We are often asked what is powder coating? The simple answer is powder coating is a process that applies an extremely durable plastic coating to metal, steel, concrete, plastic and other materials using an electromagnetic charge, compresses air and heat. The powder is a dry compound composed of polymer resin, pigments, leveling agents, curatives and other flow modifiers. After being cured with heat, the powder’s molecular structure forms chemical bonds which result in a hard surface that is both durable and visually appealing.
Unlike paint which is fragile and often scratches, powder coating is durable and known for its ability to stretch. This flexible property has made the coating a popular finish on moving parts like springs, hood hinges and various chassis components.
Some popular characteristics includes but are not limited to: Full color, pearlescent, iridescent, metallic, fluorescent, high gloss, matte, wrinkle, hammertone, antique, transparent, glow-in-the-dark, glimmer, and even holographic.
Benefits of Powder Coating
The benefits of powder coating go well beyond its good looks.
- Durability – Unlike paint which is fragile and often scratches, powder coating is durable and known for its ability to stretch and take abuse. This flexible property has made the coating a popular finish for car parts, bicycle frames, lawn furniture, household appliances, and kids toys. The chemical chains formed during the curing process makes it resistant to corrosion caused by moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet light, and other forms of abuse.
- Variety in Colors and Textures – Few paints offer the flexibility in color, texture and sheen of powder coating. Some popular metal finishes includes but are not limited to: Full color, pearlescent, iridescent, metallic, fluorescent, high gloss, matte, wrinkle, hammertone, antique, transparent, glow-in-the-dark, glimmer, and even holographic. With over 10,000 different varieties available, the coating can match any color scheme you envision. In addition, the powders come in several forms: polyester, polyurethane, polyester-epoxy, straight epoxy, and acrylics, which also allow us to tailer the coating for your needs.
- Low Maintenance – Maintaining your powder coated surface is easy. Simply wipe down the surface using mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft rag, sponge or soft brush.
What Can be Powder Coated?
The simple answer to “What can be powder coated” is anything that can hold an electromagnetic charge and withstand the heat from the curing process. But in reality, the possibilities are far greater. Any surface where the autoignition (point where the material bursts in flames) is higher than the curing temperature for the coating can be coated. This allows the list of materials to be quite extensive:
- Aluminum
- Bronze
- Copper
- Titanium
- Steel (including stainless),
- Galvanized Steel
- E-coated metals
- Concrete
- Composites
- Glass
- Engineered Woods like MDF
- High-Temp Plastics.
To get an understanding of how versatile this product is, take a quick walk around the house. You will quickly realize that many household items have a powder coated finish. Some of these include: bed frames, basketball rims, bicycle frames, football helmets, fire extinguishers, lawn furniture, stools, light fixtures, countertop kitchen mixers, refrigerators, thermos bottles, even some liquor bottles.
Benefits of Powder Coating
- Freedom of Design – Over 10,000 colors, textures and finishes are available making the design possibilities nearly endless.
- Surface Quality – The electrostatic application and thermoset curing process creates an uniform surface that is durable and ascetically pleasing.
- Environmentally Friendly – Powder coating is considered a “green” technology since it does not release harmful solvents into the atmosphere.
Powder Coating In Michigan
We’ve been helping the residents and businesses of Michigan with our powder coating and ceramic coating applications since 2003. Our facilities is conveniently located in Milan, Michigan, a short distance from Ann Arbor, Troy, Westland, Canton, Ypsilanti, Detroit, and Toledo. If you are outside of the Michigan area or don’t feel like driving, no worries, we ship and receive jobs daily. Give us a call today at (734) 323-3813.