WHAT IS POWDER COATING?

Powder coating is a process of where a dry coating is in place as a metal finish on home products and industrial equipment. An Electrostatic process is involved with the dry powder that gets cured when heat is applied. A well know high-quality finish in terms of the overall look and functionality.

A cost-effective finish and durable method of painting. It can be used on different surfaces, including concrete, metal, steel, and plastic. Both great for indoor and outdoor applications.

TYPES OF POWDER COATING

There are two main types of powder coating, thermoplastics, and thermosets.

Thermoplastics powder coating is a finish that becomes a liquid and is very soft when its heated. The chemical bonding gets eliminated this way. These tend to be thicker, and durable compared to the thermoset coatings.

Thermoset powder however is quite different because it forms chemical bonds once its cured. This making it impossible to recycle the product in comparison with Thermoplastics. Thermoset powder coatings are ideal for high heat areas. The bond makes them unlikely to melt as thermoplastics would. Between both Thermoplastics and Thermoset, Thermoset coating process is cheaper of the two.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

The most important one, preparation is key. This step will determine how well the powder coating process will adhere to the metal surface. With prepping and cleaning the surface, using a degreaser and or phosphate rinse is great followed by a water rinse. Next the powder is applied by using the spray gun. Shortly after the curing begins.

HOW DOES POWDER COATING METAL WORK?

Combined with pigments, flow modifiers, leveling agents, and several other additives, it’s a polymer resin. Depending on the type of powder coating involved depends on each ingredient is included. Powder coatings need that electrical charge in order for it to work. When the powder is ionized, this will attract it to the surface when its being cured at 400°F. Powder coating is impervious to scratching and chipping, making it more effective than paint on all different types of surfaces.

Powder coating gets its strength from the chemical bonding process. When it cures, these bonds are solidified, and it makes more layers to be added to increase the thickness of the finish. Powder coatings are primarily used to protect steel and other types of materials from corrosion. They repel corrosive materials like chemicals, water, preventing them from reaching the surface beach the finish. Even though its stronger than paint, it’s not invincible. Since it’s made of resin, it reacts to sunlight, the coating can become chalky and erode quickly if prolonged in it.

HOW LONG DO THE POWDER COATING FINISHES LAST?

With knowing that powder coating is a strong method of painting, the longevity of the powder coat depends on a handful of factors. Including the coating type, the preparation quality, and the environment that it was used in. Most of the powder coats can last anywhere between 15 to 20 years. But outdoor environments, exposure to UV lights, and the use of impacts can cause the coat to break down.

ADVANTAGES?

Environmentally friendly, safe option, polished look, and budget friendly.

DISADVANTAGES?

Less coating control, color issues.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON POWDER COATING FINISHES

Powder coating finishes are definitely some of the best options when it comes to metal fabrication. Blackstone Advanced Technologies is proud to offer painting services for your next fabrication product. We can fabricate any order, whether it includes prototypes, components, or final assemblies. We adhere to the assumption that prime quality results can only be achieved through the utilization of high-quality equipment.

For help on painting, contact us, and we will be willing to help. Read our blog for more tips like these.