Powder- Coating Cages - Paw Talk

Skratikans · #1 06-17-2006, 06:55 PM

I made a cage for my rats and I was wondering how I could powder coat my cage?

Where can I find the products I need and what are the products I should look into getting?

I figured that by powder-coating the cage, it would last longer and look better than just spray-painting it alone.

Nara · #2 06-17-2006, 06:58 PM

Hmm... That's a good question... I really won't be any help with this, sorry... But do you have a picture of your new cage we could see?

orri · #3 06-18-2006, 12:24 AM

I think nomally they use a powder blasting technique, which you obviously can't do yourself.
They electrically charge the cage so the powder sticks to it. After that they bake it. It's quite expensive, too!

Skratikans · #4 06-19-2006, 12:47 PM

ohhh, well then I guess powder-coating my cage is out of the question then..lol

the_real_bum · #5 06-21-2006, 01:13 AM

be extream;y carefule painting a cage if the paints toxic your going to give your little buddies cancer

pinkie1205 · #6 06-22-2006, 03:00 PM

I think motorcycle shops will do it. I'm not sure how expensive it is though.

Ravnos · #7 06-22-2006, 03:16 PM

There are many automotive shops that do powder coating, but it can be quite expensive - especially because the metal needs to be perfectly clean before doing it, meaning completely and perfectly stripping any old paint/coatings or it won't apply properly.

Powder coating isn't actually a standard paint, it ends up being more like a thin ceramic coating on the metal that is much more durable than paint and to my knowledge doesn't give off any of the fumes that a paint can for a long time after application. Probably because of the baking process.

Skratikans · #8 06-26-2006, 09:02 AM

ohh, wow, I never thought that powder coating was such a process, I guess I'm just not going to do it. I just wanted to cover up the cage with it to mask to wear and tear on the cage- it was really more for aesthetics than anything else.

pinkie1205 · #9 06-26-2006, 05:52 PM

I wonder if the spray primer would work. I think that would be toxic if your rats are chewers.

Mygala · #10 06-26-2006, 08:19 PM

Sorry I missed this post earlier, you can powder coat your cages, but I'd not consider it a necissity for a hobbyist/owner of small rodents. I've seen it done with parts for motorcycles and cars, and as Rav noted, it's not a simple task.

If you're still interested, here is a page on a website I frequent that discusses powder coating at home. You'll note, the coating system and equipment start out at over $100.

bob

Skratikans · #11 06-26-2006, 08:30 PM

thanks for the article, Mygala. I didnt think it could be done at home. The reason that I wanted to powder coat the cage was for the paint to stay on better. I have thought of maybe using a spray primer- but I was also concerned about my pets chewing and accidently ingesting it. I have previously spray painted one of my cages, and it lasts for some time, but doesnt last as long as I would like.