If you’ve ever seen a powder coating application in action, you’re likely to have been a little mesmerized. Far from a traditional paint job—which can be messy and uneven—powder coating is fast and effective, with a coating that appears as if by magic. Because the surface is charged to accept particles, they cover and stick quickly for a thorough and beautiful approach to metal frame powder coating in Washington.
But what’s powder made of that allows it to react to electricity? And how does it stay in place once it’s adhered to the metal? Moreover, how are you able to get some of the beautiful, vibrant colors that powder coating is known for?
It all comes down to what’s in the powder. Take a look at a brief breakdown of what makes up the powder used in powder coating to give it its many unique properties:
- Resin is the foundation for powder. It comes in two distinct types to yield a specific finish—either polyester or epoxy.
- Additives for things like color, matte finish or hardening properties are also present in the powder.
- Post additives prevent the powder from clumping as it’s applied or while it’s in storage. They’re what give the powder its evenness.
- Tint pigments are really what define the finished color of the powder after it’s baked and cured. Pigments can have properties like organic and inorganic.
- Curing agents are what cause the powder to harden and bond with the metal during the baking process. They’re what give the process strength.
- Extenders give the final baked coating a glossy, durable finish that stands out appealingly.
The ratio to which these elements are mixed within a powder all depend on the intended effect of the powder coating. Different types of powder will have different levels of the above ingredients, causing them to behave differently and offer a different finished appeal. It’s important to know what you want out of a metal frame powder coating in Washington before picking a powder base!
Ultimately, powders are characterized into two distinct categories based on their compositions. These designations are determined by what properties the final coating will have:
- Thermoplastic coatings become soft and pliable when they’re heated again, allowing them to change after the initial application.
- Thermoset polymers are cured for longevity and permanence. They can’t be altered once cured, and are incredibly durable.
A powder coating application may look like magic and may come out looking perfect when it’s finished, but it all depends on the composition of the powder. Given the mixture of the ingredients, powder coating can take on many properties and have many different appearances. It’s best to know which ingredients align with the final demands of the application.
Talk to Powder Vision Inc. about your aim for powder coating and we’ll help find the powder with the perfect mixture of ingredients. Our goal is to imbue your metal items with the strength, aesthetic and longevity you demand from them, via the convenience of an ideal powder coating.