Powder coating 101, what do I really need... & a few other ?

[magnumwheelman]

the new pics in one of the Miha threads has got me thinking about trying powder coating this upcoming summer...

1st... what do I really need for equipment to get an acceptable coating job??? can you guys list what you're using for equipment & brands... ( assuming a vibratory tumbler & an old kitchen oven??? )

what / where do you get your powder??? & why did you choose the ugly color ( not counting the lipstick red in the thread I referenced above ) most powder coated bullets are often a pretty ugly color... is that because you're buying sale priced powder that is the cheapest??? ( I have some factory powder coated bullets that are muddy pepto bismol colored )

can I powder coat pre lubed bullets if I scrape out the waxy lube, or is the powder pretty picky on the clean dry surface for an even coating???

how hot / how long do they need to bake, & what are you putting them on, so there aren't bald spots???

does powder coat really take the place of a gas check bullet???

do you notice a change in hardness to your lead from the baking process???

thanks in advance for taking the time to help me out... I watched some powder coating on some custom wheels many many years ago, & they were using a gun, & I think it relied on static cling to get the powder to stick... so either the process has changed, or i'm not really understanding it

[Markbo]

Im Cheap. I use black airsoft bb's in a cool whip container and a used toaster oven.

[magnumwheelman]

got pics

[Markbo]

No I dont sorry.

[fanofthefortyone]

I buy my powder from "powder by the pound", I use an RCBS vibrating tumbler to apply, use a toaster oven purchased at Walmart to bake them. I did purchase a couple of round pizza pans to use in the oven, and don't forget the non stick aluminum foil. Usually bake for 15 minutes, make sure if your not using a pid to control the oven that you check the thermostat is accurate.
It's easier than it sounds.
Ronnie

[fanofthefortyone]

There are a few threads on here, as for prelubed bullets, boiling water will remove it, then a rinse in acetone, let dry then PC.
singleactions.proboards.com/thread/15588/powder-coating-question

singleactions.proboards.com/thread/14642/traditional-cast-powder-coating

singleactions.proboards.com/thread/13565/pc-bullets

Ronnie