powder coating

[DrC]

This may sound like a dumb question, but what is the purpose of powder coating. I think it helps protects the frame. A friend says its just for looks. Please help me set my ignorant friend straight

[ENTDOC]

The purpose is like any other paint,to protect the vulnerable metal from rust and to add beauty. Powder coat is just tougher than traditional paint and holds up better in most cases. chuck

[ERA Chas]

Dr,
You're both right.
Powder coat starts as a sprayed on, electrostatically charged powder which attaches itself to all areas of a metal part [picture static cling]. It is then baked in an oven at approx. 400 deg for a variable time period, usually depending on part size and composition. This causes the powder to melt and flow-out to glass-like finish.
It is more durable than almost all paints so it protects better and longer. If applied by a skilled operator it is a thin even finish in very high gloss or satin-type finishes.
All parts it's applied to must be media-blasted [of some type] to raw, bare metal which is why it minimizes corrosion.
BTW, it's not just for frames, but brackets, scattershields, you name it.

[DrC]

Thanks