Powder Coating | Jimmy Rivers Performance Works

For the past 17 years, powder coating has become an important and growing part of what Jimmy Rivers does at JRPW Racing. According to Jimmy, it all started with an idea from his late wife, Gena. “One day I stopped by a local shop that had been doing some powder coating for us,” Jimmy recalls. “There was a note on the door saying, ‘Thank you for your patronage. We have retired.’ When I told Gena about it, she planted the seed that maybe we ought to start doing it ourselves. I agreed there was a need for it, and it seemed like a natural complement to what we were already doing.”

What began as another service for JRPW Racing soon became something Jimmy enjoyed experimenting with. Over the years, he began looking beyond racing and automotive parts and discovered just how many everyday items could benefit from powder coating. “I’m a very creative person,” Jimmy says. “Creativity has always been a big part of who I am, and my business has been built around being creative, thinking differently and finding ways to do things that set us apart. I’ve never been satisfied with simply doing something the same way everyone else does it. I’ll look at something and wonder what I can do to make it different, make it better, or give it its own character. It might be something as simple as making cabinet knobs blue or changing the color of an accessory. Over the years, I’ve brought a lot of color into my house, and quite a bit of it has been through powder coating.”

Today, Jimmy uses that experience to help customers understand what powder coating is, why it can be a great alternative to traditional paint, and how it can be used on everything from automotive components to furniture, home décor, and outdoor pieces.

Understanding Powder Coating

Powder coating is a finishing process in which a dry powder is applied electrostatically to a properly prepared metal surface. The part is grounded while the powder is electrically charged, helping the powder adhere evenly to the surface. Once coated, the part is placed in an oven and heated to the proper curing temperature. The powder melts, flows and cures into a hard, durable finish. The finished surface has the attractive appearance of paint but generally provides excellent resistance to chipping, scratching, chemicals and corrosion. When properly prepared and applied, powder coating can provide a durable finish that lasts for many years.

Much More Than Automotive Parts

Powder coating is especially popular for automotive restoration, racing components, motorcycles, wheels, engine parts and other metal components, but its usefulness goes far beyond the automotive world. Almost any suitable metal item that can withstand the curing process may be a candidate for powder coating. It can be used to restore an older piece, protect a new one, or simply give something a completely different appearance.

Around the Home, Business, and Yard

One of the most enjoyable things about powder coating is the ability to personalize ordinary metal objects. Metal furniture, cabinet hardware, light fixtures, mailboxes, railings, outdoor furniture, decorative pieces, shop equipment and countless other items can be powder coated. An older metal item that may otherwise be discarded can often be cleaned, refinished and given an entirely new look. For Jimmy, that versatility is part of the appeal. “Sometimes it’s not about restoring something to exactly the way it was,” he says. “Sometimes you can take an ordinary piece, choose the right color or finish, and turn it into something completely different.”

Nearly Unlimited Colors and Finishes

One of the biggest advantages of powder coating is the tremendous variety of colors and finishes available. Colors can be selected to match or complement vehicles, home interiors, outdoor spaces or existing décor. Depending on the desired appearance, finishes can range from flat and matte to satin, gloss, high-gloss, metallic, and textured. That variety allows powder coating to be both practical and creative. A part can be restored to a traditional appearance, or it can become a one-of-a-kind piece that stands out.

Built for Durability

Appearance is only part of the benefit. Properly applied powder coating provides a tough, uniform finish designed to protect the metal underneath. Good results begin with proper surface preparation. Once the metal is cleaned and prepared, the electrostatic application helps the powder cover the part evenly, including many edges, curves, and difficult-to-reach areas. After curing, the coating forms a continuous protective finish. For automotive parts, outdoor pieces and frequently handled items, that added durability can make powder coating an excellent choice.

After 17 years of working with the process, Jimmy still enjoys finding new uses for it. Whether the goal is restoring an automotive part, protecting a piece of metal furniture, adding color to a home or simply turning an ordinary object into something unique, powder coating offers a combination of creativity, protection and long-lasting durability.

To learn more about powder coating and the ways JRPW Racing can help personalize or preserve your metal items, visit JRPW Racing at 200 Rose Street in Martinez, Georgia, call 706-863-1206, visit JRPWRacing.com, or find us on Facebook at JRPW Racing, Inc.

These metal items are perfect for a powder coat finish:

Home Décor

Chairs

Bed Frames

Benches

Light Fixtures

Porch & Stairwell Railings

Mailboxes

Fencing

Antiques

Cabinet Hardware

Refrigerator Handles