The market value of global powder coatings is expected to reach $12.48 billion by the end of 2020. Manufacturers of metal products and equipment rely on the best powder coating for a smooth surface finish. To get a professional finish, metal manufacturers largely utilize liquid coating and powder coating. Today, we have a new and enhanced powder coating method called liquid powder coating.
What Is Liquid Powder Coating?
To comprehensively grasp what liquid powder coating is, you should first understand powder coating and liquid coating. Powder coating uses dry powder that is electrostatically applied to the surface of a metal. The surface is then cured by ultraviolet light or heat to give it a professional finish. Most of the household appliances that we use such as toasters, dishwashers, microwaves, and refrigerators are finished with powder coating.
Liquid coating, on the other hand, utilizes liquids such as paints and vanish. Liquid coatings rely on solvents and water-based carriers to ensure quality coating. You have a big pool of liquid coatings to select from, and they are more suitable for applying on delicate surfaces such as wood and plastic.
Both methods — liquid coating and paint coating — have their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, powder coatings do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOC), while liquid coatings have a high percentage of VOCs. Liquid powder coating takes the best qualities of both liquid coating and paint coating and combines them into one enhanced liquid powder coating. In so doing, liquid powder coating gives manufacturers the best of both.
It is a superior coating method given the advantages discussed below.
Boosts Aesthetics of the Surface Finish
One of the primary purposes of coating is for decoration and protection. Using a liquid powder coating, a manufacturer can apply a professional finish to the surface of objects. The size, design, and shape of the product is not a limitation, as it would be the case using powder coating. As such, manufacturers have more liberty to apply different aesthetics effects that largely contribute to the overall look and feel of the surface finish. This allows a product to not only have a tough and durable finish but also to have an appealing surface finish. Manufacturing products with a professional finish goes a long way in marketing the products and boosting sales.
Easy Application Process
Liquid powder coating utilizes three brief processes. First, the liquid powder coat solution is sprayed or airbrushed onto a surface using handheld spray devices. The spray devices are pressurized and also equipped with controls that allow a technician to regulate the pressure. Secondly, the newly-sprayed surface is given some time to dry and cool to handling temperature. Lastly, the surface is cured by heating in an oven, and once this is done, it is ready for use. The main advantage is that liquid powder coating application has a low curing time. This enables manufacturers to coat many units and increase their productivity.
Reduces Waste and Air Pollution
Liquid powder coating contains fewer VOCs. This translates to less air pollution that manufacturers would have to grapple with if they use liquid coatings. Since liquid powder coats are sprayed to the surface in a streamlined and controlled method, there is less waste produced. Additionally, the coating is uniformly distributed to the surface, further boosting the overall aesthetics of the surface finish. Liquid powder coating is also more sustainable because of the minimal wastage, and also because the powder can be reused.
Without using liquid powder coating, you have to forgo some benefits of liquid coating to enjoy some of the benefits of powder coating or vice versa. However, it allows you to enjoy all the advantages of the two coating processes at an affordable rate. Liquid powder coating is versatile in terms of application and results in a more aesthetic surface finish. You should trust the experienced and trusted dealers for professional liquid powder coating services.
Professional Finishing is your source for various finishing services, including powder coating, liquid coating, and sandblasting. Contact us today to learn more about everything we offer and for a price quote for your next project.