What are some of the “benefits of powder coating” you ask?
Help me understand the “advantages of powder coating” and some of the “disadvantages of powder coating” too…. ok, this post will help!
Powder coating is a protective and decorative finish
The advanced method of applying powder coating is used for both protective and decorative finishes to any metal which is used by consumers and industry.
The process uses a powder which consists of resin and fine pigment particles, electrostatically sprayed on the metal surface. This allows the powder particles to become charged and adhere to the metal surface while being electrically grounded, until the powder has heated up and smoothly fused with the metal in a curing oven. This provides a durable, uniform, attractive and high-quality finish.
Advantages & Benefits Of Powder Coating
In North America, the powder coating process is a fast growing technology for adding finishes to products. It accounts for more than 10% of all industrial based finishing applications.
Advantage – Powder Coating Is Durable
Powder coating provides businesses, consumers, and industries a long-lasting, economical, and durable finish with a range of color options available for nearly any type of metal.
Also, a powder coated surface will be more resistant against scratches, chipping, wear, and fading compared to other type of finishes. You can choose from an almost unlimited selection of colors, including, glossy, high-gloss, flat, fluorescent, candies, clear, hammer toned, iridescent, glitter and wrinkle.
The colors will remain vibrant and bright much longer than other finishes too. The selection of textures range between a smooth surface to matte or wrinkled finishes.
Advantage – Protecting the Environment
Not only does powder coating provide great finish, it is better on the environment. Liquid painting finishes that consists of solvents are known to be pollutants of volatile organic compounds. VOC’s wreak havoc on the air we breath – nobody wants that!
What’s awesome about powder coating is that it does not contain any solvents! It only releases very negligible amounts of VOC’s, if any within the atmosphere. This means that finishers no longer have a need of purchasing and maintaining expensive equipment for pollution control.
Advantage – Powder Coat to Save Money!
Eliminating VOC’s and reducing waste saves money in the long term. Companies remain in compliance with U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
The customer reaps huge benefits in money costs because the finish lasts so much longer vs. other metal finish methods. Powder coating has many advantages.
Disadvantages Of Power Coating
While powdercoating is incredible, there are a few disadvantages:
- Thin coating layers is difficult to achieve
- Can break down with powerful UV rays
- Color changes are difficult
- Start up costs are high
- “Touch ups” require starting over
- Part has to be grounded in order to powder coat
- Less control over the speed and amount of powder coating applied
- Requires baking
- Less control over smoothness
- Must be painted electrostatically
- Requires a powder coating over, spray gun and booth
The disadvantages aren’t really disadvantages IF you are looking for a long lasting, durable finish.
What products use powder coating?
Thousands of different parts and products use powder coating:
Appliances
Appliance companies use powder coating applications on stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, water heaters, microwave ovens, and many other areas. Metal parts on washer and dryers are now powder coated instead of using porcelain enamel.
Automotive
Powder coating is used often in the automotive industry. Hubcaps, bumpers, wheels, decorative trim, door handles, truck beds, accent parts, filters, radiators, and various engine parts.
Auto bodies are starting to include a clear powder topcoat to help increase protection. Volvo,BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Chrysler, Ford, GM and VW all use powder coating in different aspects of their automobile creation.
Commercial Buildings and Offices
Powder coating is used in the architecture and building markets. Framing, aluminum extrusions for doors and windows, modular furniture, and interior railing use powder coating.
Everywhere you look there are various building and highway projects which use powder coating as well – guardrails, light poles, fencing, posts, and signs are a few examples.
Normal Daily Products
Many daily products are being powder coated to increase the quality of finishes. These products include antennas, lighting fixtures, and electrical elements. Farm equipment and tractors use powder coating. Fitness industries use powder coating on golf cards, golf clubs, ski poles, bicycles, snowmobiles, and other different types of exercise equipment.
Store owners often use powder coating for their shelves, display racks, vending machines, and store fixtures. At the office, computer cabinets, metal furniture thumbtacks, mechanical pens and pencils, among other accessories are often powder coated.
Often, parents use products that have been powder coated all the time! Cribs, baby strollers, wagons, metal toys and kids bikes are powder coated.
Homeowners also have powder coated items, such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, patio furniture, BBQ grills, electronic components, garden tools, toolboxes, bathroom scales, and fire extinguishers.
You can see the list for powdercoating possibilities is almost infinite! The advantages of powder coating are obvious.
Superior Powder Coating Utah
Superior Performance Coating Utah knows the powder coating industry inside and out. We provide the best powder coating services throughout the Salt Lake and Utah county metropolitan areas in Utah including: Salt Lake City, Provo, Orem, Bluffdale, Pleasant Grove, Riverton, Draper, Lehi and more.
Feel free to send us a text at 801.687.9110 ANYTIME for a free consultation and estimate on your powder coating project needs.