As the fad of powder coated utility trailers has become increasingly popular, we have identified the need to communicate to you why Diamond C chooses not to powder coat our products. We have thoroughly researched the subject from an open-minded and objective viewpoint. This information should serve as additional ammunition in your arsenal of sales strategies.
Powder coating definitely has its place in the world. Powder coating is ideal for:
- Small to midsized objects with a consistent shape.
- Objects that are comprised of consistent material thicknesses.
- Objects that are not prone to scratches and chips.
- Objects that have no or few moving parts.
To obtain a good powder coat finish on an object, these steps must be accomplished:
1. Because there is no primer with powder coating, all surfaces must be cleaned until completely oxidized so that fresh steel is exposed. This degree of cleaning typically requires sand blasting and additional steps of wash cleaning.
- If any section of the surface is not cleaned to an oxidized state, the powder coating will not adhere to the surface and will eventually peel off, often times in large sections.
- Complex objects with many cracks and crevices such as trailer frames, and objects with moving parts make it increasingly difficult to get all surfaces properly prepared to accept the powder coating.
- Typically improper cleaning and preparation for powder coating will not be evident for some time, quite possibly not until just after the product’s finish warranty has expired.
2. High quality powder must be applied to completely cover the properly prepared surfaces.
- High quality powders typically range in cost from $3.50-$4.00 per pound. The powders most often used in the utility trailer industry cost $1.50-$2.50 per pound.
3. The powder coating must be cured for a period of 30-45 minutes at 350-400 degrees F.
- Because trailer frames vary greatly in size and configuration, proper curing requires large ovens and extreme sources of heat. If required curing temperatures are not obtained with each trailer, the powder will not melt and adhere to surfaces.
- Most utility trailers are comprised of materials that vary significantly in material thickness. Thinner materials heat up more quickly than thicker and vice versa. Varying material thicknesses can cause inconsistent curing; parts, pieces, and sections that are overdone or underdone.
When we consider powder coating from a manufacturing and infrastructure perspective as opposed to liquid coatings:
- Equipment and infrastructure costs are largely inflated.
- Operating costs are drastically increased.
- Production capacities are significantly limited by curing and throughput time requirements. Capacity expansion requires additional major capital investments.
When we consider powder coating from a utility trailer perspective as opposed to liquid coatings:
- Powder coat is very difficult to color match and touch-up. Spray paint typically does not match and will not “fade” with powder coat.
- Powder coat is very costly for small volumes of a specific color or custom colors.
- Powder coating does not use primer; it is direct to metal.
~ Utility trailers are very prone to scratches and chips from the cargo being hauled and/or road trash such as gravel. When a powder coat is chipped or scratched, bare metal is exposed and highly prone to corrosion.
The combination of cleaning and preparation and paint products that Diamond C uses result in an exceptional, durable, and attractive trailer finish:
- Sharp corners and hard debris are removed by hand to ensure that all surfaces are safe and accessible for cleaning.
- Next, a two step wash is used to strip all dirt and oil residues from the surfaces. First is an Alkaline Degreaser that is applied at low pressure for pre-soak. Then all surfaces are stripped clean with the application of a high pressure, steaming Phosphoric Acid solution.
- Then, each Diamond C Trailer gets finished with electro-statically applied primer and topcoats to satisfy Diamond C’s own stringent Mil (thickness) requirements. One coat of Valspar High-Build Primer and two coats of Valspar Supreme Acrylic topcoat.
~ The purpose of primer is to adhere the topcoats to the steel surfaces. As opposed to powder coat, when Diamond C paint finishes are scratched or chipped, typically the primer coat remains intact and continues to protect surfaces from corrosion.
~ All primers and paints are not created equally. The Valspar products that Diamond C uses are the best in the industry. While many of our competitors use cheap paints that only cost $12-15 per gallon, the premium paints Diamond C uses range from $25-35 per gallon.
~ Additionally, all Diamond C paints including custom colors are available in aerosol cans for those inevitable touch-ups.
- Do you want the best value available?
~ The powder coating process is excessively expensive. It’s “fluff.” - Do you intend to use your trailer?
~ Powder coat is too tough to touch-up and when scratched or chipped, exposes bare metal for corrosion. Once corrosion begins, often times the problem escalates rapidly. - Does the competition’s trailer overall demonstrate top-quality components, attention to detail, and quality craftsmanship?
~ If not, it is likely that their powder coat process lacks the same qualities and that their powder coat finish will fail prematurely.
~ This principle applies to painted products also, but the powder process is much more “picky” and particular that paint. Therefore, a manufacturer’s poor quality and processes are more evident and pronounced with powder coating.
With all this said, Diamond C’s painted finishes continue to perform exceptionally well in the field, from the harshest climates in Canada to the most humid climates in south Texas. Diamond C’s painted finishes retain their attractive luster for far longer than the vast majority of other trailer finishes available, while wearing gradually and gracefully with the trailer as it is used and as it ages.
As with all of our business, the Diamond C team does continue to look for advancement and quality improvement opportunities in our finish processes. We acknowledge that there is always room for improvement.
If you have any questions in regard to any of the above, or additions ideas about the subject please do not hesitate to contact us. 800-827-3512. jefferyc@diamondctrailers.com.
Thank you.
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