Thanks for the further information essexRSTSouthend.

I'm doing the front suspension restoration at home with the vehicle on axle stands. I completed the sandblasting and rust proofing (application of Vactan) at my previous employer as I used to work there as an apprentice mechanic. If I was to go with the powder coating it would be with a company.

Technically, there is a 40-80 (guess) micron skin over all of the bare metal. Nothing else; no loose rust, no grease, no dust. Just bare metal and then the Vactan.

Have you ever attempted to powder coat over a "rust eater/proofer" type substance such as Vactan?

Extract from the aforementioned link: "Vactan is a complex mixture of a vinyl acrylic copolymer and tannic acid for the treatment of corroded steel and iron surfaces. Vactan neutralises the corrosion process by converting the rust into a blue black metallo-organic complex which passivates the surface. It then further protects the surface by forming a film with low permeability to water vapour and oxygen. Vactan is self priming and many do not overcoat but for long term protection it is advisable to overcoat with solvent or water based paint."

Do we think this will provide a good "key" for the powder and do we think that the Vactan can withstand 180deg for 30minutes?

Your thoughts would be most appreciated.

Regards,

Alex