Need recommendation for a shot blasting powder coating - Berkshire

[Peter H.]

I have some suspension parts to shot blast and powder coat. Does anyone know who could do this in the Berkshire/Bucks area?

[tomcattom]

I'd be interested in any good recommendations in this area too.

I've used Sprayblast Engineering in High Wycombe once before and despite the good reviews on Google I wasn't overly impressed with the quality of the powder coat finish. It was passable for the application in question but I'm not sure I'd be happy with the standard of finish on more visible suspension components.

[Zulu10]

Gentlemen,

Are you really sure that powder coating suspension components is a good idea?

The risk is that if a small stone hits and microscopically penetrates the coating, then moisture will creep in.

The consequence of that is that the corrosion will occur beneath the powder coating, an an insidious way where it can be neither seen nor cured.

Worse is the fact that the ensuing corrosion will simply creep along and spread under the coating.

The outcome of this is really quite frightening when an apparently perfect component suddenly fails .

The alternative approach is to have all the suspension components blasted and then re-plated as per original.

Yes the plating can be penetrated, but if that happens then the consequent corrosion can be seen and dealt with.

The cost is quite reasonable and there’s a company in Poole, Dorset who I use who will collect, process and drop off – Dorsetware www.dorsetware.com – but I suggest that it’s best to call them on 01202 677939 because they’ll talk you through the options and usually ‘do a deal’.

I should add that I have no connection with them other than being a many time customer.

 

As an alternative, this is a quote from a Pistonheads discussion this week: "You should try Mercury Electroplaters in Camberley, I kept on popping down there to get the parts for my V12 engine zinc plated, they did a great job and even chrome plated my rusty headlamp surrounds. They matched the Jag OEM zinc finish
Unit 7H, Bridge Trading Estate, GU15 2QR"

 

[Peter H.]

Wow, looks really good. When you say the cost is reasonable, what sort of £££?

[Zulu10]

From memory I had a pile of the twenty or so front components in a box - I took them down to Poole to drop so that I could be nosey, and they dropped them off ten days later and the cost was less than £100.