Powder coating has become the preferred surface finishing method globally. Today, it is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. It is part of our everyday lives, from the furniture in our homes to the cars we drive and the heavy machinery used in manufacturing. Most recently, it has also proven effective in protecting artworks.
That powder coating has overtaken liquid paint so drastically is down to two things - aesthetics and protection. Powder coating is highly durable and protective, but it does not compromise on style and aesthetics due to its hardy nature. It also offers a wide range of colors, finishes, and textures - a flexibility vital for OEM parts in the manufacturing industry.
While there are multiple benefits and uses of powder coating, in this article, we will also talk about what powder coating is made of.
5 Reasons Why Powder Coating is the Ultimate Surface Finishing Solution
Powder coating can be applied on a wide range of surfaces, including metals, glass, wood, and even plastic. There are several benefits of powder coating as a surface finishing method. They are:
- Durability:
Powder coating is more resistant to chipping, scratches, and wear than other finishing alternatives.
- Style & Consistency:
Powder coating comes in several color and finish options, including smooth, matte, glossy, textured, and more. Moreover, it offers a consistent and uniform finish that does not drip like wet paint.
- Versatility:
It is a very versatile and flexible solution that can be applied on metal and non-metal surfaces like glass, wood, and plastic.
- Cost-effective:
Powder coating requires a single coat, unlike liquid paint, which requires multiple coatings. It is cheaper than liquid paint and also has a low operation cost.
- Environmentally-friendly:
Powder coating is free from solvents and does not release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. Additionally, excess powder can be reused, and the process generates minimal waste, as compared to solvent-based paint.
Composition of Powder Coating
Suggestive of its name, powder coating is in the form of powder. Whereas wet paint is a mixture of pigment and binder dissolved in liquid, powder coating is free from any type of solvent. Powder coating is a blend of pigment and binder in powder form. It is applied as a two-part process involving static electricity and heat.
Here's a more intricate look into its composition:
- Polymer Resin:
To provide the finish
- Pigment:
To add color to the coating
- Curing Agents:
To aid in the curing process
- Flow Modifiers:
To ensure proper flow & coverage
All the above ingredients are mixed at high speed, cooled, and subsequently ground into powder.
A Look into the Powder Coating Application Process
Step 1. Pretreatment
Substrate treatment is a vital part of the powder coating process. All contaminants, like dirt, grease, grime, oil, etc., must be removed by chemical stripping or sandblasting to ensure the part is completely clean. This cleanses the part down to its bare metal and allows the powder coating to adhere to it and create the desired texture.
Step 2. Powder Coating Application
Next, the dry powder is applied in one of two ways - via an electrostatic spray gun or a fluidized bed. In the first method, the electrostatically charged powder is sprayed from a spray gun. This powder carries an opposite charge to the metal and thus attracts and adheres to the component.
Under the fluidized bed system, the part is preheated and dipped into a bed of fluidized powder. The heat melts the powder instantly and covers the component.
Step 3. Curing
Whatever the method of application, the part has to undergo the third step - curing or baking. Once dry powder has adhered to the surface, the part will be heated or cured in high-temperature ovens. This causes the powder to melt, flow, and cover the part evenly.
Powder Coating Applications
The easy application process and long-lasting benefits of powder coating have made it the preferred choice of finishing in a wide range of industries and applications. Here are some of its many applications:
- Automotive Industry:
- OEM Primer & Clear Coat
- Protective Underbody Coating
- Refinishing Coating
- Industrial Applications:
- Pipe Protection
- Protective Machinery Coating
- Architectural Applications:
- Aluminium Cladding
- Corrosion Protection
- Offshore Metal Protection
- Domestic Applications:
- Adding colors and durability to furniture
- Protecting appliances against corrosion & physical damag
Do you Need Powder Coating Services in New Jersey?
Powder coating is protective, durable, long-lasting, easy to apply, and attractive. It is thus no wonder that it has been adopted by several industries around the world. In New Jersey, there are several powder coating companies. But when you want your parts coated to perfection, look no further than Rusty Lions.
We provide a wide range of industrial and commercial powder coating services, as well as to homeowners who want to coat smaller objects in small volumes. Browse through our website to learn more about our powder coating services in New Jersey.
Contact us today and take advantage of our free quoting services.
