Surface finishing is essential for reactive metals. If left exposed and uncoated, metals like carbon steel catch rust as they react with oxygen in the air. Thus, metal finishing methods like liquid paint and powder coating aren't only for aesthetic purposes - they act as a protective layer, not just against corrosion but also mechanical wear and rust.
Metal parts can be protected either by powder coating or paint. While both have similar properties, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Both are made from resins and additives, but the major differentiator is the presence of solvents in liquid paint. This is why paint is liquid while powder coating is dry powder.
Before you choose powder coating or paint to protect your metals, learn more about both finishing methods and their advantages.
What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a metal finishing technique where electrostatically charged powder particles are projected from a spray gun, and the part is subsequently heated. The applicator uses spray tools to apply powder to a metal surface. The powder consists of acrylic, epoxy, polyester, and polyurethane. Once the component is baked in an oven at high temperatures, the powder melts and uniformly envelops the component.
When compared to liquid paint, powder coating is certainly more efficient and durable. This is because the electrostatic process reduces waste by 95%, which is absent in paint applications. The amount of powder coating that doesn't arrive on the surface of the metal can be reused later. This conservation isn't possible with solvent-based paints.
Benefits of Powder Coating
The benefits of powder coating are aplenty. It is extremely durable, attractive, long-lasting, and versatile. Many ferrous and non-ferrous items can be powder-coated. Here are some advantages of powder coating:
- Durable
Powder coating results in a thick, adhesive finish that liquid paint cannot achieve. This property makes powder coating more durable and long-lasting.
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Quick Turnaround
Powder coating can finish a surface in a single application, as opposed to wet paint which requires multiple coating applications. Thus, powder coating is more efficient.
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Eco-friendly
Solvent-based paint releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the environment. Powder coating doesn't produce any toxins or waste, and is therefore friendlier to the environment
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Versatile
Powder coating is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes. You can also opt for specialty finishes for your substrates.
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Uniformity
Powder coating provides a smooth and uniform finish without any trace of application. But, wet paint can easily drip and spread unevenly, which may lead to unattractive marks if done by an inexperienced professional.
All these benefits point towards the single fact that powder coating is indeed better than liquid paint. But they have certain drawbacks as well.
With powder coating, you are limited to thick layers on a metal surface. This is why some applications may result in a dense, rough kind of coat akin to citrus fruits.
Moreover, powder coating is best suited to metals and other substrates that can withstand the high temperatures of the curing oven. For instance, components made of rubber cannot be powder coated, as they will melt during the curing process.
It is also complicated to match colors with powder coating, especially metallic finishes.
What is Liquid Paint?
Liquid paint is a solvent-based mixture of pigments and resins that are typically sprayed onto components through pump devices in aerosol form. In most industrial applications, the paint is subjected to pneumatic-powered tools for an even and consistent coat.
Before the paint is applied, the surface of the object must be thoroughly cleansed of dirt, grime, oil, and other contaminants. Once cleaned properly, around 20 micrometers of wet paint is blasted continuously on the surface until it is evenly coated with a thick layer.
Benefits of Liquid Paint
Though not as durable and long-lasting as powder coating, wet paint also has some benefits. The following are some reasons to choose wet paint over powder coating:
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ď‚·Color Options
Paint is more suitable for various products and signages due to its wider range of color options than powder.
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Thinness
Unlike powder, paint can achieve a thinner and even layer of coating. It can be applied evenly on a surface with a smooth texture.
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Cost-effective
The application of paint is cheaper than powder coating, which requires a heavy investment in the tools and equipment. On the other hand, applying paint is more straightforward.
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Self-drying
Powder coating requires a baking oven to melt the powder and spread it uniformly on the surface. But, the paint is self-drying and doesn't require any heat treatment.
Even though liquid paint has some clear advantages, they too have their drawbacks. Firstly, paint is less durable than powder-coated finishes. Over time, the paint will fade off, requiring constant touch-ups, which powder coating does not. For some applications, you need to apply a fresh layer of paint all over again in a few years.
Secondly, it is much more difficult to coat evenly with liquid paint. While the powder is coated evenly, paint leaves marks and can be unevenly coated in areas. Multiple coats may be required to achieve a smooth finish.
Lastly, liquid paint releases toxins into the environment and produces more waste than powder coating.
Powder Coating v Paint: Which is Better?
While both have exclusive benefits, powder coating is widely adopted industrially due to its efficiency. As technology evolves and costs decrease, most manufacturers prefer powder coating for their OEM parts, owing to its durability and long-lasting features. While liquid paint is here to stay, you can expect powder coating to take over more applications shortly.
If you are searching for the best powder coating services in New Jersey, contact Rusty Lions for a quote. Our skilled applicators are experienced in coating a wide range of objects with fast turnaround and outstanding results.
