About Powder Coating

The Basics

Powder coating is a durable and versatile way to add color and protection to your jewelry pieces. It is typically used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coatings are available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including metallic, clear, glossy, and matte. Powder coating can be used on a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, wood and ceramics. It is perfect for creating a smooth, durable finish on jewelry pieces.

Benefits of Powder Coating:

  • Durable
  • Attractive
  • Easy to Use

Preparation and Safety

Cleaning

Clean your pieces thoroughly before powder coating to ensure a smooth finish. We recommend denatured alcohol or acetone.

Preheating

Preheat your jewelry pieces in a powder coating oven to ensure proper adhesion. We recommend preheating your pieces at the same temperature the powder coating requires to cure. Preheat for 10 minutes.

Safety

Wear protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask to prevent injury and inhalation of the powder.

Ventilation

Use proper ventilation in your workspace to prevent powder coating dust from accumulating.

Transparent cold colors look best on silver and warm colors on gold or gold foil. Reds and pinks tend not to work on silver, however; silver foil can be used with a clear base coat to achieve a more desired color. Keep each coat thin, usually three coats depending on your project. Putting on one thick coat can result in clouding and bubbling.

Step-by-Step Powder Coating

  1. Prep and clean
  2. Preheat your pieces for 10 minutes
  3. Apply powder coating by dipping, sifting or with Liquid 2 Powder
  4. Cure in designated toaster oven

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pinholes

Small holes that appear in the powder coating are called Pinholes. they are most often caused by dirt, oil or grease on the surface of the jewelry piece.

Bubbling

Bubbling occurs when moisture becomes trapped in the powder coating during curing.