What is Powder Coating?

The powder coating process uses fine dry particles of resin mixed with pigments.

The resin powder is applied via electrostatic charge with either a coronal discharge or triboelectric gun similar in concept to applying solvent based paint. The difference is that this spray gun and its resin contents have an electrostatic charge.

When the powder exits the gun, it receives an electric charge.  The part to be coated has an opposite charge, thus attracting the powder to the part surface.  The coated part is then put in an oven to bake.  During the baking process, the powder first "gels", and, at part metal temperature (PMT), the powder begins to cure, bonding the powder both to itself and to the underlying part surface.  Once the part is fully cured, the part will have a uniform, bonded and durable finish.

The result is a beautiful finish that is: resistant to chemicals, wear, chipping, and is three times stronger than solvent based paints.

Powder coating simply provides a quality finish that can be seen and felt for years.  Solvent based wet paint application can be sensitive to weather conditions such as temperature and humidity, often resulting in lowered quality with runs or orange peeled finishes.  In addition to weather, the skill of the painter can also affect the consistency in quality. 

Clear Coat Protection
Powder coating can also be used as a "clear coat" to protect metal without adding color.  Examples are polished aluminum, stainless steel or brass items.  Clear coating resists the natural oxidation that will occur from exposure to the elements.  A clear coat can also be added on top of any color coat for extra luster and depth.

What Can Be Powder Coated?
All metal objects that have an electrostatic charge and can withstand 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit can be powder coated.

Since the powder coating process is environmentally friendly with no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), it's the preferred method to finish any metal in California, the most strictly regulated state in the country for emissions.

The fact is, the durability of powder coating is far superior to solvent paints. 

If quality and durability are important to you, powder coating is the best protection for any of your investments that are metal.