Powder coating metals is an incredibly effective way to protect against many types of wear and tear. It’s also a great way to improve the look of a piece of metal and can even bring it back to life to look almost new again.
Here’s a look at metals that can be powder coated, as well as the benefits of powder coating and a description of the process.
Metals that can be powder coated
Many types of metals can be powder coated. Just what type of metal depends on a couple of factors. First, it has to be able to withstand the extreme heat applied during the curing process. Second, it must be able to hold an electrostatic charge, as that is how the powder coating is applied. Some metals that meet both of these criteria include steel, aluminum, titanium, bronze, copper and brass.
Powder coating process
Powder coating is a type of painting that doesn’t involve rollers, brushes or even liquid paint. The paint used is a combination of multiple different components mixed together and processed into a solid mass.
That mass is then broken down and turned into a powder. This powder is very fine, with grains smaller than salt. Because it’s a fine powder, this paint can be distributed evenly over the entire surface of a metal object, including hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
The object to be painted is first cleaned thoroughly. Existing finishes, including chrome, must be scraped off in order for the piece to be powder coated. It then has a pretreatment applied to it to aid in the adherence of the paint powder. The powder is then electrostatically charged and blasted onto the surface of the object. From there, it is placed into a high-temperature oven for curing.
The high temperature melts the powder and allows it to adhere to the object upon which it has been sprayed. The result is a smooth, even, flat and hard coating that is not only beautiful but incredibly durable.
Powder coating benefits
The benefits of powder coating metals are numerous. As mentioned, powder coating enhances the durability of a piece of metal. It can last upwards of 20 years before needing to be replaced. It’s also going to look good for longer, as the finish is weather and corrosion resistant. Powder coating also makes metal more resistant to heat and chemical exposure.
Compared to traditional painting, powder coating is also much more environmentally friendly. There is less waste in the powder coating process, and it does not release volatile chemicals into the air, as any residual powder is filtered out of the air during the coating process with a heavy-duty filtration system.
Powder coating can be used for a multitude of applications, from patio furniture to industrial machine components to motorcycle parts, with hundreds of colors available for customization.
If you need powder coating for metals of any kind, be sure to get in touch with the team at Powder Vision Inc. today for the best service and quality.