Some Information About Powder Coating

Advantages of Powder Coating

Although a finish represents only one attribute of a coated part, it is the most visible and influential characteristic to the consumer. Powder coatings have a positive impact on the consumer, both directly and indirectly, and provide solutions to issues of public concern. Powder coatings have become the coating technology of choice for consumable goods from toolboxes, bicycles, office furniture, and lawn furniture to widespread markets such as appliance and automotive for the reasons listed below.

• QUALITY: The unique rheological and application characteristics of powder coatings provide superior consistency and uniformity of finish without sags, drips, runs, or bubbles. They provide extremely tough, durable films, enhancing the high quality, value-added image of consumer products. In general, the performance properties, such as impact resistance, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, of powder coatings are better than with liquid paints. Powder coated parts resist cracking, peeling, and marring during handling and normal service use. In many cases, merchandise is specifically being advertised as "POWDER COATED" because of the quality image it projects.
• ECONOMICS: Powder coatings are frequently a cost saving alternative to liquid paints with respect to energy savings, labor costs, rework costs, material usage, waste disposal, and overall line efficiency. The advantage to manufacturers and the consumers is a coated part with a superior quality finish at a reasonable cost.
• ENVIRONMENTAL: Environmental issues are of significant interest and importance to the government and general public today. Unlike many liquid paints, powder coatings are compliant with environmental regulations. Liquid paints often contain solvents, which can contribute to air pollution and, in some cases, ozone depletion. Powder coatings are free of such pollutants. Wet painting processes can generate sludge, which must be disposed of into hazardous waste landfills. Properly formulated powder coatings generate no such hazardous waste. The consumer can feel good about buying a powder-coated product, which is ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE.

Some FAQ's About Powder Coating

• Is Powder Coating more durable than liquid paint?
  • Powder coated parts will be more flexible, UV and chemical resistant than typical enamel or aerosol coatings. Powder coated parts will also be more corrosion resistant than most aerosol coatings.
• Can I powder coat over rust?
  • NO, just as in applying a quality liquid coating you must remove the rust or corrosion first. This is accomplished with abrasive blasting, wire brush, an angle grinder with wire wheel, or sand paper.
• Can I powder coat over paint?
  • If the coating can withstand the 400∞F cure then you can apply powder coat over it. If you are not sure of the previous coating or there are signs of coating failure it is best to remove the coating. This is easily accomplished with liquid paint removers available at home improvement or hardware stores. You may also remove the coating with abrasive blasting, wire brush, an angle grinder with wire wheel, or sandpaper.
• How do I remove corrosion?
  • Corrosion can be removed by abrasive blasting, wire brush on an angle grinder with wire wheel or sandpaper.
• How do I remove paint?
  • Paint can be removed with liquid paint strippers, abrasive blasting, wire wheel on an angle grinder or sandpaper.
• How do I prep my part?
  • It is best to powder coat over bare clean metal. Be sure to wipe part with quality laquer thinner or acetone before coating. Using the above methods of paint and rust removal will assure a high quality finish.
• Are any toxic fumes generated during the cure?
  • As with any coating process you must cure the powder in a ventilated area. The powder does not contain the VOCís (volatile organic compounds) associated with solvent based aerosol coatings, but you may notice a slight odor as the metal is heated to 400∞F.
• Why use powder in place of liquid or aerosol coatings?
  • Speed of application, faster clean up, no hazardous solvents, environmentally friendly, more durable and flexible than most liquid coatings, very chemical resistant and the elimination of runs, drips, sags and defects.

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