The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Should I switch from powdercoating to plastisol/pvc coating?

I manufacture a mounting device for spotting scopes, binoculars, small video cameras, etc... Most of my customers are using this device in outdoor applications. My product (the SteadyMount) is currently powdercoated and I am thinking of switching to a plastisol pvc coating for added protection and a more tactile feel. I am considering a shore A 95 dur. finish, but I have heard that in extreme heat and humidity this type of coating will become soft and could possibly peel off (my powdercoater is telling me this). Is this true and if so, at what temperature would this take place? Thanks in advance for your insight!

Sincerely,

Rollie Reeves
- Grand Rapids, MI USA
2003

You can get a powder coat in just about any "feel" you want. Dry, Silky, Non-skid, Soft Feel Texture, etc. etc. etc. If your physical requirements are no more than exterior automotive than application is the only cost consideration. I am not familiar with the coating that you are considering, but I am confident that there is a powder that will suit your needs. Keep looking and tell a powder manufacturer exactly what they want. If the volume is big enough they will start from scratch for your application, but most likely a larger manufacturer will have formula that works for you and will tell you where to go to have it applied.

Andy Peal
Automotive Components - Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
2003

---

---

Q. I'm looking for a powder coating or some sort of wet spray coating that has a soft touch or rubbery quality? Does anyone know of anything like that? Protech has one called Velvacoat which they advertise as being "soft touch" but I did not find it soft. The only other thing I've seen is dip-coating but I don't like the qualities of that product.

This is for a cosmetic application so has to have that nice matte look in bright colors.

thanks in advance!

Mat Kroeker
- Winnipeg, MB, Canada
May 2, 2012

---