Powder coating is a popular way of painting your parts using different colors and finishes. The coating comes with many advantages over the traditional methods as it improves the viability and value of the finish in a wide range of applications. It yields an attractive, durable finish in a powder coating oven, powder spray booth, automated systems, and paint spray booths. But before we discuss the benefits, let’s first define powder coating.

What is powder coating?

Powder coating is the application of a protective and decorative finish to any type of metal that can be used by consumers and industries. The powder used is made up of a mixture of finely ground particles of resin and pigment that is electrostatically sprayed on the surface to be coated. The powdered particles adhere to the electronically grounded surface until the powder is heated enough and fused into a smooth coating in the curing oven. The result is a durable, uniform, high-quality, attractive finish.

Benefits of powder coating

Improved durability

All coating options are meant to increase the durability of the metal.  Powder coating offers consumers and industries one of the most color-durable, economical, and long-lasting finishes on any type of metal. Powder-coated surfaces are resistant to fading, chipping, scratching, and wearing than other traditional finishes. The colors also stay bright and vibrant for a long time. During the curing process, the powder melts and forms long chemical chains and gels together. This makes it more flexible than standard paint and allows bending and flexing during movement and vibrations.

Efficient and good quality

The electromagnetic charge used to hold together the powder makes the process efficient as there is no waste. Additionally, the coating professional can spray as little or as much as needed on the surface in a single application. Instead of waiting for the first coat to dry to re-apply the second coat, you can do this in a single step and still achieve the same results. This helps save operational costs and time.

Environment friendly

The powder used in powder coating is free of solvents and other toxic chemicals, and it is generally recognized as a safe coating for use and disposal. The entire process also doesn’t release any harmful gases to the atmosphere, and there is very little or no waste throughout spraying. However, coating experts have to wear protective clothing and masks when dealing with the powder to prevent inhaling the powder and skin contact. There are fewer carbon-dioxide emissions and no need to use a primer when coating. This is essentially beneficial to aluminum users as primers used on aluminum material contain chrome which is hazardous and has carcinogenic properties.

Time-saving and money-saving

Powder processing time is generally reduced compared to wet stoving paints. In powder coating, there is no solvent, so no flash-off period is required. The powder-coated articles simply pass directly to the oven. When it comes to industrial work, saving time is saving money. The same applies to the powder coating process. Experts save a lot of money by eliminating extra drying time and steps. Powder coating is also cost-friendly as the raw materials used are brought to the specifications and size of the job at hand.

Variety

One of the best things about powder coating is its ability to completely customize your color and finish. There are many standard colors and finishes in powder coating that you can use to your advantage. The manufacturer creates a unique kind of powder that blends and matches any color and provides an option to add texture like glitters and wrinkles and other massive ranges of finishes from matte all the way to high gloss.