures at about 400 deg.
> F.
>
> Still not enough to change 4130
>
>>
>>
>> Powder coating is done at what, 275 degree F? I gotten my airframe
>> hotter than that by cussing at it when members wouldn't meet up properly.
>> 4130 will see it as a pleasantly warm temperature, suitable for shorts
>> and maybe a light sweater.
>>

[[email protected]]

On Mar 22, 8:29 pm, "Phil" > wrote:
> Hello
> Was watching American Chopper this evening , I see things on that show
> that make me cringe but I do enjoy the antics of that family, they always
> refer to Pipe if they are building a frame out of Tubing etc. , this evening
> they were working on a dragster bike for NAPA and when it came time to paint
> the machine they said that powder coat couldn't be used because of the heat
> involved would ruin the 4130 tubing , seems like a lot of engine mounts and
> other A/C parts will have to be junked , would like to hear some thoughts on
> this concept , as an A/C welder it is of interest to me.
> Thanks
> Phil Lohiser
> EAA 12873

The thing about powder coating aircraft structure, is that the places
that do it are not controlled as well as FAA designated shops. Some
might do it right, and some, well.... Also, there is a big difference
in steel vs aluminum, as the temperature involved (~400 F) does not
harm 4130, but might heat treated aluminum, especially if the shop
doesn't pay close attention and gets the temperature much higher
during the process. Most 4130 tube aircraft structures use normalized
4130, so there is no heat treat to worry about. Aluminum is almost
always heat treated, so there is an issue. It is a fact that 10 years
or so ago, a scuba diver had his aluminum tank powder coated when it
started looking bad, and when he was having it filled, it exploded
killing one guy and causing another to have his leg amputated. If the
structure doesn't use heat treated steel, you are probably OK. Powder
coating heat treated aluminum is a definite no no.

Bud

[[email protected]]

On Apr 1, 4:16 pm, John T > wrote:

>
> Responding to an "old" thread here, but powdercoat cures at about 400
> deg. F.
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whoa. 'Powder-coating' is a generic term that applies to everything
from ceramic frits to vinyl. The temperature/atmosphere needed to
cause the powder to melt and flow together can be anything from 150
degrees to over a thousand degrees.

Key point here is that all 'powder coating' is not the same. Some
shops use but a single type of coating, say a urethane. Others may
offer a variety of coatings, from low-temp vinyls to chemically inert
epoxies.

You CAN do it at home -- it is easier than applying ceramic thermal
barrier coatings. But you have to know what you're doing. Most of
the information (and mis-information) commonly available has to do
with vehicular applications done mostly for the sake of appearance,
most of which have no place anywhere on an airplane. But it's the
cat's pajamas for things like a battery box, cabin fixtures and the
like.

-R.S.Hoover

[[email protected]]

On Apr 8, 3:26 pm, " > wrote:
> On Apr 1, 4:16 pm, John T > wrote:
>
>
>
> > Responding to an "old" thread here, but powdercoat cures at about 400
> > deg. F.
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------*-------------------
>
> Whoa. 'Powder-coating' is a generic term that applies to everything
> from ceramic frits to vinyl. The temperature/atmosphere needed to
> cause the powder to melt and flow together can be anything from 150
> degrees to over a thousand degrees.
>
> Key point here is that all 'powder coating' is not the same. Some
> shops use but a single type of coating, say a urethane. Others may
> offer a variety of coatings, from low-temp vinyls to chemically inert
> epoxies.
>
> You CAN do it at home -- it is easier than applying ceramic thermal
> barrier coatings. But you have to know what you're doing. Most of
> the information (and mis-information) commonly available has to do
> with vehicular applications done mostly for the sake of appearance,
> most of which have no place anywhere on an airplane. But it's the
> cat's pajamas for things like a battery box, cabin fixtures and the
> like.
>
> -R.S.Hoover

Excellent points. If someone tries to use a 1000 deg temp process to
powder coat a heat treated steel part, then the heat treatment will
almost certainly be lost, as even some of the highest strength, high
temperature alloys start to lose temper at as low as 800 F. Also, the
chemical reaction caused by exposure to high tempearture and the
presence of the materials that are being used to "powder coat" the
steel could cause God knows what to the surface of the steel. Hydrogen
or nitrogen embrittlement comes to mind. For lightweight structure
that your life depends on, you need to KNOW.
Many builders have their 4130 steel parts annealed after welding
by heating the structure to a cherry red temp and slowly reducing the
heat, in order to relieve any stress concentrations created during
welding. People that have powder coated normalized 4130 probably are
OK, even at 1000 F, but you never know for sure until a chemical study
of the effect has been done.

Bud

[John T[_1_]]

Your definition of powdercoat is too broad. Its generally accepted that
powdercoat in the powdercoat community refers to a plastic like powder
that transforms into a solidly linked coat at temps between ~300-400F
(the coatings generally start flowing out at about 300F, but need to
cure at about 400). Urethanes and ceremic coatings are not considered
powdercoating.
Doing powdercoating at home is quite doable, but you need to but a
powdercoating gun and colors. You also need an electric oven you won't
be using for food. You can get these and read forums on powdercoating at
eastwoodco.com.
Powdercoating isn't just for looks. Like paint, it protects surfaces,
but as has been mentioned, its heavier than paint. Its stronger than
paint though.

wrote:
-----------------
>
> Whoa. 'Powder-coating' is a generic term that applies to everything
> from ceramic frits to vinyl. The temperature/atmosphere needed to
> cause the powder to melt and flow together can be anything from 150
> degrees to over a thousand degrees.
>
> Key point here is that all 'powder coating' is not the same. Some
> shops use but a single type of coating, say a urethane. Others may
> offer a variety of coatings, from low-temp vinyls to chemically inert
> epoxies.
>
> You CAN do it at home -- it is easier than applying ceramic thermal
> barrier coatings. But you have to know what you're doing. Most of
> the information (and mis-information) commonly available has to do
> with vehicular applications done mostly for the sake of appearance,
> most of which have no place anywhere on an airplane. But it's the
> cat's pajamas for things like a battery box, cabin fixtures and the
> like.
>
> -R.S.Hoover
>

[Charles Vincent]

John T wrote:
> Your definition of powdercoat is too broad. Its generally accepted that
> powdercoat in the powdercoat community refers to a plastic like powder
> that transforms into a solidly linked coat at temps between ~300-400F
> (the coatings generally start flowing out at about 300F, but need to
> cure at about 400). Urethanes and ceremic coatings are not considered
> powdercoating.
> Doing powdercoating at home is quite doable, but you need to but a
> powdercoating gun and colors. You also need an electric oven you won't
> be using for food. You can get these and read forums on powdercoating at
> eastwoodco.com.
> Powdercoating isn't just for looks. Like paint, it protects surfaces,
> but as has been mentioned, its heavier than paint. Its stronger than
> paint though.
>
>

Generally accepted by whom? The Powder Coating Institute, a national
trade organization for the Powder Coating industry doesn't seem exclude
urethane based or ceramic components. Since Eastwood bills itself as
providing "unique automotive tools and supplies, as well as expert
advice and solutions, for the classic car and hot rod enthusiast" I
would expect the enthusiasts that hang out there and utilize Eastwood's
"DIY" home shop equipment would be more limited in their capabilities.
It is of interest that Eastwood quotes PCI as well. PCI technical briefs
cover powders that flow and or cure at 250F to over 1000F, as well as
those that are UV cured. I think maybe your definition is too narrow.
The fact that multiple definitions may exist just highlights the need to
verify the process and the shop in question before making any
decisions.

Charles