What are powder coatings? This is a question that most of the amateurs in steel, aluminum, and metal fabrication sector keep on asking. It is common for customers to ask what are powder coatings when they are within the metal industry or when an architect gives them several methods of coating their metal products.
So, what are powder coatings?
When producing metal products, it is necessary to provide a polish or finish to the final product for an attractive appearance. Liquid coating and metal plates were the predominant products used in metal finishing. However, in the last few years, the metal fabrication industry has adopted powder coating as one of the best methods of metal finishing.
Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied in metal fabrication as a free-flowing dry powder. In most cases, the best powder coating is applied electrostatically and then cured under controlled heat.
After understanding what are powder coatings, it is important to highlight why it is preferred over liquid paint in metal fabrication.
1. Long-Lasting Impact
Professional powder coating has been known for a long period to leave metal products with a hard and durable finish. Statistics indicate that liquid powder coating is one of the toughest metal finishes found in industrial surfaces, commercial equipment, and consumer goods. Most of the products that have undergone this type of coating can withstand severe conditions like extreme weather, physical collision, and chemical contact.
2. Corrosion Resistance
Metal fabricated products are always exposed to corrosion and rusting. Most of the industrial products that are located in outdoor areas are pounded by sleet, hail, and rain. Where powder coating is used, rusting and corrosion do not occur. This form of coating is applied evenly and covers the metal inside, thereby preventing seeping of moisture through metal pores. This can cause rusting.
3. Environmentally Safe
Common paint has been known not to be safe to the environment due to the large presence of organic compounds and heavy metals. However, powder coatings contain negligible volatile organic compounds (VOC). Additionally, professional finish eliminates emissions making powder coating one of the safest and environmentally friendly products. A huge number of metal fabricators have been attracted to powder coating due to its benefits to the environment.
4. Custom Color Matching
Powder coating provides multiple selection options to the customers as it offers custom color matches. Finish colors can be customized to match the client’s particular choice. You can get the color that meets your tastes and preferences. Custom color-matching is essential in product recognition and aesthetic appeal. Commercial entities benefit from custom color matching because they are fond of uniformity in their products and premises.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
Economic aspects make powder coating to be a preference for many people buying metal products. Powder coating is cheap as compared to the common liquid painting. The overall process involved in powder coating is not time-consuming, which means fewer labor expenses. You will use less amount of money, and the coat will cure within a short period. It provides a win-win situation for all the parties involved.
6. Quality Coating/Finish
If you are interested in a high-quality finish, you need to go for powder coating instead of liquid painting. It provides one of the most quality finishes that you’re unlikely to get in plenty. The powder flows together providing an even surface throughout the entire unit. It is not prone to dripping or unevenness, which eliminates any form of sandblasting.
7. Easy to Maintain
No special solvents or cleaners are needed to maintain powder coating in the long term. The coat can easily be rinsed or wiped down with regular soapy water. Besides, powder coating is resistant to corrosion, rusting, and scratching. This means that you don’t have to worry about maintenance.
The question of what are powder coatings have already been answered and great emphasis provided on the benefits of this form of a coating. As you can see, powder coating outperforms traditional painting by far. With the right powder coating Richmond CA, you will get a quality coat that will last for a long time.