Powder coating is a great finish, and its durability and long-lasting reputation are two of many reasons why so many invest in it. But say a situation arrives when you want your powder coated item to stay in great shape…but the coating needs to go. Is separating the two possible?
Common Reasons for Removing Powder Coating
We all know how great powder coating is…so why would it need to be removed?
- Restoration or repair. Yes, powder coating is resilient – but over time, it can still become damaged or worn. If the powder coating on an item is faded or chipped, it may need to be removed to execute the repair or take the item back to its pre-finished condition.
- Creating a new look. Used to love blue, but now you’re into green? Dreaming of a sleek new customized finish? Preferences can change, and when they do your powder coated item might not match the look you’re after anymore.
- Correction of an earlier job. We’re perfectionists when it comes to our work, but we can’t vouch for all other powder coating companies. If the original powder coating on your item wasn’t applied properly – for example, if the surface wasn’t properly prepared, or application was uneven – the coating might need to be removed (and re-done) to get the high-quality finish you desire.
- Preparing the surface. If you want to make structural modifications to your metal item or weld it, you might need to remove existing coating so it doesn’t interfere with the work.
Methods for Removing Powder Coating
There’s more than one way to remove powder coating, and each presents its own advantages and disadvantages.
1. Chemical stripping uses either a caustic bath or a solvent applied with a brush. Either way, the chemical agents involved are designed to soften and dissolve powder coating, which will then need to be washed away to reveal the stripped surface.
This method works well, especially for intricate parts, but the chemicals need to be handled carefully and the work area must be well-ventilated. The chemicals involved can be quite hazardous to both human health and the environment, and these disadvantages often outweigh the benefits of chemical stripping methods. Disposal of the chemicals requires attentiveness to local regulations. Furthermore, your item may not be easy to recoat since chemical strippers don’t leave a surface profile on the substrate.
2. Mechanical abrasion does leave a surface profile that leaves your item prepared for recoating. Mechanical abrasion physically removes powder coating by grinding or sandblasting. Sandblasting works well for large areas and doesn’t involve harmful chemicals. However, if it’s not done carefully it can damage the underlying surface. It can also be a dusty job, requiring careful protective measures and clean up.
3. Thermal stripping uses heat to aid in removal. The high heat breaks down the coating, which then becomes brittle and can be scraped or blasted off. While this is effective, it can’t be used for any piece with temperature sensitive components, and it requires specialized equipment and safety precautions.
Can You Powder Coat Over Old Powder Coating?
Technically, yes, you can powder coat over existing powder coating. However, with any powder coating job you want to be attentive to adhesion and surface quality. In order to achieve good adhesion, you’ll need to prepare the surface of your piece by carefully cleaning and sanding it. This will help ensure that you have a surface profile the new coat can bond to.
Keep in mind that any damage to the existing layer might affect the new coating. Be sure the existing coat is even, well prepared, and compatible with the formulation of the new powder coating, otherwise the finished product may be defective.
Can I Remove Powder Coating Myself?
Because of the significant safety concerns involved with each method of removal, we don’t recommend removing powder coating yourself. And, while safety is primary, quality is also in mind. Inadequate removal can adversely affect any repairs or recoating you’re trying to achieve.
Having the specialized knowledge, experience, tools, and skillset is paramount in getting a clean, damage-free removal. Removal as a DIY job can be time-consuming, hazardous, labor intensive, and messy. And if you’re preparing to re-coat or modify your item, professional insight and preparation is vital in getting the surface ready to make those changes, both in terms of aesthetics and performance.
Need Help? Call On Us
Our technicians are equipped to handle removal with safety and quality in mind. Why expose yourself to potentially harmful removal agents, bother with the hassle of clean up, and incur the expense of renting equipment or chemical disposal when our team can give you no-hassle, professional results? Let us take the stress out of removal and leave your item perfectly prepared for what’s next.
Give us a call or reach out online today to tell us about your project and learn what’s possible. It’s what we do!