How does Custom Powder Coating differ from paint?
Powder coating does not have a liquid carrier and it can produce thicker coatings without sagging or running compared to liquid paint. In powder coating, there is hardly any difference that can be visually noticed on the horizontal coated surfaces and vertical coated surfaces. Paint is more associated to providing protection instead of improving aesthetics. Powder coating is more environmentally friendly than liquid paint because it emits less volatile organic compounds (VOCs. When powder coating is applied electrostatically, it provides total coverage of complex shaped parts with film uniformity without any sags, runs and drips. Thickness can be easily controlled through simple voltage adjustment. Today, the powder coating industry serves many industries aside from the automotive market because of its tremendous advantages in application techniques, efficiency and environmental compliance.
How powder coating works
Custom Powder Coating is a process that makes use of polymer resin systems combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers and other additives. The ingredients are melt-mixed, cooled and then ground into powder form. The application of powder coating to metal substrates is usually achieved through a process called electrostatic spray deposition that makes use of a spray gun which applies the electrostatic charges to powder particles which are then attracted to the grounded part. After the metal substrate has been powder coated, it is cured inside a curing oven to create molecular chains from the high cross-link density. These molecular chains are significantly resistant to breakdown.
Application through spray gun in the most common but powder coating can also be applied using a fluidized bed where pre-treated parts are dipped in a hopper of fluidizing powder. Powder coating melts and flows out into the parts. Post cure may be necessary depending on the mass and the temperature of the part and the kind of powder used.
How durable is Custom Powder Coating?
Have you experienced scratching paint with a finger and it easily comes off? You certainly cannot do so with powder coating because it a high quality finish that protects the toughest and roughest machineries including household items that are used daily. Powder coated items are more resistant to diminished coating quality that usually results from impacts, moisture, chemicals, UV rays and extreme weather temperature. Powder coating has extremely high performance which is not compromised by scratches, corrosion, abrasions, fading and other wear issues. It is tough, looks absolutely great and lasts for a very long time.