Can You Powder Coat Chrome? [Video] Yes Do This Right

If you have a machine with chrome parts,  you may wonder how to protect those beautiful, shiny parts.

Chrome looks great, but not after being scratched up or exposed to the elements and getting rusty.

Applying powder coating on chrome is possible, but it is best to understand the process first. So, let’s look at how you make the shine on chrome last longer. 

Myth Busted Video Showing Powder Chrome Results:

What is powder coating? 

Powder coating is commonly used to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and rust.

Chrome is one of the most popular finishes for motorcycle parts. However, one question many people have is whether it is possible to powder coat chrome. After all, the spray-on powder needs a surface it can grip onto, and chrome is a very slippery surface.

Chrome parts can be powder coated, but it requires a knowledgeable person to do the work.

The Process of Powder Coating 

1. Sandblasting

Before you begin sandblasting, know that this process removes the luster of your chrome parts. If you want protection with a chrome look, you can buy a powder coating product with a chrome finish. 

2. It is essential to clean and pre-treat the part to adhere more permanently and not peel off easily.

3. Preheat the chrome piece for ten minutes in a 400 degrees oven. 

4. After that, hang the chrome piece; this will give you access to all angles. Load the powder into the gun, then adjust the air pressure setting for a better spray. Spray the coating over the chrome piece. Be sure to cover all angles. If needed, apply a second coat. 

5. Bake the freshly sprayed part for 25 minutes in a 400-degree oven. If the piece is huge, turn up the temperature to 450 degrees. 

Why powder coating? 

• Powder coating is thick, which means it’s durable compared to liquid coatings. 
• Environmentally friendly, it has a low volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission that harms the environment
• You can use it for indoor appliances.

The disadvantage of Powder Coating

Powder coating has several disadvantages. 

• You need to buy an electrostatic gun
• You need to set up an industrial oven
• The process involves baking, which will melt other substances or parts
• Powder coat (non-chrome mix) will not look like traditional chrome
• You can only apply it in thick layers

If you’re doing a small project, the best advice is to find a shop that offers powder spraying. Just make sure you check their products and feedback. 

Alternatives to Powder Coating

PChrome is an alternative to powder spraying and results in a traditional chrome look with a mirror-like finish. It’s very durable and comes in a variety of colors. The process only needs to be sprayed with a spray gun and does not require expensive equipment. Paper, glass, canvas, metal, wood, stone, and many more are things that PChrome applies to. The size of your oven is the only limit you have.

How much is powder coating?

On average, powder coating can be as affordable as $50 and as expensive as $3500. The cost will vary depending on the size of your chrome piece and the complexity of the project.

How to make powder coating last?

Powder coating the chrome part of your vehicle is an easy way to keep the chrome look in top shape. Cleaning and maintenance are critical parts of this process. It’s as simple as washing it with soap and water and applying a thin coat of car wax now and then. It is best to avoid using any abrasive cleaners on the chrome surface.

How to choose a powder coating shop?

As mentioned above, powder coating requires investment. If you’re doing a one-time project and not turning it into an enterprise, it’s better to find a shop that can do the job for you. So, how do you choose a shop?

The first step is to choose a reputable powder coating shop. Make sure they have much experience with powder coating. You should also get a feel for their knowledge about powder coating.

When it comes to choosing a shop, the first thing you should look at is their work. Do they have much work that other powder coating shops have done? You should be able to see their work in person, and you should also be able to get a feel for their quality by looking at the details. You should also look at the quality of their products. It should be in line with the industry standards. It should also be a reasonable price.

A Brief History of Powder Coating

Daniel Gustin first developed the powder coating process in the 1940s. The initial purpose was to coat metallic bases with organic polymers, or macromolecules, “flame-sprayed” in a powder form.

In the 1950s, American manufacturers took notice of this new technology. However, they still didn’t have the right equipment to make the process accurate, efficient, and cost-effective enough to serve as a real coating solution for most industries.

The growing ecology movement was the first development that led to the growth of the powder coating process. This movement started around the 1960s. It focused on the environmental impact of chemicals, including those used in the powder coating process.

The development of spray-on coatings made it possible to apply a layer of paint to a surface without brushes. The first products were based on electrostatic spray technology and became known as aerosol paints.

Electrostatic spraying is a well-established process for applying decorative coatings to goods. Its powder coating is becoming a more environmentally friendly, practical, and cost-effective option in various industries. (Source: https://excellcoatings.com/2018/02/16/powder-coating-101/)

In conclusion, the powder coating process is an excellent way to apply a layer of durable, glossy, and long-lasting coating to any product. It’s an ideal way to get a metallic finish, but it’s also an excellent option for plastic products.

Powder coating is a well-established process that has been used for decades to apply decorative finishes to a wide variety of products. It’s an ideal way to get a metallic finish, but it’s also an excellent option for plastic products. The process is straightforward and affordable, and it’s easy to use.

I hope this article was able to help you get the answers you’re looking for about powder coating chrome. Have a great day!