Explore essential techniques to achieve a smooth and even finish in your powder coating projects, avoiding common textural flaws.

What Causes Orange Peel?

In powder coating, orange peel describes an uneven finish on an otherwise flat smooth product. It actually does often look like the skin of an orange. There are several areas to investigate if you are struggling with orange peel.

• Your product has not been cleaned properly before coating. Make sure your part cleaning practices leave a consistently oil and lint free surface.
• Check to make sure you are applying a film thickness recommended by the powder manufacturer for the powder you are using. A too thick or thin film powder coating can cause havoc. If unsure, get yourself a film thickness gauge.
• Your product is not grounded properly. This starts with making sure you have a good ground at your paint line. Next, make sure your product has a direct ground. All hooks and raking must be inspected frequently to assure direct metal to metal contact.
• If you are using a dry off oven, make sure the product is below cure temperatures before entering spray booth. Similarly, if you are preheating, make sure your temperature is not too high. Also allow for a longer cool down when using preheat in your operation.
• Make sure your oven temperature reading is accurate, and your oven does not have any cold or hot zones.
• If you are reclaiming your powder, make sure your particle size and distribution does not vary more than what you have established the maximum should be.
• The amount of powder being applied is too much. Adjust your powder flow rate and length of coating time.
• Your spray guns are too close to the part. Work at increasing the distance to part. Have a sample part that has been coated to your standards at the ready. After curing, this will allow you to check both visually and compare the film thickness on your finished products as they are cured.