Metal is sturdy but can be prone to rusting. Fortunately, metal has an ally in powder coating. Powder coating is a long-term technique for metal preservation, protecting metal surfaces, tools, and other items. But how does powder coating work, what are its benefits, and how can you apply it to your own projects? Here’s a quick survey on the role of powder coating in rust prevention.
The Powder Coating Process
Powder coating works this way: metal (and sometimes other surfaces and items) is given a protective and decorative layer of polymer-based resin powder through an electrostatic process. The first step is spraying it on, after which the powder coating hardens and solidly adheres to the surface through a high temperature curing process. When the process is complete, the powder coating comes out as a smooth and durable coating that lasts a long time and resists damage, especially rust and corrosion. Here’s how that happens or, rather, doesn’t happen.
Rust and Powder Coating
Rust develops as metal, specifically iron and steel, reacts to moisture and air. Through exposure to these elements, the metal develops oxidized iron deposits. These can weaken the metal, causing it to corrode, pit, crack, and otherwise lose strength. Rust is merciless to metal and can lead to further damage, ruptures, failed mechanical processes, and more. Luckily, a little powder-coating “magic” can offer a literal layer of protection.
A Knight in Powder-Coated Armor
As noted above, powder coating creates a barrier between the metal and the elements. It does this by providing the following:
- Seamless coverage: Through the electrostatic process, powder coating coverage is thorough and even, coating the surface and even reaching into nooks and crannies that are particularly vulnerable to rust infiltration.
- Durable finish: When cured, the powder coating creates a tough and practically impermeable cover that, unlike paint, resists cracking, chipping, peeling, and general wear and tear. The metal lasts longer because it has armor against the water and oxygen that might ruin it.
- Chemical resistance: Powder coating doesn’t just resist air and water; it turns away corrosive chemicals and chemical reactions. In environments where solvents and similar chemicals are common, powder coating further protects the metal from them.
- Ultraviolet protection: Water and air aren’t the only enemies of metal. Powder coating resists the damaging effects of long-term exposure to the sun, including fading and degradation that further weaken it and lead to rusting.
Rust Never Sleeps
That’s a general introduction to the role of powder coating in rust prevention. If you’re looking for ways to protect your metal surfaces and tools through industrial powder coating, contact us for a quick consultation!