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Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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Painting over powder coated towel bars

I purchased a new set of iron towel bars and a robe hook for the bathroom in a house wasn't finished yet. They are a mustard in color. Now I think I need to change the color to fit the tiles. It is best described as a school bus yellow. Can paint be applied over powder coated finishes?
Thanks.

Carolyn Meehan
hobbyist - Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
2007

Yes. Always check in an inconspicuous spot but, in general, there is no particular problem painting powder coated parts.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

Sorry so slow to reply. Good to know these can be painted okay. Any special paint you would recommend? They'll be in the bath but I live in a high desert.
Thanks so much!

Carolyn Meehan
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
2007

Sorry, I can't really take it much further, Carolyn. Although thermoplastics like teflon and nylon can be applied by powder coating, and they might present repainting problems (they would be thick, slick, and glossy), most powder is polyester or polyester-epoxy and can be painted without much difficulty with most paints. Paints designed for outdoor use on metal would probably be okay. Wash well, and a quick light sanding to generate some tooth wouldn't hurt.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

Carolyn,
You can use Krylon paint available at Walmart and True Value and Ace hardware stores. First, prime whatever you want to paint with either gray, white or ruddy brown primer then spray with whatever color you choose from the Krylon line. Krylon is a lacquer based product and dries quickly (less dust and junk get caught in the finish as it dries). If Krylon doesn't make the color you want, prime first with Krylon primer then use whatever color you want from any source you choose. Primer is the KEY because it seals the previous coat of whatever (paint, powder coat etc.) and allows you to apply any type of paint (enamel, lacquer, varnish, shellac, acrylic) you choose.

Stephen Mann
- Palm Springs, California
2007

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