Powder Coating ABS

Question:

I work for a company that produces decorative finishes in PVD, electroplating and color powder coating. Our product is made of assembled components of brass, zinc and ABS plastic; none of which cause particular problems with the finishing techniques with the exception of powder coat on plastic. This is a very perplexing problem since more and more of our components are being made from plastic—we can’t get them to match the metal components. I have worked with matching plastic resins to the powder coating and molding them, but that requires a textured mold in the case of matte finishes and have tried numerous powder coat manufacturers (some have come close at 250°F). I am desperate—are there treatments out there that match the look of powder coats with properties that are equivalent to powder coats? If so, what are they and how can I contact a possible supplier? J.S.

Answer:

Since I started working with powder coatings in 1959, I should feel qualified to address your problem. Yes, I said 1959. When I joined my company, they already had two commercial powder coating lines. However, you don’t want a 20th Century powder coating answer. You need a 21st Century one, which can be provided by the “Powder Coating Clinic.” On the other hand, I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a 21st Century “Painting Clinic” answer. I don’t like to give advice, but if I were you I would just paint your products. There are paints available, that will provide finishes in various textures, to coat all your substrates.