How to Powder-Coat ATV Frames

Remove all non-metal parts from the frame; cover any part you can’t remove with high-temperature masking tape. Use a pressure washer to remove dirt and loose or peeling paint from the frame, concentrating on all the nooks and crannies. Let the frame dry. Put on gloves and wipe the frame with a cotton rag soaked in a solvent such as kerosene, benzene or naphtha. If the frame still shows any rust, use phosphoric acid to remove it, carefully following directions for its use. Ensure that all oil, grease and rust has been removed; if you cannot thoroughly clean the frame yourself, seek professional help using sandblasting or more powerful chemicals to finish preparing the frame.

Use a zinc-phosphate pretreatment chemical to protect the degreased ATV frame so that the powdered paint will adhere to it. The phosphate compound creates a chemical reaction that allows the powdered paint to adhere to the metal. Several kinds of pretreatment chemicals are available, but the zinc-phosphate type is the one commonly used for ATV frames. Follow the instructions on the chemical regarding application and how long to leave it on the frame, then rinse it off with water. Dry the metal thoroughly before proceeding.

Purchase a powder-coating product suitable for an ATV frame in the color of your choice. Use a power air compressor (you can purchase or rent one from an equipment supply center) to spray the powder; use a tarp to protect the area around the ATV frame from the powder, then proceed to apply a thin, even layer of the powder over all metal parts of the frame.

Use one or more heat lamps or other flameless heat sources to heat the surface of the ATV frame to between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain the temperature for about 15 minutes to cure the powder coating and then let it cool down.