Date:         Wed, 29 Oct 2003 08:06:07 -0800
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: Powder coating door handles
Comments: To: Jonathan Farrugia <jfarrugi@umich.edu>
In-Reply-To:  <Pine.SOL.4.58.0310291024140.1370@tetris.gpcc.itd.umich.edu >
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

At 07:42 AM 10/29/2003, you wrote:

>the down side to powder coating in my rustbelt experience is the lack of
>creep resistance.  although you can purchase creep resistant powder
>coating supplies almost no one that i know of uses them.  take a look at
>trailer hitches to see what i mean.  the powder coat comes off in sheets
>after the rust creeps underneath and the pressure exerted between the
>steel and the powder coat peels the powder coating off.

I expect this can be prevented by a better preparation process. It's just
like chrome. If it's done quick and dirty to meet a price point it will
fail. If extra time/money is invested in good application, preparation and
process, it can refuse such issues and give long life. I've seen lots of
production chrome fall off in sheets the first time you flex it. I've see
good chrome you can't get off without grinding or acid. You can only remove
it molecule by molecule. I don't know, can powder coat be applied over 98%
zinc primer?? That's the way to stop rust creep for enamel. Thorsen process
zinc coat would surely add both to cost and longevity in regard to any
scratch that might get through such a high load part as a trailer hitch.