Community input on powdercoating

[mcnaughtonM]

Hey guys, I have a question for those with experience in coating hilts.

I bought my first saber yesterday, I got a Prophecy V3, and my only issue with the hilt is that I personally find it to be a little bland (too much silver).
I want to make the grooves in the bottom of the hilt black (the vertical ones) and potentially the emitter (refer to Vader's hilt, it has the black emitter shroud and the graflex grips).

My main question is, is it possible to do select areas on the hilt? Or like anodizing, does it require whole coverage and then removal?
Also, how thick does the coat generally end up? I don't want anything too noticeable.


Sorry if this has been discussed before, I couldn't really find anything that answered my question.

Cheers

[hedgehog1]

It is possible (and even required) to tape off areas you do not want powder coated.  We use a high temperature tape that will survive in the curing oven.  Hilt & Pommel Threads must be covered.

Typically the inside of a hilt is not powder coated.

Most towns have local powder coating shops.  The color range is very impressive.

EDIT: It is possible to Powder Coat and then lathe areas back to silver as well. But you will need a lathe.

[mcnaughtonM]

It is possible (and even required) to tape off areas you do not want powder coated.  We use a high temperature tape that will survive in the curing oven.  Hilt & Pommel Threads must be covered.

Typically the inside of a hilt is not powder coated.

Most towns have local powder coating shops.  The color range is very impressive.

EDIT: It is possible to Powder Coat and then lathe areas back to silver as well. But you will need a lathe.

Thanks, I am glad it is locational. I ask this because I personally know a powder coater, however I cannot get in contact with them right now.

Also, when powder coating, does the heat ruin the finish on the silver? or will it be just fine?

[hedgehog1]

The heat used to cure the powder ranges from 375-400 degrees (F) for around 20 minutes. This not not high enough to affect your Aluminum Finish in any way.

[mcnaughtonM]

The heat used to cure the powder ranges from 375-400 degrees (F) for around 20 minutes. This not not high enough to affect your Aluminum Finish in any way.

awesome, thanks bud

[DarthCooper88]

here is a good example of black and gold applied over and MHS rear section on my SK (2 different oven runs) also the grips

Also the main interior section was done in semi-gloss PC as were the support rods which were later machined for the silver grooves



this is an example of polished aluminum with semi-gloss black and a gloss clear powder-coat (2oven runs)
Nothing really beats it as far as durability goes besides chrome, Anodizing is nice though no where near as scratch resistant

[mcnaughtonM]

here is a good example of black and gold applied over and MHS rear section on my SK (2 different oven runs) also the grips

Also the main interior section was done in semi-gloss PC as were the support rods which were later machined for the silver grooves



this is an example of polished aluminum with semi-gloss black and a gloss clear powder-coat (2oven runs)
Nothing really beats it as far as durability goes besides chrome, Anodizing is nice though no where near as scratch resistant

Jesus Cooper, I will be amazed the day that you create something that doesn't make me want to shower you with money hahah
I am still in love with your Marek saber, they are so nice.

That said, thank you for the input

[DarthCooper88]

 Thanks!
AS Hedgehog mentioned check your local parts stores and also look on the internet for local powdercoaters, the guy I use does stuff cheap (20 bucks for a whole hilt)
and now anything I design and with all of the cool color choices its almost a no brainer. I saw the other day a saber that a smith had PC's black chrome, and then sanded it off in spots with a lathe to create a very nice aged finish.
Another color I just tried is a new gold ( I guess golds are hard to find in a decent look) I needed a katana done, and had my guy use his newest gold because it had a brassy look to it

 this is a semi gloss finish that is "toothed" enough for me to apply a thin layer of antique bronze spray paint that got wiped off for aging