Part of an alloy wheel refurbishment process includes more than one option, to of which being powder coating, and painting. But what is the difference between the two, and which is better?
In this blog, we will share 5 benefits of powder coating alloy wheels over painting.
With a thriving aftermarket industry, it’s no secret that vehicle owners want the best for their vehicles, whether it’s making it look the way they want it and/or making upgrades. Either way, having peace of mind is the most important factor, this can only be provided by established and trusted service providers like GoTints!
At GoTints, we pride ourselves on providing a variety of expert services for vehicle owners. This includes repair, customisation and personalisation! Our services include PPF, Privacy glass, vehicle wrapping, and car detailing,
The key to a proper powder coat application lies in surface preparation. This step ensures the powder adheres correctly, and the final finish is smooth and long-lasting.
Firstly, the item to be coated is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, grease, oil, rust, etc.This might involve using detergents, solvents, or even blasting with abrasive media like sand or glass beads.
Depending on the material and the desired level of corrosion resistance, a pre-treatment might be applied. This could involve applying a chemical conversion coating, such as phosphate or chromate, which creates a layer that improves adhesion and protects against corrosion.
Once the surface is prepped, it’s time to apply the powder. This is where the electrostatic application comes in. The powder, which consists of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, is loaded into a specialised spray gun.
As the powder is sprayed through the gun, it is given an electrostatic charge. This means the particles become electrically charged, like tiny magnets, allowing them to adhere to the surface it’s sprayed on to.
The object to be coated is electrically grounded, meaning it has a negative charge. This creates an attraction between the positively charged powder particles and the negatively charged object.
The charged powder particles are attracted to the grounded object and adhere to its surface, creating a thin and even coating. The electrostatic charge helps the powder wrap around corners and into crevices, ensuring complete coverage.
After the powder has been applied, the object is placed in a curing oven. This is where the transformation happens. The oven is heated to a specific temperature, typically between 160°C and 210°C, depending on the type of powder. This heat causes the powder particles to melt and fuse together, forming a smooth and continuous film.
During the curing process, a chemical reaction called crosslinking occurs. This strengthens the coating and makes it more durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and chemicals. Once the curing process is complete, the object is removed from the oven and allowed to cool. As it cools, the coating hardens and becomes a tough, protective layer.
The final stage involves a thorough inspection to ensure the powder coating meets the required standards. The finish should be smooth, even, and free from any defects like runs, drips, or orange peel. Secondly, the coating thickness is measured to ensure it meets the specifications. The adhesion of the coating is also tested to ensure it is properly bonded.
Please note that the application process can vary between providers.
Powder coating is one option available for alloy wheel refurbishment, alongside a common option that people choose, which is painting. But some would argue powder coating is a superior option, but why exactly is this?
Here are five key benefits that powder coating holds over painting alloy wheels as part of their refurbishment.
One of the main reasons powder coating is seen as a viable option is due to the additional durability it provides once applied. This contrasts paint, which is generally prone to fading, chipping and scratches over time.
Powder coating creates a resilient finish through the powder particles, they are applied electrostatically, and cured under heat. This results a thick layer which is protective against the everyday wear and tear that paint would struggle against. As a result, you have well protected wheels that are longer lasting, and stay with a better finish for longer, protected against the elements you are likely to drive amongst in the UK.
Corrosion is a common problem that can be found on alloy wheels, primarily due to the climate in the UK. Powder coating protects against this due to the aforementioned layer that is created through the application process. If done correctly, this layer is sealed, preventing moisture and other elements from coming into contact with the metal.
This barrier reduces the risk of rust and other issues, this extends the lifespan for your wheels, and helps to maintain their structural integrity by preventing the corrosive issues. This contrasts paint significantly, as its potential chipping and cracking, leaves space for moisture to enter, causing corrosion.
As a result of the application process, powder coating creates a finish that is consistently smooth and even, this is difficult for regular painting to achieve. This uniform application is a result of the electrostatic application process.
It doesn’t stop there, despite a professional and flawless finish, powder coating can be applied to give you a variety of colours and finishes, whether its textured, matte, gloss or satin. This level of personalisation enhances the vibrancy of your vehicle, creating something to compliment your motor.
With many individuals being more environmentally aware of the processes they take part in, powder coating offers an eco-friendly alternative to regular painting alloy wheels. Compared to traditional paints, powder coating releases fewer VOC’s (Volatile organic compounds), in addition, any ‘wasted’ spray during the powder coating process, can be collected for reuse. This minimises waste, reducing in its environmental impact.
Even though the initial cost of powder coating can be slightly higher than painting, its superior durability and longevity can lead to significant cost savings in the long term. This is because powder-coated wheels are less prone to damage and corrosion, and they require less frequent repairs and refinishing.
This can save you money on maintenance costs over the lifespan of your wheels, making powder coating a financially sound investment. In the UK, where the weather that can affect the alloys can be unpredictable, this added protection is a real asset.
In this blog, we hope to have shown you 5 benefits of powder coating alloy wheels over painting.
At GoTints, our expert services have been leading the way in customising, personalising and enhancing vehicles. Our team has 20 years of experiences, providing top-quality services in a wide areas. This includes window tints, vehicle wrapping, paint protection film, alloy wheel refurbishment and repair.
That’s not all, our services come with a lifetime warranty, we also collect and deliver your vehicle, and can provide a courtesy car if you need it! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to see how we can help you!
01484 627390
enquiries@go-tints.co.uk
Go Tints,
Unit C1, Trident Business Park,
Neptune Way, Leeds Road,
Huddersfield,
HD2 1UA
Diamond Cut Alloys,
Unit C2, Trident Business Park,
Neptune Way, Leeds Road,
Huddersfield,
HD2 1UA
Accident Car Clinic, Unit C3,
Trident Business Park, Neptune Way,
Leeds Road, Huddersfield,
HD2 1UA
MOT Service Centre Huddersfield, Unit C4,
Trident Business Park, Neptune Way,
Leeds Road, Huddersfield,
HD2 1UA
Monday — Friday 08:30 to 18:00
Saturday — 08:30 – 13:30
Sunday — Closed
