Orange Peel on Wheels
I powder coat alloy wheels. When the primer coat is applied and cured, the finish has a lot of orange peel. I preheat the wheels to 212° before applying the primer. Any suggestions on how to limit the orange peel look?
Q. I powder coat alloy wheels. When the primer coat is applied and cured, the finish has a lot of orange peel. I preheat the wheels to 212° before applying the primer. Any suggestions on how to limit the orange peel look? B.H.
A. Why do you preheat? Are you trying to enhance application in recesses or build more film? Application of primer over a heated surface will build more film and increase the orange peel appearance. You also do not say if you preheat to 212°C or 212°F. Big difference here. At 212°C, you will get a lot of orange peel, while you will not get as much at the lower temperature (212°F).
If you do not have an important reason for preheating, I would try doing some parts at ambient temperature. I think this will correct your problem. If you must preheat for some reason, you should find a primer that will not show as much orange peel.
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