I'm buying a used kit and the bottle is a little scratched up.
Is there any problem with having the bottle re powder coated?

Also, do most bottles get scratched when they are taken out to be filled? Which brackets can I buy to stop this?

Thanks
Tom

 

Yes you can get the bottle coated, but your going to remove the valve assy. so they can do the job right. After that your going to need to get the bottle certification and pressure tested. Another way to prevent you from taking the valve assy. out is. Prep the bottle and do it by spary painting and then a nice clear coat finish. Which I did on my bottle, yes your bottle will always get scratched up from taking it in/out the bracket and giving it to the refill station. What I did on my brackets was install rubber gaskets on the metal brackets which helps somewhat. Then if your picky about giving it to someone to refill have a rag/towel wrap around it.

Vinny

 

Might be worth a little research before you powder coat. As I understand it, powder coating requires heating the item to about 400degF in an oven. Not sure what the affect would be on the strrength of the aluminum bottle. I know there was a huge flap a few years ago when cracks started appearing at the neck of certain aluminum 3AL bottle that were used by divers.

I'm not saying there is definitely a problem.... just that the conservative "injuneer" in me is saying check first.

 

You could also polish it i believe.

 

anyone else?