One of the best methods to finish metal surfaces and duress for years without flaking off is powder coating. It’s being applied to a wide range of products, from furniture and machinery to parts of cars and architectural elements. However, the material is not equal for all products, and the right selection is very important in order to get the good result. In this article, we’ll discuss the best materials for powder coating and what you should know before selecting your product.
What is Powder Coating?
The fine powder is electrostatically sprayed onto a surface, which then goes into the oven to harden the coat. This dry finish process of metal is preferred more as it far outweighs the traditional wet paints in terms of outcome. Its advantages range from resistance against corrosion and UV light and scratch marks; the process of powder coating, in turn, accommodates interior or exterior application.
Best Materials for Powder Coating
While powder coating is mainly used for metal surfaces, there are a few other materials that can be powder-coated as well. Below are the materials that work best with powder coating:
1. Steel
Steel is still one of the leading powder-coated materials in the market today because of its extraordinary strength and durability. The powder coating on steel enables a protective layer that protects against rusting, corrosion, or weathering. It is highly utilized for various applications like furniture and gates, railings, and parts in automobiles. Its versatility combined with its affordability makes steel a favorite for powder coating.
Best Applications for Steel Powder Coating:
- Garden furniture
- Outdoor railings and gates
- Construction materials
- Automotive parts
2. Aluminum
But also, the powder coating of aluminum is a good material. This one is light, strong, rust resistant and corrosion-proof. It can be used indoor or outdoor. Aluminum articles, such as windows and doors frames, furniture, are often powder-coated to make them look beautiful and provide protection from weathering.
Best Use for Aluminum Powder Coating
- Window and door frame
- Outdoor furniture
- Auto parts, such as wheels and trim
- Bicycle frames
3. Galvanized Steel
It is that steel which has a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. Powder coating over galvanized steel is an excellent option for use in extreme conditions. The corrosion protection that zinc provides along with the excellence of powder coating ensures protection from moisture, UV, and chemicals for a longer time.
Best Applications of Galvanized Steel Powder Coating:
- Outdoor signage
- Industrial machinery
- Fencing and railings
4. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel can be termed as a corrosion-resistant, strong, and aesthetically pleasing material which provides resistance to both commercial and residential uses. The whole process of powder coating stainless steel contributes to the resistance of scratching and tarnishing, thus enabling its usage in hygiene- and durability-dependent areas, like the kitchen or the hospital.
Best Uses of Stainless Steel Powder Coating:
- Kitchen appliances
- Medical equipment
- Architectural elements
- Industrial equipment
5. Copper and Brass
Even less commonly coated than steel or aluminum, copper and brass can also be powder coated. Since both metal types tarnish so easily, they enjoy the protective factor of powder coating. Powder coat on copper and brass retains their original brightness but keeps the metals from tarnishing or oxidizing.
Best Applications for Copper and Brass Powder Coating;
- Ornamental furniture
- Lighting hardware
- Architectural embellishments
6. Iron
Another material that can be powder coated is iron. There are various garden furniture, outdoor sculptures as well as several industrial machines with this material in its pure cast form. This material has an aesthetically pretty good outlook that can resist rusting or corrosion through a protective coat also.
- Best use of Iron
- Garden Furniture
- Outdoor sculptures
- Industrial Parts
Things to be considered over materials Powder coated
A couple of things to look for when selecting powder coating material are:
Material Thickness: Some materials have to be prepared in special ways or applied under specific conditions. Thicker metals might be longer in heating up and curing during the powder-coating process.
Surface Preparation: The material surface needs to be well cleaned and prepared to ensure that proper adhesion of the powder coat takes place. Such surface contaminants, for instance grease or oil, can disturb the bonding process and compromise the final product.
Temperature Resistance: Different materials vary in relation to temperature resistance. A material should be selected that can handle the curing temperature, usually ranges between 160°C and 200°C.
General protective measures against the corrosion, degradation, and damaging effects of the UV rays take place with efficient powder coating Huntingdon to the metal. Some of the best materials coated by powder can be steel, aluminium, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and iron for every application purpose. Every kind of material contains benefits and hence is applied into everything from machinery to furniture, providing protection long enough, attraction, and longer durability to those metal items for the project to which the selected material is rightly used.
Before coating, one needs to know several characteristics of the material, thickness, and surface requirement. Proper preparation combined with a quality coating will give powder-coated metal work the ability to stand up to any environment.
