Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are used by both industries and consumers. The powder used for the process is a mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which is sprayed onto a surface to be coated. The powder is most commonly applied by spraying with a gun that electrostatically charges the powder as it exits the tip.
In most cases, the powder is applied directly to a clean, bare metal surface, with no primer or base coat (powder coating can also be applied to glass, ceramics, temperature resistant plastics and even wood). The part that is being coated is electrically grounded, causing the charged powder to cling to it. After coating, the part with the loose powder clinging to it is placed in an oven to cure. In the curing process, the powder melts and flows over the surface of the object without drips, runs or sags. The result is a highly durable and attractive finish in a wide variety of colors, glosses and textures. Powder coating is the fastest-growing finishing technology in North America, representing over 10% of all industrial finishing applications.
Powder coating gives consumers, businesses, and industry one of the most economical, longest-lasting, and most color-durable quality finishes available. Powder coated surfaces are more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than other finishes. Color selection is virtually unlimited with high and low gloss, metallic, and clear finishes available. And colors stay bright and vibrant longer. Texture selections range from smooth surfaces to a wrinkled or matte finish, and rough textures designed for hiding surface imperfections.
Powder coating costs are comparable to the cost of good quality liquid paint on small projects, and can often be substantially less on larger quantities of parts. Elimination of VOCs and reduction of wastes saves money and helps companies comply more easily and economically with the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, one of the major elements in expanding the market for powder coating has been the implementation over the past 30 years of stringent air pollution control legislation.
Powder coating is also highly protective of our environment. While liquid finishes contain solvents which have pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), powder coating contains no solvents and releases negligible amounts, if any, of VOCs into the atmosphere. Thus, there is no longer a need for finishers to buy costly pollution control equipment. In addition, most powder coating overspray that does not adhere to the part can be retrieved and reused, virtually eliminating the waste commonly found in liquid finishing processes.
Chances are you have quite a few things at home that have a powder coat finish. It is used extensively on many consumer products such as appliances, furniture, fixtures, automotive parts, sporting goods, etc. Commercial applications include store fixtures and office furniture. It is used on farm implements and in many industrial applications where durability and high resistance to chemical and environmental stresses are needed. Powder coating can also be an excellent choice for refinishing projects such as bicycles, motorcycles, automotive parts, indoor and outdoor metal furniture, etc.
While most powder coat finishes are tougher and much more flexible than conventional solvent based paints, they are about the same hardness as automotive paint, so they will scratch. To clean a powder coated surface, use the same care and methods you would use to clean your car. Gently wash with a clean, soft cloth and a mild detergent followed by a clear water rinse. Even though most powder coatings are highly resistant, certain solvents can harm them. Avoid contact with nail polish remover, paint or lacquer thinner, motor oils, transmission and brake fluids or parts cleaning fluids. If any of these should contact the powder coated surface, immediately wipe the area with a soft, clean cloth, and wash as described above.
