The decision to opt for powder coating is powered by two primary factors: decoration and protection. Every coating has to play these two important roles, and powder coating does an excellent job in both areas. The best powder coating is going to keep your equipment, appliances, tools and personal items looking great and lasting longer. Many people wonder, “What are powder coatings?” as well as, “Why get a powder coating?” We are going to take a look at the nature of powder coatings and how it’s used to get a professional finish.
Durability is Key
Powder coating provides an impact-resistant surface that helps maintain the finish of valuable tools and other items. Due to its relatively rough surface, enhanced powder coating is able to disperse the energy from what could otherwise cause dents and other damage. In addition, when there is the potential for a scratch, enhanced powder coating makes it harder for the scratching object to maintain consistent contact with whatever the powder coating is covering. This keeps many scratches from happening that would normally spell doom for a clean, smooth surface.
Variety of Textures
Even though many people associate powder coating with a flat, matte-type texture, there are many options available. These include gloss, high-gloss, candies, hammer-toned, and even glittered finishes, not to mention several others. So while enhanced powder coating is typically associated with providing function over form, it can look great as well, and suit the tastes of virtually anyone. In addition, it is available in virtually any color imaginable so there will be no problem with incorporating it alongside specifically-colored equipment or components.
Environmentally Safe
Liquid paint can provide a nice, liquid coating, but it has solvents that have been known to pollute the environment. They are known as volatile organic compounds (VOC). Living organisms can be harmed by these solvents, so they are often categorized as materials that do more harm than good. Powder coating, on the other hand, does not contain VOCs. If any are released into the environment during the powder coating process, the amount is negligible.
This saves both the environment and money. In areas where pollution is carefully legislated and regulated, companies that engage in painting may have to purchase expensive equipment to help shield the environment from their production process. If powder coating is used, however, this is not necessary due to the lack of VOCs.
Powder Coating Is Changing Manufacturing
Powder coating’s properties are making it a more common choice for various areas of the manufacturing sector. As mentioned earlier, coatings have the job of both decorating and protecting the surface on which they are applied. The surfaces of vehicles are in particular need of protection due to how they are exposed to potentially damaging elements on a daily basis. The beds of trucks benefit greatly from powder coating. As various materials, tools, and lumber are loaded into the truck, they have a tendency to damage the surface. With powder coating, however, the impact to the bed itself is minimized by the texture of the powder coat. This has made it a go-to solution for covering many truck beds. In addition, with the right choice for a finish, a powder-coated truck bed has better friction. This makes it a safer place to work, load and unload materials.
Vehicles are even benefiting from clear powder coats applied to their outside surfaces. The clear finish maintains—and enhances—the beauty of the vehicle, while providing protection that a normal paint finish could not provide.
The benefits of powder coating are also being applied to architectural and building products. Doors, windows, furniture are all being finished with powder coating. This gives them durability that would have otherwise been impossible. Due to this added strength, companies are able to produce a higher-quality product that can net them more money. The investment needed to transition from a standard paint to a powder coat is minimal when juxtaposed with the resulting increase in value.
The manufacturing of everyday products is also benefitting from the incorporation of enhanced powder coating. Everything from grills to children’s toys are being protected—and aesthetically enhanced—with powder coating.
Regardless of your surfacing needs, powder coating can be the all-inclusive solution for you.