Whether used inside or out, metal objects must have a protective finish layer to withstand the elements and wear and tear. You need to apply the appropriate surface coating to acquire the desired finish and functionality from your metal items.
Powder coating and hot-dip galvanizing are two of modern industry’s most widely used methods for protecting metal surfaces. Although there’s some similarity between these coatings, they don’t achieve the same results. So between powder coating and galvanizing, what’s right for you?
What’s Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a widely used metal coating in industrial settings. It looks great and lasts long, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Powder coating is a multistep procedure that involves cleaning and preparing surfaces to guarantee a seamless application and secure binding. The powder coating process draws powders to each exposed metal area and keeps them there until curing is complete.
What’s Galvanizing?
Galvanizing is a typical coating for use on boats, other maritime equipment, and building materials. Applying a protective zinc coating is the first step in this procedure. Products made of metal undergo many chemical baths before galvanization.
After preparation, objects get dipped into a vat of molten zinc before curing while hanging upside down. There are other methods of application available. Unlike powder coating, zinc coatings come in just one hue—silver. This can severely restrict your options for giving your products a unique look.
The Tale of the Tape
Powder coating is preferable to galvanizing in many cases. Powder coatings of today are a good match for galvanized metals’ famed resistance to the elements.
Both methods require a series of actions designed to prepare surfaces for coatings, but the final products differ. Galvanizing removes oil and oxides, but goods coated in slag, thick residues, wax, and other contaminants usually need surface treatment from a different source.
Powder coating requires a combination of blasting and preparation to eliminate all residues for optimal application. You can also get further weatherproofing using high-tech primer coatings. Powder coatings are available in a myriad of standard colors, but galvanizing is only available in a silver finish.
Professional Finishings can provide custom powder coating with color-matching to ensure their products look great in any setting. Because of this, it’s clear that powder coating is right for you compared to galvanizing. Powder coating’s eco-friendliness is apparent at every process stage, from pre-treatment to final cleanup. Powder coating increases material collection and reuses to ensure little waste and zero emissions.