FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT KIND OF PARTS CAN YOU POWDER COAT?
Preferred works with all types of ferrous and non-ferrous substrates including; steel, aluminum, stainless, cast iron, zinc, aluminum die castings, and galvanized substrates.
ARE YOU ISO CERTIFIED?
Preferred Powder Coating is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Quality and process documentation are embedded into everything we do. We currently are certified to paint to the toughest standards including Cummins [TM] John Deere [TM] and Caterpillar [TM]
HOW DO YOU PACKAGE FINISHED POWDER COATED PARTS?
Parts are packed to protect by default which can be as simple as foam or cardboard between parts all the way down to polyurethane bags on every part. PPC is happy to work with customers when it comes to devising a packaging scheme that will protect the quality of coated parts while protecting your bottom line including: custom packaging instructions, custom crating, kitting, light assembly etc.
WHAT SIZE PARTS CAN YOU PROCESS?
Our batch areas can handle up to 3,500 pounds. Our powder lines have windows of 42" x 76" x 120" and 36" x 76" x 120". Contact us for maximum part limits. Our batch area can handle parts as large as 7' x 7' x 25'.
HOW DURABLE IS POWDER COATING?
Powder coating is a mainstay in the metal fabrication industry for its durability while maintaining a consistent cosmetic standard for a reasonable price. While powder may not win an aesthetic competition against a liquid paint it will withstand abuse that would cause complete failure in liquid coating system.
HOW LONG DOES RAW POWDER LAST?
Most powders have an expiration date of between 6 months and 1 year. When held in a climate controlled condition we have seen some increase in that but that is dependent on the powder. Consider 1 year to be a maximum.
HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT COATED PARTS TO LAST?
Cured powder longevity depends on the powder, the application of the powder and the application of the part. Many powder coated parts end up sitting in full sun, full weather for generations and still look like new.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A QUOTE?
We price in risk. The more information we have the more accurate and competitive we are.
Basic information will be needed.
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part print or sample part
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paint chip, RAL, color sample
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special masking and packaging requirements
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EAU (estimated annual usage) as well as release quantities
HOW LONG WILL YOU HAVE MY PARTS IN HOUSE?
Our standard delivery is 3-5 business days. Most leave here in less than 3 business days.
WHAT QUALITY CHECKS DO YOU HAVE IN PLACE?
Thickness, adhesion, gloss and color are constantly measured throughout the work day using calibrated instruments, results are tracked electronically. In addition destructive testing including hardness, cure, impact and mandrel bend are performed in our quality lab. Preferred Powder Coating performs salt spray, immersion and ultra violet exposure testing externally and offers that service to meet customers certification requirements.
HOW MANY COLORS DO YOU KEEP IN STOCK?
We keep over 700 different powders in stock in our climate and humidity controlled warehouse.
HOW DO I SELECT A COLOR?
With over 700 powders in stock the choices can be daunting. Give us a call, we have a good supply of standard colors and depending on the application we can give you a recommendation. Again if you want a specific color for a specific application you may end up buying a 50 lb box of powder. The price of that powder plus shipping may be cost prohibitive.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Our minimum lot charge is $200, but pricing depends mainly on color, size of part and quantity.
WHAT CONDITION DO MY PARTS NEED TO BE IN TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME?
In addition Preferred Powder Coating asks that parts be free of tape, stickers and any adhesives. If any debris that will affect powder adhesion is spotted the parts are quarantined and the customer will be contacted.
WHAT THICKNESS DO YOU PUT THE POWDER ON?
We apply to the thickness specified on the Technical Data Sheet [TDS] supplied to us by the powder manufacturer. Most powder manufacturers specify between 2 and 8 mils (.002” - .008”) dry film thickness of cured powder on the final product. Coating thickness is verified and recorded by inspectors constantly.
I HAVE MY OWN POWDER; CAN YOU USE IT ON MY PARTS?
We have multiple customers who own their own powder and ask us to use when switching the work to us from other powder suppliers or they use a unique color/texture/gloss combination that is proprietary to them. We will work with any unopened boxes that are dated within the last year. We would also need the the TDS and SDS sheets along with the supplied powder.
CAN YOU HELP WITH GRAPHIC DESIGN WORK?
We have a full time graphic designer in house to help assist or design original concepts.
CAN I GET YARD SIGNS OR BANNERS?
Yes. We can produce anything from printed banners and yard signs to trade show displays and printed full wraps on vehicles.
ARE YOU UL CERTIFIED?
We are certified to coat all UL required parts.