All about powder coating

Are you looking for alternatives to paint for your steel fabrications? You may have heard about powder coating, but not be sure what it is or what it involves. In this month's Galvanizing Today article, we cover everything there is to know about this durable alternative to traditional liquid paint.

What is powder coating?

Powder coating is a longer lasting coating alternative to traditional liquid paint. Instead of being applied in liquid form with a paintbrush or roller, it is applied in a powder format with an electrostatic spray gun.

The gun charges the powder particles with electrostatic charge, which helps the particles to adhere to the metal surface. This process means that the finish achieved is much more durable and corrosion-resistant than traditional paint.

When applied in combination with hot dip galvanizing, it helps protect steel against corrosion for multiple decades.

How is powder coating performed?

Before coating, the steel's surface must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt, grease, or rust. The powder coating is then sprayed on using an electrostatic spray gun in the fabricator's or specifier's colour of choice. The powder itself is made up of finely ground particles of pigment and resin.

After application, the coated item is heated in an oven at a high temperature. The heat causes the powder to melt and flow, creating a smooth, even coating. The coating then solidifies and chemically reacts to form a hard, durable finish. This curing process provides low maintenance and long lasting corrosion protection for steel.

Why powder coating is better than paint

Powder coating offers several benefits over traditional paint.

Improved durability and corrosion resistance

Powder coating is more durable than traditional paint. It is resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, leaving the fabrication looking nicer for longer. It also makes it cheaper over its lifetime due to a reduced need to maintain the coating.

Powder coating is also much more resistant to corrosion compared to liquid paint. This helps the underlying steel to last longer, too, reducing the need for complete refabrication.

Quicker drying time

Paint needs several days to dry after it has been applied. It also needs multiple coats to achieve the desired result. In contrast, a powder coat can be completed in one sitting and has a quicker drying time. This means you get your fabrication back quicker and spend less time waiting - ideal if you have a tight deadline you need to work towards.

Environmentally friendly

Powder coating is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paint. It produces less waste, and the powder can be recycled. Additionally, paint contains toxic solvents that damage the environment. The powder coating solution does not contain toxic solvents and is safer for operators to apply, provided the correct PPE is used for the job.

Lower lifetime costs

Powder coating is a cost-effective alternative to traditional paint, thanks to its increased durability and recyclability. The time and money that would otherwise be spent re-painting the steel on a regular basis is reduced, because the powder coating layer is much more durable.

What colours can I powder coat my steel?

If you can think of a colour, it is almost certainly available in powder coating. Powder coating paints?come in many different colours,?and can be used to create different finishes such as textured or metallic.

Powder coating options can be categorised into one of five finishes:

• Anodic – anodised alternatives
• Futura – special effect, two-toned colours, textured metallics
• Structura – fine texture RAL shades
• Brilliance – bright sparkling metallics
• Traditional RAL colours

Powder coating at Joseph Ash Galvanizing

Our dedicated powder coating facility at Joseph Ash Medway is the ideal location for powder coating your steel. The site offers a one-stop-shop service, with shot blasting, hot dip galvanizing, and powder coating all under one roof. Rest assured that we'll take care of the process, from the initial collection through to the delivery at its end destination.

We can produce any specified colour or texture for any size or type of project you have, whether it’s a raw steel substrate in an interior or a galvanized substrate for an exterior.

Joseph Ash Medway is among only a handful of companies to be an approved?AkzoNobel?paint applicator, and is the only one to be?based in the South East.

Had you heard about powder coating before, or used it to coat your steel? Let us know in the comments.