Tesla Powder Coating

If you are looking to give your wheels a new color and are looking into what options you have then you have probably come across powder coating. While there is the option to plastic dip your wheels or even paint your wheels, the option most go for due to its high durability is powder coating. While not super cheap, the powder coating will be the best option overall.

What is the Powder Coating Process?

Powder coating is done by combing a polymer resin with other additives such as pigments, flow modifiers, curatives, etc… into a powder like flour. Then, that powder is put into a gun and it is sprayed on through a process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD). What ESD does is that it electrically charges the powder particles, causing them to be attracted to the wheel or other metal parts. Then the technician sprays the wheel until it is fully coated in the powder. Once it is coated, it is put into a curing oven where the powder is fused onto the metal. However, powder coating can be put onto plastics and other non-metallic surfaces. Once dry it is all good to go and requires little-to-no maintenance for a long lasting finish.

Pros to Powder Coating
¥ Super durable with minimal maintenance
¥ Super thick coating
¥ No liquids used, so coating cannot sag like traditional paint
¥ Few volatile organic compounds (VOC’s emitted)
¥ Multiple colors available
¥ Multiple colors can be added before curing, allowing for better layering and bleeding effects than paint
¥ Faster curing times

Cons to Powder Coating
¥ Pretty hard to do yourself unless you invest a lot of money into the equipment needed
¥ Because the coating is so thick, it cannot be applied in places where the tolerances are small like joints
¥ If you don’t like the original color, it is pretty hard to remove and reapply

As long as you are willing to pay a shop, powder coating is a great option for those who want a durable finish that will also look great.