Can a propane tank be powder coated?

[Mukilteo]

I have a older horizontal propane tank under my van that needs to be cleaned up and repainted and I thought powder coating would be the way to go.
So the question is, is it a good idea or not?

[Dale M.]

Probably but... Powder coating requires "object" to be placed into a oven and requires a temperature up to about 400°f. to get coating to flow (its actually a vinyl)... The problem lies if there is any propane in tank when heated it will expand... At 400° the pressure blow off valve will release and any propane in tank will release ( remember there are gas burners or electric elements (at red heat) in oven) ... Yeah I know leave valve open to bleed off any propane before coating or during coating process.... Ok... Well...Umm.... IF powder coater will do it, "liability" is on his head.... I don't particularly want to be around shop when he does it.....

I would really clean it up and use something like Rust-O-Leum primer and then paint it a nice white or hammered silver (really like this color)....

Dale

[Mukilteo]

Thanks for the information. Rust-O-Leum it will be.
This tank is way out of sight and a bit difficult to access. They have to get down on their knees to hook it up. The guys that fill it hate it and I don't blame them.