When it comes to powder coat masking, silicone pull plugs are essential. If you are concerned about shadowing or need to mask a bore thread, pull plugs are the best solution. Although there are a number of alternative pull plug materials out there, silicone masking plugs offer several unique properties and benefits that make them a daily necessity.
What are silicone masking plugs?
Silicone plugs are simple tools that are inserted into holes to mask and prevent a surface area from being coated by paint. Whether it’s simply for aesthetic reasons or to protect an area from being damaged if coated, silicone masking plugs are indispensable when it comes to powder coat masking.
Why use silicone plugs when powder coating?
Silicone is a plastic that has a rubber-like consistency, making it incredibly versatile and easy to push into holes of products that are being powder coated. Silicone masking plugs can withstand the higher temperatures required in powder coating and are highly durable and abrasion and chemical resistant. With paint chemicals being an inevitable bi-product of powder coating, silicone plugs will not be damaged in the process and can be easily cleaned and reused.
What silicone masking plugs are best?
There are two main types of silicone masking plugs available: tapered plugs and pull plugs. Which is used depends on the object and area you want to mask.
Tapered Silicone Plugs
When powder coating, it can be a challenge to keep paint from getting into holes, and silicone plugs are a quick and simple way to successfully mask a hole. One of the most popular silicone plugs for powder coat masking is a silicone tapered plug. The tapered design means you can press the plug firmly into blind holes and the same plug can often be used for multiple size holes.
Silicone Pull Plugs
However, the drawback of a tapered plug is also its shape. Although brilliant for plugging holes, if the product has a through hole the tapered end will not provide much protection on the reverse side. This is why silicone pull plugs are essential.
Pull plugs have a long tube-like element that pushes all the way through a hole. They usually have the same length major diameter and minor diameter, meaning they sit snuggly and protect the inner surface of the through hole from powder coating. Silicone pull plugs also have a larger handle which makes them easier to install and remove from through holes.
At Hi-Tek Products we offer a selection of silicone masking plugs in a range of sizes. As experts in silicone plugs for powder coating, we can help you choose the right silicone plugs for your application. If you need advice, get in touch with us today by calling 01202 661 300.