How Do You Strip Powder Coat Off?
Powder coating is a surface finishing technique that uses electrostatically charged powdered paint to create a hard and durable protective coating. It offers plenty of benefits, such as improved durability and resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and extreme weather conditions. Over time, as the coating gets damaged, stripping becomes necessary. Below, we explain the need for powder coat stripping and list effective ways to do it.
Ways to Effectively Remove Powder Coating
Powder coating offers superior staying power, but it’s not invincible to damage. There will come a time when you’ll need to strip powder coat off your equipment, goods, or surfaces for various reasons. When this time comes, deciding which powder coating removal method to use is your best bet in achieving optimal results.
To determine the appropriate powder coat removal method for the job, you need to understand why you’re removing it in the first place. Each method offers specific advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the reason for the removal can help you decide which technique is most suitable.
1. Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive blasting, also known as sandblasting or media blasting, uses a stream of compressed air and abrasive particles to remove powder coating from the material. This process is best as it allows you to choose specific areas to blast instead of working on the entire component, and blasting your surface before coating is best for the longevity of your powder coating. Using alternative powder coating removal methods will work, but will usually be less cost-effective as they are additional steps beyond blasting, as most of those parts will also have to be blsated after stripping anyways. It’s also ideal if you intend to refinish the component after removing the powder coat. Different types of abrasive media can be used for sandblasting, but it’s recommended to choose one that is safe and has minimal environmental impact.
2. Chemical Stripping
Chemical stripping is an economical way to remove powder coating, requiring the least equipment. Many DIYers prefer this method because it’s straightforward. To remove powder coat, you only need to submerge the part in a chemical stripper. The downside is that it exposes you to hazardous fumes, so it’s important to wear personal protective equipment — especially for the eyes and nose — or choose safer alternatives to chemical strippers.
3. Thermal Stripping
Thermal stripping, or burn-off oven stripping, is ideal for large-scale projects. It involves the use of an industrial oven to expose the powder coat to heat as high as 650°F until it loses adhesion. Some disadvantages to thermal powder stripping, however, include long heating hours, leading to high energy costs, and this method can also structurally damage many types of metals, such as cast aluminum wheels. It also exposes you to hazardous fumes, and the effectiveness depends on material compatibility.
4. Laser Removal
Laser removal is relatively new compared to other powder coating removal methods. Like thermal stripping, this process burns off the powder coating, but with the use of specialized laser technology that leaves the underlying material untouched. This method can be costly, however, and is not without it’s own risks.
Why Is Stripping Powder Coating Necessary?
It’s not often necessary, but there are several reasons why you might need to remove powder coating. These include:
- Aesthetic purposes: Powder coating is known to provide a uniform finish, which sometimes doesn’t align with branding preferences. Removing the existing coating allows room for new colors and designs. Depending on the stripping method, you can also achieve different textures that meet your requirements.
- Cleaning and preparation: Powder coat stripping effectively removes stubborn dirt and corrosion from surfaces, which is ideal for prolonging the life of your equipment. It’s also helpful for ensuring proper adhesion when you need to reapply a new coat.
- Maintenance and repairs: For industrial equipment, powder coating may need to be stripped due to maintenance and modifications. Part of compliance with requirements includes a thorough inspection of components, which may require powder coating to be removed for easier access to other components.
- Repurposing or recycling: Repurposing or recycling materials, like metal components for construction and automotive industries, may also require powder coating to be stripped. This process removes contaminants from the parts, allowing fabricators to create “pure” materials and customize according to your needs.
When Should You Remove Powder Coating?
Powder coating is known for its resilience, offering superior protection against extreme wear and tear. However, constant exposure to harsh chemicals and weather conditions may cause it to degrade over time. Once you start noticing these visible defects, it might be time to begin stripping your powder coating:
- Cracking
- Bubbling
- Chipping
- Flaking
- Discoloration
- Staining
- Peeling
- Surface scratches
Unlike regular cleaning, which is necessary for maintenance, removing the powder coat isn’t done as often due to its durability. However, while it can last between 15 and 20 years, powder coat removal is highly recommended as soon as signs of wear start becoming noticeable, especially from a business perspective.
Think of it as giving architectural buildings, equipment, or mechanical components a new look. It also effectively reinforces durability. A fresh layer of powder coat can give you a few more years before needing to undergo powder coat stripping once more.
Strip Powder Coating With EpiX Superoxalloy Abrasives
Understanding how to remove powder coat begins with knowing the appropriate method and products for the job. While powder coating can be removed through various methods, sandblasting is the ideal choice for a safer and more cost-effective process.
10X Engineered Materials’ EpiX is an abrasive that effectively removes powder coat from various surfaces. It’s a biosoluble blasting media developed to strip all traces of contaminants, coating, and corrosion while only generating low amounts of dust. Explore the three profile ranges available in our EpiX products or contact 10X Engineered Materials for more information on our products.
