Metal fabricating can be a complex process. There’s a series of steps that are taken to make sure metal parts come out the way you want.
But sometimes, there’s one extra step at the end; painting. When customers ask for their metal parts to come in a specific color, you need to ensure that you can fulfill their request.
However, do you apply paint or use powder coating? Now, you’re probably asking yourself. “What is powder coating?”
Don’t worry. We’ll have all the answers to your questions and more in today’s article. Read on to learn more.
What Is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a different way to paint your metal parts. Rather than using traditional metal paint, the color is sprayed onto the metal’s surface with an electrical charge and then cured with heat.
We love using powder coating here at PowderWerx because it provides your metal parts with a high-quality finish. You can also use it on various surfaces, like plastic and concrete.
There are two different types of powder coating; thermoplastic and thermoset. Thermoplastic powder coating is more for synthetic materials that aren’t suitable for high heat.
However, they have good chemical resistance. Some standard thermoplastic powders include:
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Polyolefin
Thermoset powder coating changes the physical properties of the material by creating a non-reversible reaction. Common thermoset powders used in powder coating include:
- Acrylic
- Epoxy
- Epoxy-polyester hybrid
As you can see, various types of powders can be used for your metal parts. But consult with a professional powder coating service to figure out the best powder for your project.
How Does Powder Coating Work?
Powder coating is a mixture of polymer resin, flow modifiers, leveling agents, and other additives. The ingredients are melted, mixed, cooled, and then finally ground into powder.
For the application process, we use an electrostatic paint sprayer. It provides a positive electrical charge on the powder, which gets applied to your metal parts.
Due to chemical bonding, the powder coating gets stronger once it’s cured because the bonds solidify. You can also add more layers to your powder coat if you want. Thicker layers mean added protection for your metals.
Powder Coating Advantages
Powder coating is excellent for application in pretty much any project. Understandably, it’s hard to step out on a limb and try something different because you don’t know what will happen.
However, more businesses are switching to powder coating due to its many benefits. Here are a few.
Durability
We’re not really sure why more people don’t use powder coating for their projects instead of paint.It comes with problems like fading and chipping, especially when they come in direct contact with sunlight.
Once your metals have been powder coated, it becomes highly resistant to wear and tear no matter what you put it through. You’ll no longer have problems with chips, scratches, or fading.
Due to its high-resistance capabilities, powder coating is perfect for metals that come in constant contact with sunlight and other environmental factors.
Longevity
A common question we get about powder coating is, “How long does a powder coat finish last?” The answer is roughly about 20 years (depending on some external factors).
Since powder coating increases the durability of your metals, they are easy to maintain. That doesn’t mean they won’t get dirty; dust and other factors can decrease the aesthetic of your metals or prevent them from working.
You’ll only need to scrub your metals with some water, and the metal coating will remain intact. With this easy maintenance, you can use your parts for extended periods without worrying about damaging accumulating.
Cost-Effective
Whether you’re a business or a homeowner, you’re always looking to cut costs, and that’s where powder coating steps in. Since it has a quick application process, you’ll be able to cut down on labor costs, unlike traditional painting.
Also, powder coating has an extended shelf life, so you’ll be able to store it without any problems. Standard paint can expire, leaving your home or business with a foul smell.
So instead of wasting money buying new paint and doing the whole process over, save yourself the hassle by using powder coating instead.
Eco-Friendly
A big reason why people prefer powder coating over painting is because of its eco-friendliness. Although the powder is sprayed onto a metal part, there aren’t any chemicals involved to make it stick.
The electrical charge makes sure the powder coating sticks, removing the need for solvents and adhesives. Any residual powder can be cleaned up quickly, unlike paint.
Powder coating also doesn’t involve the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). What is a VOC? They are gases that get emitted from certain chemicals we use, such as:
- Paint
- Cleaning products
- Varnishes
- Ink
VOCs are harmful to the environment and linger in the air, causing individuals to come in contact with air pollution. That’s why painting gets broken down into chunks.
Since there are no volatile organic compounds in the dry powders used in powder coating, it is a better option for your metal parts. You won’t have to worry about inhaling any dangerous chemicals.
So not only do you protect yourself, but you also reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment in the process. It’s a win-win.
Use PowderWerx For Your Next Powder Coating Project
After reading today’s article, the next time some asks you, “What is powder coating,” you’ll be able to answer them. It saves you time, money, and is more durable than paint.
If you’re looking for powder coating services, contact PowderWerx today to give your metal parts that specialized finish.
