Fluid Bed problem Solved

I’ve read on the forum that getting a fluid bed to “liquify” the powder has been problematic for some. I was one of them.

The problem was solved after a more precise air valve was installed. The standard ball valve type was not able to slowly and precisely adjust the air flow. I got a needle type valve and now the powder is expanding and it looks liquified.

This is the valve I bought, but it is a little large. In the future a smaller sized valve with a similar mechanism would be the preferred choice.

Amazon.com

Needle valves are perfect for this.

Another tip just learned…

If you start shaking the fluid bed from side to side (sliding across the table) and then start slowly opening up the air valve, the volcanoes that typically erupt (throwing powder out of the vessel) can be completely eliminated.

Since changing the valve and using the technique above the powder is getting super fluffy and no powder being thrown out of the fluid bed.

Hopefully those new to powder coating can learn from my mistakes.

Danny

If anyone has tips about powder coating, please post them for all of us that are attempting to learn. If you have links that are informative (on the forum or elsewhere), that would also be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!

I tried fluid beds and came away with a bloody nose. Never did get them to behave like I was told they would. Nowadays I dont do enough to keep the extra gear around. There’s some folks that do very well with em. Guess you gotta be smarter than what you’re working with.

My fluid bed is still being punished for what it did to me.

glad to hear you figured it out. If I'm going to do a lot of two or three toned jigs I always do the base coat with my fluid beds

A fluid bed is just another tool in you chest of tools. There are so many variables with the paint that no one answer is available. Humidity, temperature and different manufactures are just a few. I use a couple automotive paints that are awesome looking but impossible to use without a fluid bed. The biggest plus I have noticed for me is I use much less paint when paint is fluidized. I really like my fluid beds but it is a little overkill for no more than I do any more.