Powder Coat Cage?

[PCash]

Hey all,

I found a cage on craigslist that was an awesome price. The cage is nice and spacious for my GCC, but when I got it home, bleached the heck out of it and let it dry, I noticed rust and the powder coat finish was more worn than it looked like at first. So of course, my bird isn't in it and the cage is taking up space in a hallway.

I called a local company that offers sandblasting and powder coating and I was surprised at the low cost to get it done. Plus, they told me that they can do the cage in practically any color I want. If I go ahead with getting my cage blasted and powder coated again, it would still work out as being cheaper than having bought it new and it would be the color I preferred.

Anyway, long story short, I was curious if anyone else has had a second-hand cage re-powder coated and how that worked out for you.

 

[Laurasea]

I would n like to hear more about this! And the safety. I would like to redo mine in white. Right now I have white, green, and two black. . .lol kinda drives me crazy

 

[Jottlebot]

I've never had it done because the price here at the places I contacted were too much - I'm in the UK. Absolutely go for it if it makes sense financially. It should be perfectly safe and durable. If I were you I'd still give it a good clean when you get it incase there's and chemical residue. I don't know if they'd generally treat the finished item with any type of protective wax-type thing, but if you ask I'm sure they'll tell you and just ask them not to.

 

[SailBoat]

Cost for Powder Coating varies widely as does the different methods (steps) used in apply the coating. A used cage that has been powder coated may receive a basic pre-cleaning, a coating and then a heat cycle.

It will be important that you note the areas that have rust and wear so that they are targeted during the pre-cleaning.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Ugh, here comes the Queen of Paranoia (that would be yours truly)...
Do the refurbishers guarantee it's bird-safe? Do we trust them?
So sorry you're having a hassle with this.

 

[LaManuka]

Long live the Queen! Refurbed cage more trouble than it’s worth - get a new one!

 

[PCash]

I'll have to let you know how it goes. I have cages for my birds already, but I'd love to have a spare.

Of course I'll check for chemical residue and such afterwards and give it plenty of time to air and breathe before I even think about putting one of my babies in it.

 

[SailBoat]

The heat cycle (time and temperature) kills anything as the temperature (if I recall correctly) is around 200 degrees F.

Cleaning when it comes back to your home would be to remove any post heat cycle 'stuff' that may have gotten on the cage sections. Remember that deep drying in bright Sun light is one of the best ways of safely drying the cage.


I rarely have old cages as our Amazons tend to assure that once they are done with the cage it is likely physically no longer usable.

 

[MonicaMc]

I've spoken with people who have done it in the past but none recently.