If I want to spray multiple layers of clear do I spray, bake, cool, spray, bake, cool or do I need to let them cool between layers? Do I need to wetsand in between layers? Do I even need multiple coats of clear (thinking about wheels)? Any helpful hints or tricks any of you have found that may be useful? What would be a good cleaner after I get them sandblasted? Will acetone work or should I use something else? Thanks in advance for any help and ideas.

Ian

 

after blasting, just blow off or wash off the residue/excess media. Prebake the part, lay the clear on even and hit the tough areas first. Wit the part prebaked you can lay it on a little thicker. Not sure that you need more than one coat, but if you do you should be able to get a second coat on directly after the first coat has gone thru the heat cycle completel... don't cool it off before applying second coat. If you want 3 or more coats then I recommend cooling between coats and using a green scratch pad (like used on dishes) to lightly rough up the surface... basically taking just the glossiness out of it. I only recommend multiple coats is your trying to hide casting bumps, and I'm not sure its highly advised to do on wheels. I did 3 coats of black on my FD wheels, but theoretically it weakens the wheels each time you cycle em.

 

very good. Thank you, this is what I wanted to know.

 

well i don't weaken the rim as much as u might think. My dad does powdercaoting for a bisness and i know alot about it. if your rims have alot of pits you should sand down before u even think of coating. but i wouldn't suggest no more than 3 cause the coat get to thick and will chip easy when it is really thick. But you vener want to let the part cool down and your first coat should be under cooked by about 5 min if you putting 2 coats on. So that u don't over bake the coat. If u have any other powdercoating question just ask me.

 

Good advice here. If the wheels stay clean (no human contact) after blasting, then they are ready for coating at that stage. Just the blow off to get any residual media off the parts. Multiple coats wont be needed. I do have some concern about PC aluminum wheels after reading about failures. You are supposed to use a low temp cure powder or you will change the grain structure when you heat it that hot. Do a net search on this subject. Seems theres no definitive conseus though.