Powder coating has set a global benchmark in the metal finishing industry. While traditional liquid paint dominated the market for the larger part of the 20th century, powder coating has become the leading alternative - thanks to its superior durability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental benefits.
But what exactly is powder coating, and how is it applied over metal substrates? This will be the center of our focus in this blog.
1. Preparing the Surface or Pre-treating the Part
Before the powder is applied, the part needs to be cleaned of dirt, grease, and rust. We also do pretreatment. Our team will either use phosphates or chromates, which are chemical cleaners that get rid of dirt and grime, or abrasive media blasting, which shoots high-pressure sand particles over the surface to get rid of dirt and grime.
2. Powder Application
The next step is to apply the powder coating now that the surface is clean. This powder is a special mix of pigments, resin, and other things. Using a spray gun, the electrostatically charged powder is sprayed onto the metal surface that is grounded. You need to be careful when doing this step to make sure that the coating is even and smooth with as little waste and overspray as possible.
3. Curing
After the application, the substrate is put in a high-temperature curing oven, where it is heated for a set amount of time. The type of substrate and the exact powder formula will determine how long and at what temperature it is cured. The heat melts the powder and makes it stick together, forming a protective film that is:
- Resistant to UV rays & Weather
- Resistant to Scratches and Chips
4. Cooling
The metal is allowed to cool after curing in order for the coating to solidify into a uniformly smooth surface.
5. Assurance of Quality
Our operators carefully check the quality of work on your parts to ensure a perfect finish. We check for uniformity, adhesion, and aesthetic appeal as part of our evaluation. We only proceed with packing and shipping the parts once we are satisfied.
Why Use Powder Coating?
Although the durability of powder coating has already been covered, its affordability and variety of finishing options are two more significant advantages. It provides a superior, long-lasting finish that surpasses conventional paint in practically every way.
Extended Durability of Finish
Compared to solvent-based paint, powder-coated components last longer and retain their color vibrancy while avoiding fading, cracking, and peeling.
Environmentally Friendly
Hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in liquid paint. In contrast, powder coating doesn't contain any hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or solvents that could harm people or the environment. Because of this, it's a cleaner option than paint.
Better Resistance to Impact
Powder coating is used on industrial equipment because it provides more impact resistance than liquid paint. Because of this, powder coating is perfect for high-traffic applications.
Get Superior Powder Coating for All Jobs
From small automotive parts to industrial and architectural applications, powder coating is our specialty at Rusty Lions. Our large batch ovens and state-of-the-art expertise enables us to produce the best results for your project. We can help you prolong the life of outdoor furniture or improve the look of automotive parts.
- Competitive Rates
- Quick Turnaround
- Superior Quality
For professional powder coating services, contact Rusty Lions today and get a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing finish for your part. For decades-trusted powder coating services in New Jersey, call 347-613-8103.
