Powder coating is a dry finishing process. It has become a very popular type of paint application process. Powder coating was introduced in North America in the 1960s. It is used on a wide variety of products and represents about 1/6 of the total industrial finishing market. But what exactly is powder coating and is it right for you?

How Powder Coating Works

According to the Powder Coating Institute, powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems, combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers and other additives. These ingredients are melted and mixed together, then cooled and ground into a powder similar to baking powder. A process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is used to apply the powder coating to material to be coated, usually metal. This application method uses a spray gun, which adds an electrostatic charge to the powder, which is then attracted to the grounded part. After the powder coating is applied to the metal, it is heated in a curing oven where the coating chemically reacts to produce molecular chains, resulting in high cross-link density. These molecular chains do not breakdown very easily. This is the most common method of applying the powders.

Benefits of Powder Coating

Cost Effective—The greatest benefit of powder coating has to do with efficiency and overspray. The average transfer efficiency of powder coating is 60-70%. You may think this is not the best, but any over spray is collected and reused, meaning there is little to no waste. When compared to other coating methods such as conventional paint, the transfer efficiency is only 30-35%. Also about 50% of paint evaporates without any means of reusing the over spray. The base product for powder coating is also cheaper than conventional paint.

Environmentally Friendly—There are many environmental advantages to powder coating as well. Since there are no solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), there is no damage done to the environment when the powder coating is applied. Conventional paint contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment including ozone depletion and producing hazardous waste.

Durability—Powder coating provides a protective finish that is much more durable than conventional paint. As stated above, because of the high cross-link density created by powder coating, the molecular chains are harder to breakdown, making the finish harder and more durable. Powder coating protects some of the biggest industrial machinery as well as household items that you used on a daily basis.

Takeaway

Powder coating is tough, looks great and will last a long, long time. Powder coating comes in a variety of colors, can be cost effective and environmentally friendly. It's important to protect the metal around your house and powder coating is the best way to do this.

If you more information about powder coating, Midstate Burglar Bars & Ironworks is here for you. We have been in business for over 30 years. You can contact us to discuss your specific needs and to receive a free quote. You can also call us at 334-313-9015. Choose MIDSTATE for EXPERIENCE, RELIABILITY, HONESTY and QUALITY—since 1985.