Powder Coating first time

H

Hammarfest

Joined
Apr 20, 2022
Messages
8
Howdy all! I have a blade in the works (still have to finish the beveling), and I want to powder coat the blade.
I am using these for the powder coating:
https://www.harborfreight.com/10-30-psi-powder-coating-system-94244.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-powder-coat-paint-matte-black-93306.html

What I don't know is: how fine a grit to polish to before powder coating? I have all the belts from 40-3000, does a finer polish make for better powder paint adhesion I wonder? No clue really, and I would rather learn from someone's experience :)

Here is the kukri in progress:
Blade-Kukri.jpg
 
You do not want a finer finish when powder coating.

Take it to 200 grit and then bead blast the blade.
 
A finer grit finish doesn't necessarily make for better adhesion, but it does make for a better finish. Best adhesion would be a good bead blasted finish I would think.

I'm not sure powder coating is what you want for a knife coating - I use powder coating for cast bullets. While it does stick good, each coat will also add a thou or so thickness. I've used K&G's Gun Kote to coat blades and it works good leaving a very thin layer. Cerakote is another choice. Here's a link to info about one vs other:

I'd be interested to see what other folks think about powder coat vs Gun Kote or Cerakote for a knife blade.
 
I have never powder coated a knife blade, but I have powder coated many items in various materials and finishes, and the finish has very little to do with adhesion, but it will affect the final appearance to a degree.
I don't know, but I don't think it would be a practical choice as a blade coating.
 
Last edited:
karnaknives said:
I don't know, but I don't think it would be a practical choice as a blade coating.
Click to expand...
This is my thought also, but it's just a thought, not based on any experience.
Here's my reasoning: Powder coating is a protective finish against rusting/corrosion. In order to be completely effective, the entire piece must be coated well. On a blade, you will be sharpening it, which as you know (I hope) removes metal. You have now compromised your protective measures and allowed a place for rust/corrosion to start. As it progresses, the powder coating will start to bubble and flake off. Which will make cleaning/drying the blade even harder as moisture can get under the powder coating bubbles and trapped there.
You'll still have to care/oil the blade to prevent this, so I see powder coating as an extra step that really does nothing to change how you take care of the knife in the future. The only benefit I see to doing this is that you would only have to worry about the edge staying clean and dry. But only one miss on this will start the process of ruining the powder coating.
 
Powder coating involves electricity to electrostatically coat the part with powder, and oven heating to cure (bake) the powder.
I believe the heat required is approx 400 degrees F.
I assume you'd be powder coating AFTER heat treat & temper, and the powder coat baking process may compromise your tempering.
I am not a bladesmith so maybe others can comment on that but I think it's a valid concern.
 
AVigil said:
Powder coating tough and makes a fine coating for knives.

I have done many with powder coat, here is one.

f04cwCp.jpg
Click to expand...
That is new knife . I think that anyone here would like to see used knife so we can see how durable is powder coating on blade *after* ?
 
Natlek said:
That is new knife . I think that anyone here would like to see used knife so we can see how durable is powder coating on blade *after* ?
Click to expand...
Go ahead and powder coat some for yourself and test it out.
 
AVigil said:
Go ahead and powder coat some for yourself and test it out.
Click to expand...
I did not ask for my self , I don t plan to powder coat any knife , Why do you posted picture of that knife in this topic ? How that picture help to this thread ? Why you don t explain to OP how you do that , that is what he ask ? And how durable is in use asked other member ?
 
karnaknives said:
I have never powder coated a knife blade, but I have powder coated many items in various materials and finishes, and the finish has very little to do with adhesion, but it will affect the final appearance to a degree.
I don't know, but I don't think it would be a practical choice as a blade coating.
Click to expand...
I have no idea how much Motorbike rims I powder coated so far .All rims sandblasted before coating, It is easier to remove old paint that way . Durable finish, but if you ask me, it doesn't belong on a knife blade .
 
Natlek said:
I have no idea how much Motorbike rims I powder coated so far .All rims sandblasted before coating, It is easier to remove old paint that way . Durable finish, but if you ask me, it doesn't belong on a knife blade .
Click to expand...
Likewise. I have powdercoated most of a motorcycle many times over. Polished parts, sandblasted parts, paint removed and then polished, etc. it makes no difference, but as you say, and I agree, it's not what I would choose for a knife blade, especially when there are proven and durable blade coatings available.
 
Natlek said:
I did not ask for my self , I don t plan to powder coat any knife , Why do you posted picture of that knife in this topic ? How that picture help to this thread ? Why you don t explain to OP how you do that , that is what he ask ? And how durable is in use asked other member ?
Click to expand...
Hahahaaaa
 
Here are a few more that I have powder coated

I suggest advice is more valuable from someone who actually has done it many times over those who have not.

Just a side note the black tanto with the white handle was made for an contracted operative who worked in Afghanistan and loved it and how tough the finish was and pissed off when TSA stole it.

X3umYPS.jpg

yOJoYVQ.jpg

AjIwyH2.jpg

XXjCqdS.jpg
 
AVigil said:
Here are a few more that I have powder coated

I suggest advice is more valuable from someone who actually has done it many times over those who have not.

Just a side note the black tanto with the white handle was made for an contracted operative who worked in Afghanistan and loved it and how tough the finish was and pissed off when TSA stole it.

X3umYPS.jpg

yOJoYVQ.jpg

AjIwyH2.jpg

XXjCqdS.jpg
Click to expand...
That scalloped vintage micarta one looks great.
 
Is the powder coat applied to knives a polyester, please? What is the cure temp? Thanks! (Just curious!)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top