Understanding the Faraday or “Halo” Effect of Powder Coating

Powder coating, when done right, is a tremendous investment that will pay dividends in both its aesthetic allure and functional durability. From metal furniture to auto parts and beyond, having something powder coated is a great way to incite longevity and beauty where you might otherwise be faced with deterioration and monotony.

But these benefits are only guaranteed of a quality powder coating job. In fact, a multitude of errors can arise from sub-par powder coating services in Preston, WA, including a particularly common problem called the Faraday Effect.

What is it?

The Faraday or “halo” Effect usually occurs around holes, openings or other punched areas of an item that’s being powder coated. Loose powder behaves differently around these areas during the initial application process, creating uneven distribution and sometimes excess accumulation. The result, when an item is cured, can be an “out of focus” effect that detracts from the seamless coating of the rest of the item.

How to overcome it?

The Faraday Effect is something that’s often seen when it comes to powder coating novices. Seasoned professionals are adept at recognizing the signs of improper powder distribution, giving them cause to correct any potential halo effects before the curing process. This usually means a very thorough inspection post electrostatic treatment.

So what is a professional going to do when they notice the Faraday Effect occurring after powder coating services in Preston, WA? There are a few solutions that can be implemented during the powder and electrostatic treatment phases:

  • Lowering the voltage on the gun will serve to cause dispersion around punches in a metal object, thus distributing the powder accordingly and preventing haloing.
  • Sometimes, if the effect is bad enough, pressure may need to be increased during the powder application phase, to forcibly break up bunches that may have formed passively around edges.
  • Moving the gun closer can serve to create dispersion around holes and blast powder materials out of tight corners.

The key, as mentioned above, is to always keep an eye out for the effect before it has a chance to accumulate and to absolute inspect a powder coated item before the curing phase.

Experience matters

Seasoned professionals are going to be the most adept at avoiding and resolving haloing issues because they have experience in working closely with items of an irregular nature. Tight crevices and corners are more easily navigated by a professional with years of experience in handling and technique. Moreover, an experienced pro is going to be cognizant of the Faraday Effect before the project even commences, giving them foresight to act appropriately while they’re in the middle of the job.

If you’re going to have an item powder coated, be sure to bring it to a professional with years of hands-on experience. Choosing just any old powder coating services in Preston, WA can lead to haloing around critical areas of your piece, which will detract from the rest of the job, no matter how well done it may have been.