Do you know the ideal powder coating for your sheet metal parts?
Powder coating is a sheet metal finishing method that involves evenly applying dry powder to parts using an electrostatic spray gun. This specialized applicator charges the powder particles with electricity, drawing them to the grounded sheet metal parts. Once the coating is applied, it is cured via heat or ultraviolet light to provide a hard finish.
Popular for its durability, versatility, easy application, and attractive appearance, powder coating has the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly than wet paint. Because powder coating solutions don’t contain toxic solvents or release airborne pollutants, sheet metal finishing companies that use this finishing method can easily comply with environmental regulations and keep their team members safe.
Understanding the characteristics of the most common powder types will help you choose the best solution for your application.
Struggling to navigate the wide world of powder coating services? Answering these questions about your product will help you choose the perfect powder and texture for your sheet metal finishing needs.
While most powder types work well in interior settings, you will need to be more selective when finishing a product that will be used outdoors.
Suppose you need parts finished for use in school playground equipment. The finish must be able to withstand harsh weather without rusting or becoming brittle; otherwise, it could create rough surfaces that could harm kids at play. If the playground happens to be close to a beach, you’ll likely need an extra level of protection, such as a primer, to prevent corrosion.
Choosing a powder type that will retain its color despite prolonged sun exposure will also be key—who wants to play on a dingy swingset that’s a shadow of its former, vibrant self?
For interior use, you have many options, but for exterior use, it’s best to stick with durable polyester or hybrid powders. Epoxy powders perform poorly outdoors.
Will your finished product be stationed in a highly visible area or stashed in a back office? An attractive appearance is more critical for public-facing products than for products that serve primarily utilitarian purposes.
Either way, your part preparation and finish texture should be compatible for the best results. High-gloss powder, for instance, creates a smooth, luxurious finish, but only if your parts are entirely blemish-free to begin with.
Like wet paint, high-gloss powders accentuate surface imperfections. If the high-gloss look is a must for your customer, you may want to invest in premium part preparation like the kind we offer at our sister company, All Metals Fabricating.
If your customer has a limited budget for part preparation or simply prefers a less shiny surface, a light-texture semigloss is a winning choice. The parts will require far less preparation, as semigloss covers imperfections easily, and the powder coating will also be more durable.
High-gloss powder coating finishes are less durable than textured finishes, so if durability is key, you may want to select a textured finish.
Also, consider whether flexibility is integral to your parts’ functionality. For parts that will bend, epoxy powder coating is the most durable solution.
Many customers request powder coating in colors that align with their branding. Although one of the advantages of powder coating is the wide range of colors available, you’ll want to ensure that your shop has your desired colors in the textures you need.
Always gather as much specific information about color and texture from your customer as possible before consulting with your finishing company.
At All Powder Coat and Screen, we have a full range of paint chips to show you how various powder manufacturers’ colors and textures will appear on actual parts.
Some industries, such as telecommunications and defense, have rigorous requirements for part finishing solutions. A defense customer, for instance, may request MIL-SPEC coatings that meet high standards for durability and wear resistance.
These requirements will likely dictate the type of powder coating you’ll need—or at least help you narrow it down to a few options.
All Powder Coat and Screen offers a wide range of epoxy, polyester, hybrid, and urethane powder coatings. Let’s examine the advantages and limitations of each one.
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When you’re looking for the perfect powder coating for your parts, the answer is usually polyester. Our go-to finish for most applications, polyester powder coating is the most durable, cost-effective, and versatile option on the market.
No matter what your powder coating needs are, we look forward to providing you with a high-quality finish that will exceed your expectations.
Request a quote today!
Click the button below, fill out the form, include a STEP file & PDF print and click Submit, or call us now at (972) 747-1231. Please note, a minimum order of $500 is required.
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