The method you use to finish your aluminum products will determine how long the products will last. Powder coating has been used to finish most products because of its effectiveness. Over the years, powder coating has become a finish for many products. Here is everything you need to know about powder-coating aluminum.

Can you powder-coat aluminum?

Most aluminum surfaces form a layer of aluminum oxide after manufacturing. As such, if you need to powder coat it, you must ensure you remove that layer. That way, the coat gets to stick on and last. Most people thought that powder coats could not stick to aluminum because of this layer. If you plan on using powder coating on your aluminum items, you must remember this bit.

Benefits of using powder-coated aluminum

Since there are many finishing methods in the market, it is easy for one to dismiss powder coating. Statistics have shown, however, that there are various benefits to using powder coating. Knowing about them helps one choose the right method to finish their products. Here are the main benefits of using powder coating as a finishing method.

Lightweight 

Powder coats are light and can be easily added to products without affecting weight. As such, it is the go-to if one wants to ship an already-finished product across the globe.

Durable 

Since powder coating is very light, there is the assumption that it might not last. Powder coats by an industrial powder coating system are very durable. The coating can withstand the elements and offer a lasting protective coating.

Elegance

One of the things you can get with your powder coat is an elegant finish. There are various colors in the market, and one can choose different shades on the surface. As such, it serves both a functional and decorative surface.

Corrosion resistant

Powder coating is handy when aluminum products will. Powder coating is preferred because of its corrosion-resistant properties. One can be sure that the items will stay protected longer.

How to prepare your aluminum products for powder coating

If you plan on using powder coating on your aluminum products, then you need to remember to prepare your aluminum surfaces. Without prior preparation then, there is a chance that the final look might not be well put together. You also risk damaging the surface of your aluminum items. Here are the steps to flow when powder-coating aluminum.

Clean the surface

Before anything, you need to ensure you clean the aluminum surface. It involves power washing the surface to remove grease or any residue left behind during manufacturing. Before finishing, all items must be cleaned so the coating can stick to the surface.

While power washing is what is preferred by most people, one can also choose to wash the surface with an alkaline solution or a solvent as it works faster and requires less elbow grease.

Prepare the surface

Once the surface has been cleaned, the aluminum oxide must be removed. The coating prevents the powder from adhering to the surface well, possibly leading to later peeling. One can choose to use sweep blasting or a phosphate treatment on the surface, which will help remove the entire coating.

Sweep blasting goes a long way to roughen the surface and help the powder stick to the surface. Phosphate treatment contains salts that help accelerate the coating action. Do your research and figure out which preparation method will work for you.

Pretreat the surface

One of the things you need to ensure you do is chemically treat your aluminum surface. While this is unnecessary, it ensures the coating will adhere to the surface better. It also prevents algae growth on the coating if the items are mishandled after the application.

Application

Once the surface has been prepped, the next thing is to apply the coating. The first coating layer is applied, and the item is cured before the ascend layer is added. Having more than one coating ensures the final look is put together and will not come off easily.

Powder coating is one of the common methods of finishing that people use for their aluminum products. It is handy to understand the benefits and how it works when choosing the right finishing method. It also helps one get the whole coating process right.