How To Powder Coat RTIC Cups

RTIC cups are awesome stainless steel containers that allow you to port around all manner of drinks in a safe, efficient, and stylish manner. RTIC cups are designed with a double vacuum wall, which helps to keep all drinks at their intended temperatures for far longer than other receptacles. 

For that reason, RTIC cups have become immensely popular across the world, especially with those that lead a jet-setting lifestyle of travel and adventure. However, another reason that many people across the world favor RTIC cups is that they look incredibly stylish. They come in a wide array of colors and designs, and said designs will last for many years of use! 

But what if you wanted to customize your RTIC cup even more? What if you wanted to powder coat your cup with a totally different color, or with a different design? If you want to try powder coating your RTIC cup, but don’t know where to start, then why not start here? 

Read on below as we show you how you can powder coat your RTIC cup!

What Is Powder Coating?

First, it is important to make sure that we are fully clear on what exactly powder coating is, what it does, and what kind of effect it achieves. 

Powder coating can be thought of quite simply as a way of coating that is applied to materials in a way unlike paint. Paints color objects by use of evaporating solvents which cause the paint to harden and dry wherever it is painted. Powder coating, unlike painting, makes use of a dry powder which attaches to the object.

How Does Powder Coating Work?

So, now that we know the basics, and that powder coating is very different from painting, we should take a look at how powder coating actually works. 

The color powder from powder coating is first applied to the surface of an object, most often by use of electrostatic, which causes the powder to stick to the surface. This is why powder coating is so often used with metal, and also why powder coating is so popular with RTIC users. 

Once the powder solution has been electrostatically fixed to the surface of the metal, it is then “baked” into the surface of the metal by subjecting it to great heat or ultraviolet light. This causes the powder to seep under the surface of the metal and imbue it with color! 

How Do You Powder Coat An RTIC Cup?

Now that we know what powder coating is, and how it works, we can dive into the meat of the issue to find out how you can use powder coating on your own RTIC cups!

To start, you are going to want to make sure that you have access to a powder coating system. Such devices can vary quite widely in price, but you should not expect to pay anything more than $200 for an average device. 

The powder coating system will force the powder, using compressed air, through the barrel of the system, which passes it by an electrode, so that it will bind directly to the cup.

Once you have gained access to your powder coating system, you will next want to make sure that you clean and dry the RTIC cup’s surface as best you can, so that no imperfections can negatively impact the coating.

Lay the cup down on an even surface with the top of the cup facing down. This will ensure that the cup does not tumble or move about during the process of coating. You should also make sure that the surface is covered with disposable or cleanable material so that the powder does not stain other surfaces.

Then, simply insert your desired color powder, and begin spraying it lightly onto the cup. Keep applying layers of the powder to the coat, until it is evenly coated and there are no unintended gaps in the coating. Make sure to maintain a firm grip on both the cup and coating device so that the powder does not go everywhere.

Once you are happy with the amount of powder on the cup, simply subject it to heat using whichever method you desire. Ultraviolet lights are a great option, as you can purchase a small UV light that you can then slowly shine across the cup until the powder seeps fully into the surface.

You can also choose to heat the cup and the powder using an oven set to around 350 to 400 degrees.

Once you have heated the cup, simply allow it to rest for a few hours, and then cool it with cold water, checking to make sure that the cup is evenly coated.

What Are The Benefits Of Powder Coating?

There are plenty of benefits to powder coating that make it incredibly attractive when compared to other coating methods. For instance, powder coating makes use of no solvents or volatile materials, which means not only is it much safer, but it is also much better for the environment!

Powder coating also makes it much easier to achieve more intricate and flashy designs on metal objects than any other coating process, which makes it a very attractive option for those that want to really get creative with their designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Possible to Powder Coat Stainless Steel?

Unfortunately not, because stainless steel is designed to repel things such as color powder.

Is RTIC as Good as Yeti?

Definitely. In fact, RTIC cups generally last much longer than competing Yeti cups, and have larger capacities and better constructions.

Is RTIC Made by Yeti?

No. RTIC and Yeti are totally different companies that produce a totally different range of cups.

To Wrap Up

As you can now see, powder coating your own RTIC cup is incredibly easy, and just requires access to a powder coating system, and some type of heating device. 

Powder coating is great not only because it can help you to achieve really cool custom designs, but it also allows you to protect the environment, and is a very simple and safe method of coating!