Powder Coating

To check out our extensive line of colors and finishes click here Columbia Coatings

Customers appreciate the fact that Don has extensive experience in the automotive industry. He knows alot more than just how to point a powder coating gun. Over 25 years ago he got started as a small shop servicing automotive, motorcycle, and marine customers. As part of the motor sports community, he knows what you're looking for in a finish! Powder coating as a hobby can be very rewarding. However, the only one way to guarantee show-quality finishes on a variety of substrates both new and old is to expertly prepare the parts and coat them using state-of-the-art professional equipment. First, the highest quality finishes are selected for application. Don't be fooled by competitor sales pitches that claim 'brand name' labeling for their quality control. Powder coating can be damaged during shipping or if it is improperly stored. We inspect and test our powder to meet our high standard for quality finishes before every job. Next, any existing finishes are removed using sandblasting or a chemical stripper. The parts are then washed, treated and masked to ensure superior results. All of this with competative pricing, we pay the tax and we dont cut any corners! Applying the powder is a simple matter with our professional-quality tools and set-up. We recently upgraded to a Parker Ionics GX7000 powder coating system. We LOVE it because even multiple coats on the most intricate parts are a piece of cake! Finely ground, high quality powders provide the best 'show quality' finshes! Coated parts are then cured in our industrial oven which is accurate to ±1° Once removed, the parts are ready to install!

FAQ

How is powder coating removed?

Powder coating can be stripped using an agressive media blast with crushed glass or coarse aluminum oxide. This can also be done chemically using an industrial paint stripper. This method is best for softer metals and polished surfaces since this preserves the surface of the metal. At Bird's Performance Coatings we have access to both methods of metal preparation. They cost about the same, however the powder will adhere better to an etched surface created by media blasting.

Why powder coat?

Powder Coating offers a superior finish while adding many performance properties such as excellent resistance to corrosion, heat, impact, abrasion, UV rays and extreme weather conditions. A more consistent coating is applied to all areas - especially sharp corners and round shapes - than can be achieved with liquid paint. There are no brush strokes, and parts are fully-cured and ready to be installed when they come out of the oven. It is also environmentally friendly, releasing no volatile organic hydrocarbons into the atmosphere (VOCs).

Is this a new process and where is it used?

Although powder coating is relatively new to some markets, the process has been around for about 50 years. It has been the preferred finish of a wide range of industries for many years. These finishes can be found on motorcycles, automobile parts and frames, agricultural equipment, garden equipment, aviation parts and recreation equipment including bicycles, boats, RVs, ATVs and golf equipment, etc. The superior finish combined with durability greatly reduces maintenance and extends the life of any coated product making powder coating the right choice.

How does the process work?

Powder coating is a dry finishing process. Finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the products to be coated. These parts are electrically grounded, so that the charged particles adhere to them until melted and fused into a solid coating in a curing oven.

What is clear powder coating?

Clear powder coating protects the part and adds depth and luster to the surface. It can be used over polished or unpolished bare metals to eliminate the need for polishing. While a top coat always benefits the underlying coating, certain specialty finishes require this treatment. And of course it is very important to topcoat any decals or airbrushing for protection. To see the variety of clear coatings available, click here: Columbia Coatings

Does powder coating require any preparation?

The key to a long lasting powder coated finish is in the preparation of the metal and this is why thorough prep work is a priority in our shop. Each part is brought down to bare metal using a local media blasting service, thus creating a rough surface which ensures excellent adhesion and a consistent coat. We can also strip parts chemically in our off-site industrial paint stripper. This method is best for softer metals and polished surfaces since the surface of the metal is preserved. Parts are then washed down with a chemical cleaner (Iron Phosphate) to ensure that all residual contamination is removed from the surface. We then pre-bake parts to purge trapped moisture, oils and gasses that cause reactions in the finish.

How do I care for my powder coated parts?

They may be cleaned with warm soapy water. Waterless dry cleaning products also work well. DO NOT USE thinners, reducers, caustics or acids on any powder coated parts.

What kind of metal can be coated?

Parts made from aluminum, steel, brass, copper, bronze and titanium can be powder coated. Magnesium and aluminum castings may experience out-gassing causing bubbles in the finish but they can be carefully coated.

What do I need to do to prepare my piece for you?

The parts we receive in our shop must be totally disassembled and degreased. We can take care of the sandblasting for you, or you can have it done yourself. We recommend a fine 100 - 110 aluminum oxide be used on all parts. White Lightning, Black Beuaty or any other fine medium can be used. If you want to preserve the surface of soft or polished metals, we can dip these parts in our off-site industrial paint stripper instead. Cleaning and polishing is necessary after stripping to restore previously polished metal.

What exactly does Bird's Performance Coatings Coat?

We specialize in custom show-quality detail work for motor vehicles. After all, would you take your car to be painted by the same guy who painted your fence? Of course not, take your parts to people who already know what you expect! We have unlimited colours and finishes and provide single and multi-stage coatings. We can powder coat your intake manifolds, brackets & pulleys, rims, valve covers, suspension parts, and much more. We'll even do the nuts and bolts for you! (Check out our gallery.)

Call us, email us, or come and see us at our shop to discuss your project. The coffee's always on!