Powder coating advantages are numerous. It is a popular method of coating metal surfaces that starts with parts going through a multi-stage wash to ensure the surface is clean before applying paint. Then, a dry powder is electrostatically sprayed onto the surface either by highly-trained paint operators with paint guns or automatically with multiple spray nozzles to ensure every inch of metal is adequately coated. Then, the items are cured in an oven to create a durable and long-lasting finish. Finally, the material is spot-checked to ensure it has the proper coating. This multi-step process has multiple advantages for powder coating metal surfaces. This makes it the preferred choice over traditional liquid coatings for most metal forms. Let's look at five key advantages that powder coating offers for sheet metal and steel.
1. Durability
One of the most significant advantages of powder-coating metal surfaces is its durability. The powder coating creates a hard, resilient finish, often resistant to chipping, cracking, peeling, and fading. Several powders, including AAMA 2604 and 2605, further test the paint through multiple tests, including a salt spray, to ensure it will stand up to the elements.
2. Versatility
Powder coating can be used to coat various metal surfaces, including steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. Depending on a customer's needs, a powder coating line can provide a range of colors, textures, and finishes, making it ideal for decorative and functional applications, including outdoor power equipment.
3. Environmentally Friendly
The third advantage of powder coating is that it is more environmentally friendly than liquid paint. In fact, it produces no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and generates little waste. The powder is continually recycled, going back and forth through tubes to ensure everything is recovered. Plus, the water that cleans every part is sent through large tanks that are recycled to maintain the proper chemical balance and purity needed to ensure each piece of steel is free of debris before being painted.
4. Cost-Effective
Another advantage that powder coating metal surfaces has is that it is a cost-effective process that can save time and money compared to traditional liquid coatings. The powder coating process is faster than liquid coating when applied to multiple parts. Parts are put on a powder line and go through a multi-stage approach. But the powder line is continuous, so you can place components (such as perforated steel) on it as needed, as long as the right color runs through the system for your particular application. And, of course, the finished product requires less maintenance and lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent recoating because of the high-level application process.
5. Consistency
Powder coating produces one of the most consistent finishes for metal and steel. Because of the multi-step process and quality control checks along the way, you can be sure your aluminum will be free from drips, runs, and sags. The electrostatic process ensures the powder is evenly distributed, resulting in a smooth and uniform finish.
BONUS! Ease of Maintenance
Powder-coated metal surfaces are easy to clean and maintain. The metal is resistant to scratches and stains and can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
These are just five (well, six) advantages of powder-coating metal surfaces, but there are many more. Its durability, versatility, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, consistency, and ease of maintenance make it an ideal choice for various applications. Whether you are coating a small part of a large structure, powder coating can provide a long-lasting, attractive finish that will stand up to the elements and the test of time. Send Accurate Metal Fab a quote today on your powder coating needs.