Powder coating or painting?

PrinterMan101
on 24 May 12 (19:42)

I have a cast iron press, Kelsey 5x8, that i would like to get looking good. I’ve been told that some of the solvents can eat off the paint. Does anyone have any experience with powder coating a press? I want a good smooth finish that will easily wipe clean and will last forever. Thomas

Devils Tail Press
on 24 May 12 (21:04)

Updated 24 May 12 (21:05)

Don’t use the solvents that will remove the paint. And nothing lasts forever.

The Arm NYC
on 25 May 12 (11:08)

You should also be aware that some solvents will stain or mark a powder coated finish. I’d go with a painted finish and keep some of the paint for touch-up when necessary.

Daniel Morris
The Arm Letterpress
Brooklyn, NY

preston
on 25 May 12 (11:29)

I’ve gad a couple of presses powder coated, here: https://sites.google.com/site/pocoproofpress/ and here: https://sites.google.com/site/reliancehandpress/
I think they turned out great.

Much care is required to mask off the various machined surfaces, ‘cause the powder coating is pretty hard to remove.

There are several materials available for powder coating, each more or less resistant to various chemicals (including water). The powder-coating shop will be able to give you advice.

Preston