Adhesion to Powder Coating

Question:

I am buying a product that has been powder coated and I am having some trouble that I hope you can help with. I want to put computer-generated artwork on the sides of this product that has been powder coated. So far I have tried putting various types of plastic stickers on them and put various types of clear coat on the product to seal the sticker to the powder coating. This has not worked for me. Now I am looking into using silkscreen on the powder coat and have read on the web that it is possible, but can’t find any real information as to any special preparation, type of ink or curing. I would actually like to use the first method of putting labels on the powder coat but they must be durable.

Do you have any information that would help me in my endeavors? J. P.

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Answer:

Powder coatings are often formulated with additives that can affect adhesion of stickers, labels, clear coats, silk screens, etc. The most common additive that causes this problem is wax. Wax can be added to a powder formulation to dull gloss, provide slip characteristics and increase mar resistance. In any, case stickers, labels, clear coats and silk screening will not stick to waxy surfaces.

You need to have a conversation with your supplier and ask that they change their formulation to accommodate your requirements. There is nothing you can do to help with this problem. The coating formulator must correct it.