Have you ever noticed that you can abuse, burn, scour and generally trash your kitchen stove and yet it cleans up like new? Even 15 years later it's finish is still basically flawless. These finishes (even the cheap models) are virtually indestructible. And you don't even have to wax them!
Why can't we paint cars using this same process? It can't be due to some mass production limitation issue because stoves are turned out like... well, stoves.-- jon3, Nov 24 2002 I think in the end it would make little difference, the damage would still be done one way or t'other. Keep in mind, no one drives a stove down the road at 80 mph. At least no one that I know.-- Blue Persian Cat, Nov 24 2002 I doubt that there is much difference in the two processes. In fact, I think that the automotive finishes are probably more durable, especially the more recent systems.
If you kept your car in the kitchen all the time I think the finish would be as nice as the stove after 15 years.-- bristolz, Nov 24 2002 You haven't seen my cooking! ;)-- DrCurry, Nov 24 2002 Wouldn't work. Surface on appliances is vitreous porcelain enamel, (glass). Requires a very special sort of steel to work properly. Not to mention the enamel is very heavy, wouldn't work with zinc coatings, and is much more expensive that standard paint, I could go on but won't. Powder coating is a closer animal to the process, and has automotive applications. But you are right that the finish is much more durable. Your windshield has roughly the same durability outside as the finish on your stove would.-- TBK, Nov 24 2002 Ah. I stand corrected. I assumed (incorrectly and without checking) that appliances were painted with a thermo-setting urethane enamel similar to many cars. That they were porcelainized never crossed my mind. But, knowing that when an appliance does get chipped the result is, usually, a big, sharp-edged and deep chunk, I should have guessed.-- bristolz, Nov 24 2002 I knew it! I knew that there had to be a difference in the process because I could never get away with placing a hot pan on the hood of my car without serious discoloration at the least.-- jon3, Nov 24 2002 random, halfbakery