Surface finishing is a critical phase of the manufacturing process in most industrial applications. The coating on your end products enhances the aesthetic appeal as well as protects the surfaces from corrosion and abrasion. The global powder coatings market size was estimated at 12.8 billion and is expected to hit $20.8 billion by 2028.
The debate between professional powder coating and liquid coating continues to ensue as manufacturers seek new technologies to enhance how their products look and last. Technology advancement has led to the development of a novel enhanced coating method: the liquid powder coating.
What Is Liquid Powder Coating?
Liquid power coating involves the use of powder coating powders dispersed in water-based solvents and sprayed with airbrushes. It allows manufacturers to take advantage of the two most common industrial finishes, powder coating, and wet painting.
Powder coating uses a dry powder that is electrostatically applied to the surface of the manufactured product before placing it in an oven to cure. It results in a glossy finish that is resistant to fading, abrasion, and corrosion. Most household appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers have powder coating finishes.
On the other hand, wet painting involves spraying a liquid paint or varnish on the product surface. Manufacturers may have to wait for the paint to air dry before taking the products through a kiln to cure them for a professional finish. As a result, you may have a greater selection choice in terms of the color options available.
Liquid powder coating gives manufacturers the best of both worlds. Adding the powder coating powders to the solvents creates a gel-like solution that becomes sprayable upon agitation. Here are some benefits of opting for the novel professional finishing technology.
1. Flexibility
Varying effects previously unachievable through powder coatings can now be attained. You can apply multiple coats of blended colors and effects from a single mix. You can apply different colors, hues on hues, fades, and other effects that would have been difficult to pull off with just powder or liquid.
2. Incredible Finishes
Liquid powder coating allows the professional coating companies to spray or airbrush the mixture on the substrate, just like in liquid paint. In addition, the density of the water molecule allows the coating to be evenly spread, providing a more elegant finish. However, powder coatings may have an unsatisfactory build-up of layered coats in areas that are difficult to reach.
3. Easy Application
The liquid powder coat solution is sprayed or airbrushed to a product surface through pressurized nozzles. The newly sprayed surface is left to air dry before curing it in an oven. However, the curing time for liquid powder coating is shorter than that of traditional powder coats.
4. Eco-Friendly Process
Liquid paints often contain high amounts of VOCs. Liquid powder coating allows you to take advantage of powder coating’s low VOC production to reduce air pollution from your spraying booths. Even coats with streamline and controlled applications mean less waste production.
Liquid powder coating allows manufacturers to enjoy the benefits of powder coating and wet painting. For more information on the novel industrial finishing process, reach out to Professional Finishing.