How to Touch-Up Powder Coatings

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Things You'll Need

  • 500-grit sandpaper

  • Rubber gloves

  • Face mask

  • Paint thinner

  • Rag

  • Touch-up powder paint

Most touch-up powder paint is sold in spray cans.

Powder coating is a painting technique that is used on many factory made metal items. The powder coating not only provides a visually appealing finish, but a scratch resistant coating to the metal object. When working with the powder-coated metal object it can become damaged during installation, especially if it is a construction item like a window. While it can be tempting to touch-up the damaged powder coat surface with regular paint, do not do it. The powder coat requires a specific paint and procedure to ensure the item is as good as new.

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Step 1

Sand the damaged powder coat surface lightly with 500-grit sandpaper to remove any paint-resistant material on the surface.

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Step 2

Put on rubber gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from the paint thinner.

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Step 3

Clean the sanded area of the powder-coated surface with paint thinner. Moisten the rag with paint thinner and use it to clean off any dust, debris and oils on the powder-coated item. Wait an hour so the paint thinner can dry.

Step 4

Shake the touch-up powder paint can vigorously for two to three minutes each time you are going to use it to paint.

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Step 5

Apply the paint in thin coats until you achieve the correct darkness of color. Apply the paint at a distance of approximately 8 inches from the surface. Allow each coat of paint to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying another coat. In most cases you can reach the desired color in three coats of paint. In rare cases you might require more than three coats of paint; if this is the case let the final coat dry for at least 24 hours before touching the surface.

Tip

Contact the manufacturer of the item to obtain touch-up powder paint. You can also obtain touch-up powder paint at paint stores and some auto shops.

Warning

Inhaling paint thinner can be dangerous; use the paint thinner in an open area.

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