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Powder Coating Help and Advice

JAG555

JAG555

Site Supporter
5Years
Joined
Jul 23, 2017
Messages
2,972
Location
Essex, UK
Hello,

I am after some help and advice on powder coating legs, rails and hinges.

I am thinking of powder coating my legs, rails and backbox hinges on my Stranger Things Pro (probably either Black Gloss or a really deep purple).

I was just wondering what preparations I need to tell them and anything I need to watch out for?

Also, what do people do about the rail screws? Can these be power coated or do you just leave them black?

Final question, how do you guys store your machine when the legs and hinges are off? Just tombstoned, as I normal?

Cheers!
 
My local powder coat company (I’m in Stratford upon Avon) were very helpful. Popped in with my bits. Had a chat. They showed me some examples of finished product. Picked a colour. Left the bits with them and 2 days later picked them up.

They were quite interested in the fact they were pinball parts. I was known there as Pinball Mike!

Legs, & back box hinges in my case.

They did everything - stripped and coated to a lovely flat satin black finish. Very happy indeed.

I don’t know if powder coating screws and bolts is possible. Can’t see why not, obviously not the threaded bits.

My advice is to pop in an pay them a socially distanced visit.
 
Maldon Shot Blasting and Powdercoating are close to you. They use prismatic powders which are amazing, check the website. They have most of the popular colours on hand so no need to order from the states. Amazing company and do a fantastic job. Everyone Essex side now using them 😊

No need to prep anything, they'll blast anything that needs it. Give them a heads up about avoided the threads, the leg leveler threads are the most susceptible. Defo do your bolt heads too.

Full armour will set you back around 70 quid plus powder. Cheap as chips.
 
I haven’t used Maldon shot blasting but heard great things about them.

I second the prismatic powders.they have some great finishes and colour combos . I have a guy in Watford that does them for me
 

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Thanks all for the advice!

Looks like a trip to Maldon is on the cards!

Did you guys just tombstone your machines while the powder coating was done?
 
Maldon shot blasting and power coaters all the way mate, used them a few times over the years, awesome service, really quick turn around, cheap, and I pass them on the way to/from work every day 😂
 
Ads Nems said:
I haven’t used Maldon shot blasting but heard great things about them.

I second the prismatic powders.they have some great finishes and colour combos . I have a guy in Watford that does them for me
Click to expand...

These look great!
 
they can do everything you just need to take it in.

I got Rob on pinside who does some amazing work and who is in the US to do my Elvira as I was going to be in TPF, he bought the armour coated it; and he did bolts including the carriage bolts, screws and leg bolts. I used a place near me to do GOTG but I wasn't so smart to get the bolts done but as its dark blue I works.

You'll have to take the button of the lock bar and take the floor levellers out of the legs. Also beware how much torque you use on the backbone hinges as I snapped one of them.

If you needed a spare set of legs and hinges and you can get to the club or my house happy to loan them (and you have to bring them back!).

Neil.
 
Neil McRae said:
they can do everything you just need to take it in.

I got Rob on pinside who does some amazing work and who is in the US to do my Elvira as I was going to be in TPF, he bought the armour coated it; and he did bolts including the carriage bolts, screws and leg bolts. I used a place near me to do GOTG but I wasn't so smart to get the bolts done but as its dark blue I works.

You'll have to take the button of the lock bar and take the floor levellers out of the legs. Also beware how much torque you use on the backbone hinges as I snapped one of them.

If you needed a spare set of legs and hinges and you can get to the club or my house happy to loan them (and you have to bring them back!).

Neil.
Click to expand...

Thanks Neil, much appreciated.

I think I am going to try and see if anyone local has some legs I can borrow or Tombstone my Star Wars while the Powdercoating is getting done and use them legs.

I assume as long as the backbox bolts are in, I can remove the hinges without any issues?

If I don’t have any luck, so will probably take you up on your offer.

Thanks!
 
JAG555 said:
Thanks Neil, much appreciated.

I think I am going to try and see if anyone local has some legs I can borrow or Tombstone my Star Wars while the Powdercoating is getting done and use them legs.

I assume as long as the backbox bolts are in, I can remove the hinges without any issues?

If I don’t have any luck, so will probably take you up on your offer.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Don't tell Neil you're tombstoning your SW - he'll have a field day with that!!
 
John, I don't know if they're any good but I noticed there's a powder coaters just across the road from me on the Shotgate industrial estate. Probably best to go with a recommendation but it might be worth a look if you want to discuss things with a more local company.
 
Took it up to Maldon Shotblasting and Powdercoating and their selection and work is amazing. The issue is they are on a 8 week turnaround at the minute due to a broken down oven.

Anyway, quick question, did anyone get your leg bolts powdercoated? The guy said not to bother as although it’s hard wearing, the powder coating will come off of the bolt heads with pressure. The rail and backbox hinges bolt heads he can do, as they are not screwed.

Going to see if I can pay a small premium to get it moved on a bit, as 8 weeks is a bit silly!
 
JAG555 said:
Thanks Neil, much appreciated.

I think I am going to try and see if anyone local has some legs I can borrow or Tombstone my Star Wars while the Powdercoating is getting done and use them legs.

I assume as long as the backbox bolts are in, I can remove the hinges without any issues?

If I don’t have any luck, so will probably take you up on your offer.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Don’t bother putting the legs back on SW mate. You know it makes sense. 😉
 
JAG555 said:
Took it up to Maldon Shotblasting and Powdercoating and their selection and work is amazing. The issue is they are on a 8 week turnaround at the minute due to a broken down oven.

Anyway, quick question, did anyone get your leg bolts powdercoated? The guy said not to bother as although it’s hard wearing, the powder coating will come off of the bolt heads with pressure. The rail and backbox hinges bolt heads he can do, as they are not screwed.

Going to see if I can pay a small premium to get it moved on a bit, as 8 weeks is a bit silly!
Click to expand...

I did mine and they looks great. As long as you use a nice ratchet driver and a bit of care, and don't plan to remove the legs a lot, it's completely fine. Mine haven't chipped or marked and I've had the front legs off a few times.

It was a long wait for mine too, word gets around so they are v busy and still catching up after lockdown too I think.
 
stumblor said:
I did mine and they looks great. As long as you use a nice ratchet driver and a bit of care, and don't plan to remove the legs a lot, it's completely fine. Mine haven't chipped or marked and I've had the front legs off a few times.

It was a long wait for mine too, word gets around so they are v busy and still catching up after lockdown too I think.
Click to expand...

Thanks Davy, I think I will take them back and take the responsibility! Like you say, it’s not like the legs come on and off on a regular basis!
 
Exactly. They do look amazing when all done in the same colour too. I didn't go so far as doing the levellers, but worth a thought.

And at least you now have 8 weeks to make the trip back in! 🙄
 
stumblor said:
@JAG555 when you go back in would you mind asking if they having super chrome 2 in stock? 2 is the newer one.
Click to expand...

No, no worries at all mate. The problem with the 8 week delay is I am now questioning my colour choice (pinky / purple) to stay with the 80s vibe of Stranger Things! But I did see a red / Black iridescent, and I think that would look great!

I am going to head back up there next week, so I will keep you posted!
 
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