Drilling through powder-coat

[PA452]

I have a new trailer that has a powder-coat finish. I've had good experiences with that in the past, but I've read horror stories of when it does start to go, it comes off in sheets.

I'd like to add a way to put a lock on the ATV ramps, and the best option will involve drilling a couple holes. Am I asking for trouble drilling through the powder-coat finish? I just worry I'll be starting a failure point in the finish where I drill, even if I paint cover the edges.

 

[dusty3030]

Whether the powder coat stays on or not depends on them not you. What I mean by that is if the surface was prepped right and it was applied right, then you are good. If it wasn't, then you'll have problems whether you drill some holes or not.
I'd say drill them, scratch up the surface a little around the hole, clean it, prime / paint with a rattle can and don't worry about it.

I had a little Rice brand powder coated trailer once. When it started to flake it did come off in sheets. Metal was rusty underneath the powder coating.

 

[Aquamoose]

For extra insurance, I’d countersink the holes just enough to remove the powder coat away from the edges and touch up with enamel paint. This would eliminate the start of peeling from the holes.

 

[Motorboatin]

It is all about the pretreatment not the coating

As mentioned above you should paint the bare metal after drilling

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Drill bits sometimes tend to wander on powder coat to start. Either do a small pilot hole or heavily center punch the spot first.

Ron

 

[denchen]

What about carefully bolting a small plate to your ramps, making sure you don`t damage the paint more than is necessary, and putting a water tight mastic between the paint and the plate. Another hole in the plate for your lock, and it can rattle around as much as it likes without doing any damage. the nuts on the bolts can have a dab with a welder, so the only way of getting them off is with a angle grinder.

 

[fried1765]

For extra insurance, I’d countersink the holes just enough to remove the powder coat away from the edges and touch up with enamel paint. This would eliminate the start of peeling from the holes.

The best paint for touch-up on powder coat is a 2 part marine epoxy paint.
The very best idea, is to never buy a powder coated trailer!

 

[Redlands Okie]

Agree with the powder coat being a issue if you want to modify or repair a trailor and want to keep it some what nice looking.

 

[Renze]

There are wet touchup paint cans for powdercoat repairs. But you can also just spray some transparent underbody waxcoat around the holes.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I have a new trailer that has a powder-coat finish. I've had good experiences with that in the past, but I've read horror stories of when it does start to go, it comes off in sheets.

I've seen regular paint come off in sheets, does that mean it's the paint OR the prep???

Same with powder coat...

SR