Powder Coating
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a protective layer that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. It is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a rugged and resilient “skin”. The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish on metals that is tougher than conventional paint.
MULTICOLOR & SPECIAL EFFECTS
Several colors can be applied before curing them all together, allowing color blending and special effects in a single layer. Powder-coated products resist scratching and won’t peel or flake. With annual waxing, its color can remain rich and full for decades.
POWDER COAT VS. LIQUID PAINT
The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. Because powder coating does not have a liquid carrier, it can produce thicker coatings than paint without running or sagging.
DURABLE AND VERSATILE
Powder coat is used on many different types of materials. Think about its durability when used on car and truck bumpers, rims and frames. It is an extremely durable finish that will last for years to come with proper care.
AFFORDABLE METAL FINISHING
Powder coatings are cost competitive with liquid paint. In fact, many powder coatings cost less than equivalent coatings formed from liquid paint.
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
Continuous recovery of over-sprayed powder is key to economical production of powder coatings. Powder recovery systems can reclaim up to 98 percent of overspray for reuse. In contrast, liquid paint overspray is lost and cannot be reclaimed. The deposition efficiency of liquid paint spray systems ranges from 30 to 90 per cent, and seldom averages more than 65 percent.
DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE
Don’t be misled by companies that disparage powder coating and its application processes. Usually, the deciding factor for iron companies that paint instead of powder coat comes down to cost. If a company does not have its own powder coating capabilities, there are resulting additional costs that are passed to the consumer.
Loading the product for transport (labor).
Shipping to the powder coating company (labor and fuel).
Unloading at the powder coating company (labor).
Being at the mercy of the company’s schedule (diminished efficiency).
Picking up and delivering to the job site (labor and fuel).
As long as the prep process is done correctly either process will work and last with upkeep being done regularly on liquid painted surfaces. Less maintenance is required with powder coating.
SINGLE PASS CORROSION RESISTANCE
In order to achieve sufficient thickness to provide the necessary corrosion resistance, most liquid paints must be applied in two passes. Electrostatic spray powder coatings from 1- to 6-mils thick can be applied in one pass. This eliminates the need for two coating booths.
