Re: [DML] Zinc Plated Frame

[Don Ekhoff <ekhoff@xxxx>]

Greg,

It would be fabulous on the areas covered by both processes. The 
problem might be that both coatings are subject to having poor coverage 
where you can't see. The Zinc is an electroplate process there 
electricity passing from the tank to the frame is responsible for the 
coating. Where this current does not pass (line of sight) it does not 
plate. The inside hidden spots would be poorly protected.

Likewise the powdercoat is applied electrostatically by puting an 
electrostatic change on the frame and then dusting it with oppositely 
charged powder. The powder sticks and is subsequently melted in place. 
Great process but it is really hard to get into the really tight spots 
where you can't see.

This might be OK if you take a few additional steps. I recently 
restored a bugeye sprite that had some long stiffening "u" sections as 
well as numerous boxed sections that were very vulnerable to rust from 
within. After carefully blasting, priming with zinc based paint (aka: 
cold galvanizing) and a good paint job I applied undercoating to the 
places I couldn't get to. I rigged up a spray tip on the end of a nylon 
tube. The tube was plumbed to a pressure tank filled with undercoating 
(valved as required). I then carefully fed the spray tip into the blind 
area, turned on the spray and slowly pulled out the tube thereby coating 
places I will never be able to reach.. The goo should have not only 
coated the insides but should also wick into the lap joints ( I had 
thinned it some). 

Powdercoat is great stuff and the zinc should only make it better.

Don Ekhoff
6543






anaheim_21 wrote:

> Hi there:
>
> There is a company in my area who will sandblast my, zinc coat and 
> then powder coat the entire frame. Does this sound like a good way 
> to restore the frame?
>
> Thanks!
> Greg
>
>
>
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