Powder Coating 101: Is It The Better Choice?
Have you ever painted an outdoor table, bench, fence or other surface that is constantly exposed to West Alabama’s smoldering heat or strong storms? You probably quickly learned that you have to re-do the job on a regular basis if you want to keep the surface looking good. That’s because paint reacts to the sun’s UV rays and other harsh weather, causing bleaching, blistering, cracking, peeling, and chalking. Powder coating, on the other hand, is applied electrostatically and then cured under high heat for a high-quality, durable finish that, when properly applied and maintained, looks like new for many years to come.
The Powder Coating Process
The powder coating process was invented around 1945 by Daniel Gustin and became popular in the 1960s. Unlike liquid paint, powder coating is a dry finishing process. A precise formula of ingredients are melted and cooled and then ground into a powder, which is electrostatically applied. There are five basic steps to a powder coating process:
- multi-stage progression to clean the items that will receive the powder coating and to etch them to ensure that the powder will stick;
- drying stage at 265 degrees;
- “painting” stage where the colored powder is applied using powder sprayers;
- curing stage when products are set at around 400 degrees;
- and final inspection to ensure the desired finish has been achieved.
Powder Coating Colors
How many colors are available? Generally, as many colors as anyone can dream up. That’s because pigment is one of the ingredients in the powder formula and pigment can be translated into almost any hue. In addition to standard or custom solid colors, decorative designs can also be produced. This requires some additional steps, but the outcome is worth it!
Resilience of Powder Coating
Powder coating creates a durable, high-quality finish that is scratch resistant and very low maintenance. Will the coating ever come off? Not if it’s properly applied and maintained. However, if you blast it with a pressure washer at close range, it could affect the integrity of the coating.
Since a powder coated surface resists dirt and dust, using clean water from a garden hose and a soft-bristled brush is typically all that is needed to keep powder coated surfaces clean. Should a power washer be used, it should be kept at a low pressure (under 2,000 PSI) and at a reasonable distance for best results.
Need Something Powder Coated?
If you want something powder coated, there’s no need for you to know or memorize the process. Postle Tire Barn has already done that. Our state of the art powder coating facility can make almost anything look new again, that is if it can stand the 400 degree heat involved.
For a quote or for more information, give us a call or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Postle’s is a fully insured, family owned and operated tire and automotive service center for the automotive and powder coating needs of West Alabama. powder coating 101 powder coating 101 powder coating 101 powder coating 101
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