The distinction between powder coating and painting extends below the surface
You’re probably already somewhat aware of how, exactly, powder coating is better than painting. You’re reading this on a powder coating shop’s blog, after all. For one, powder coating goes on evenly and leaves a clean, smooth finish that’s free of runs, whereas paint tends to leave spray patterns and brush strokes in even the most careful applications. And it can pull away from the edges as the paint cures. The thickness of paint can vary, too, which makes runs and sags more pronounced.
But the distinction goes even deeper than what you see on the surface. Powder coating is thermally bonded to the metal, which creates better adhesion and prevents chipping. Paint, on the other hand—well, we all know how easily paint can get nicked up.
Just how durable is powder coating? Let’s put it this way: Powder coating comprises 15 percent of all protective coatings today, and that share’s only increasing. It’s not just its versatility—almost anything metal can be powder coated—it’s also its strength. Powder coating doesn’t prevent rust, but it is more resistant to the elements and everyday wear and tear than paint, again, because it can be applied thicker.
And if you really want to get technical about it, powder coating emits zero to near-zero volatile organic compounds, which, the EPA’s found, can cause cancer, as well as damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Powder coating overspray can also be recycled. The same, obviously, can’t be said of paint.
But painting, you’re thinking, allows for more flexibility with the color. With the right amount of mixing in the right hands, you’ve got that neon yellow you’ve been pining for. A valid point, but it’s a myth. We do custom powder coating colors. Neon yellow? No problem. Point. Game. Match.
Comments 2
Wow, I knew that powder coating was better at giving a more even coat on metal, but I didn’t realize that it actually thermally bonded to the metal, as you said. My workplace is looking to get a powder coating service for a lot of our new materials and parts that we’re selling, and the fact that it emits zero volatile organic compounds, as you said, resonates really well with our eco-friendly company pledge. I think I’ll pass this info on to my boss to let him know about all of the benefits we’re getting from the powder coating, and I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to learn about both the safety factors and the recyclability you mention for powder-coating.
Something I didn’t realize was that powder coating overspray can be recycled. That is something I would want to have so that all of my overpainting could be recycled when I am done with them. Maybe I should look into getting power coating sometime soon.