Fusion Coating vs. Powder Coating

FX4BR

FX4BR

Member
Location
San Diego, CA
Car
2012 FX35 AWD
Name
Brennan
I've been shopping around, looking into different options for my stock 20s. I wanted a wet black powder coat, but after reading about how easy it scratches, I searched for alternatives. Found something called fusion coating which I have never heard of, but according to Cal Chrome, is more durable than a powder coat. Costs $150 a wheel, as opposed to the lower cost for powder coating (but if more durable, might be worth it). Anybody have experience with this? Here is a link to their webpage:

http://www.calchrome.com/service_fusioncoat.php
 
+1 try it and let us know. Personally as a Professional painter, Nothing will last longer or stand up to scratches better than a quality (scratch resistant High solids clear) made by Standox or Glasurit . It will cost a little more to have painted and done right, but well worth it IMO.
 
Slamming45 said:
+1 try it and let us know. Personally as a Professional painter, Nothing will last longer or stand up to scratches better than a quality (scratch resistant High solids clear) made by Standox or Glasurit . It will cost a little more to have painted and done right, but well worth it IMO.
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I'm confused. You think I should have them painted, and use a clear coat by either Standox or Glasurit? Or powder/fusion coat with that clear on top? Thanks!
 
Have them Painted what ever color you like and make sure they use a High solids clear by Standox or Glasurit. High solid clears by Both companys are scratch resistant. Preperation is hands down the most important step, it's the foundation. You could have a beautiful finished product that will flake or peel do to poor prep work. Find a reputable collision shop and see what Paint line they use, go from there, good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.
 
Slamming45 said:
Have them Painted what ever color you like and make sure they use a High solids clear by Standox or Glasurit. High solid clears by Both companys are scratch resistant. Preperation is hands down the most important step, it's the foundation. You could have a beautiful finished product that will flake or peel do to poor prep work. Find a reputable collision shop and see what Paint line they use, go from there, good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.
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Thanks for the info! I thought powder-coating was better from what I have read, but I will ask my body guy when I pick up my FX either tomorrow or the next day what he uses. The only reason I was paranoid about paint is because my wheels were apparently painted before I bought the FX, and are now starting to peel.
 
You should think about having them media blasted to remove all previous garbage paint. You can also use aircraft stripper (If you know how to handle properly!) or my least favorite (so messy) but effective ye old sand blast. Once agian truth be told, the finished product is only as strong as the foundation it's built on.
 
Slamming45 said:
You should think about having them media blasted to remove all previous garbage paint. You can also use aircraft stripper (If you know how to handle properly!) or my least favorite (so messy) but effective ye old sand blast. Once agian truth be told, the finished product is only as strong as the foundation it's built on.
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My body guy is a total fan of sandblasting, and said that's the first thing that would need to be done regardless because of the bad paint. He's got a good head on his shoulders, I think I finally found a good one (so hard to find people who know what they're doing). Although he originally suggested powder-coating them, we will discuss it further because I would personally prefer paint, and if we can do it how you suggested, then it seems that it will be extremely durable. Thanks for all the valuable info :D
 
Had mine powder coated. I regret every minute of it. Wish i went along the lines of auto paint for my rims. Do yourself a favor and have them painted by a auto body shop. Wont scratch as easy and easier to keep clean and be waxed.
 
Great question Ed, Anodizing is expensive but may be worth it on some very nice wheels:wink (2): They basicly submerge the part in an acid bath and electrically charge it to raise and thicken the natural oxide layer. This improves the corrosion resistance and provides a layer to bite into. They would then dye the part your desired color after anodizing. Without anodizing, the dye won't bite. I have been lead to believe that powder coating and Anodizing have similar durability. But scuffs on either can not be wet sanded and polished like a Clear Coat can, nor are they UV resistant. Two questions to find out: Are there Anodizing shops around to quote him a price, and do they have large enough equipment to accomodate a large item like a 20+ inch wheel. Maybe a company that chromes might have an anodizing department. They both would require large tanks to do multiple chemical dips and electron charging.
 
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