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To paint or to powder coat? What’s the best finish for your metal fabrication? Why choose powder coating finishes over paint?
Paint is a traditional approach with various limitations. Powder coating, on the other hand, is a more advanced approach. It brings improved durability, a reduced environmental impact, and a higher quality appearance.
Powder coating is a dry coating process used as a metal finish mostly on industrial equipment. Powder coating is applied as dry powder through an electrostatic process, then cured with heat. It is well known for providing high-quality finishes in terms of both functionality and overall look.
The powder coating finishes are not only sturdy but flexible as well. It can be used on different surfaces, including metal, concrete, steel, and plastic. It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, and it’s one of the most cost-effective finish options.
There are two types of powder coating, thermosets and thermoplastics.
Thermoplastic powder coating finishes become liquid and very soft when heated. This eliminates chemical bonding. This process makes the powder coating both reversible and reusable.
Thermoplastic coatings tend to be thicker, and hence more durable compared to thermoset coatings. For this reason, they can be used for a plethora of things from metal, auto parts, and even refrigerators.
On the other hand, thermoset powder is quite different in the fact that it forms chemical bonds once cured, making it impossible to recycle it. It is suitable for high heat areas because the bonds prevent it from melting away. This type is much cheaper compared to thermoplastic.
Preparation is the first step of the process and perhaps the most important one. This step determines how well the powder coating adheres to the metal surface, and there are various options for cleaning and prepping the surface. Using a degreaser and/or phosphate rinse is ideal, followed by a quick water rinse. The powder is then applied using the spray gun, and curing begins right after that.
There are other methods that may be used, but they are only suitable for specific projects.
Powder coating is based on polymer resin combined with pigments, curative, flow modifiers, leveling agents, and several other additives. All ingredients are melt mixed together, then cooled and ground into a powder. Preheating achieves a uniform finish, and cooling helps form a hard coating.
The powder coating process eliminates overspray wastage that may be experienced with solvent-based paints. Powder coatings are different from paint in the fact that they need an electric charge to work, while paint needs an adhesive.
An electrostatic paint sprayer is used for the application process. It imparts a positive electric charge on the powder and accelerates it towards the components through an electrostatic charge. The chemical bonding process strengthens the powder coating because once cured, the bonds solidify.
One of the most significant advantages of using powder coatings is that once solidified, more layers can be added id thickness is desired. Thicker coatings mean longevity and increased protection. Powder coatings are suitable for metal because they repel corrosive materials, such as chemicals and water.
This is hands down one of the most durable coatings you could use as a finish for a variety of surfaces, not just metal. The chemical bonds give a superior coating that makes it suitable for both machinery and everyday items. It holds well to extreme weather and physical impact, meaning it’s resistant to scratches, abrasions, and chips.
The longevity of the product will highly depend on several factors. These factors include the quality of preparation, type of powder coating used, and the environment in which the product is exposed. Powder coating finishes can last up to 20 years, but due to the consistent use, exposure to UV light, and outdoor environment may break it down faster.
Different coatings also have varying lifespans. For instance, coatings that have fluoropolymers and urethanes can last longer. They are designed to withstand extreme conditions and are better suited for outdoor products. Epoxy coatings, on the other hand, may last very long indoors, but once exposed to the outdoors, they break down a lot faster.
Powder coatings have several advantages, which makes them an excellent choice for metal fabrication. Apart from the legendary durability, here are more strong points that you may want to consider when choosing a finish.
Environmentally Friendly: This an eco-friendly option as it is reusable and recyclable. Thermoplastic coatings especially can be reshaped very easily, unlike thermosets. The powder is also used precisely with minimal wastage, unlike paint, where you experience a lot of oversprays.
You may expect about 5% or less wastage, and the fact that they don’t need solvents is a major plus. Powder coating does not release volatile organic compounds that may harm the environment. Besides that, it’s safer to use, and even though wearing protective gear is still recommended, it does not pose as much health threat as other finishes.
Cost-Effective: With powder coating finishes, the upfront experience will seem significant, and possibly overwhelming for some. Over time, however, the coat is much lower compared to other different types of finishes.
Polishes Look: It’s quite easy to achieve a polished look when powder coating metal. The fact that it repels chemicals, moisture, and other elements makes it very easy to clean.
Despite the fact that this type of finish boasts plenty of advantages, the disadvantages should not go overlooked. The thing is, to achieve efficiency and functionality, the correct finish must be used.
Less Coating Control: It may be difficult to actually achieve thickness or control how thick a coating gets. It may even make uneven levels of thickness, which affects the overall texture. If the powder coating runs, then the powder coating process needs to be redone.
Getting Colors Right: While recycling and reusing powder coatings is a pro, it may also lead to cross-contamination. This simply means that the colors may not come out as intended, lowering efficiency and making possible mismatched touch-ups. This can be avoided by carefully keeping your powders packaged when it’s not being used.
Powder coating finishes are some of the best when it comes to metal fabrication. If you haven’t used it before them you have been missing out on something truly incredible. If you’d like to explore the magnificence of powder coating metal with our metal finishing services, kindly get in touch with us.
