Powder coating is simply a form of finishing that’s applied as a dry, powder-like finish. Unlike traditional liquid paint that’s delivered in a can, powder coating usually is applied using an electrostatic charge and cured in a vapor-precured oven, under both high heat and ultraviolet light. There’s no need for a drop cloth or other protective surface. It’s a very durable finish that can be left on for up to six months before it needs another application. This article will give you the basics of powder coating and what you should know about it.
The most common types of materials cured through powder coating are metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. You’ll also come across applications where it’s used to finish wood products like doors and cabinets. Other kinds of materials may use a different application process, but the concepts are essentially the same. It’s a technique that allows you to create a metal surface by applying a fine layer of cured thermoset powder directly to the part or piece that you want to coat.
When it comes to tools used during the application process, there are two main types of techniques: spray and brush. For the spray application, the surface to be coated is forced through a specially designed spray can, which may have a rotating head or nozzle. A small stream of compressed air is also used to aid in making the can generate a consistent flow of the powder coating materials. The spray application method is more convenient than the brush method because it can produce a larger surface area.
The conventional liquid coating method can produce a much smaller surface area, and can be labour intensive. but using this method means you must apply the material by hand. Although much easier than hand application, the time required to complete the job can take as much as an hour, depending on the size of the item. The spray can does away with the need for manual work, but it’s still necessary to manually load the canisters and carefully discharge the contents into the canister. If you’re going to do a dry powder coating, a conventional liquid coating should be your best choice. Powder coating tends to produce a smooth and consistent finish.
Powder coating has been used for decades, but it has recently become more popular because of its wide range of industrial applications. For example, powder coating may often be used to protect steel parts from corrosion protection. Also, powder coating may be frequently used in conjunction with an epoxy coating for additional durability and toughness. Some materials may also benefit from a powder coating, such as aluminum, copper, and fiberglass. Many parts of vehicles have powder coated parts, which makes them much more resistant to rusting and to the elements. Powder coating is also commonly used in the automotive sector, alloy wheel refurbishment being a popular application.
Powder coating has many advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of metal that’s being protected. The most important thing to remember when working with powder coating finishes is that the finished product should have an extremely low gloss or matte finish to prevent scratches. If the metal has an oxidation or black hue, it may not be suitable for powder coating. In addition, different types of metals require different shades and colors for optimum results.
