When considering the finish for your metal fabrication project, there are several options to choose from, includingpowder coating and paint. Paint is the more traditional approach, but comes with many limitations in color and finish. Powder coating is often the more advanced option for finish your metal fabrication project. This blog post provides an overview of some of the benefits associated with powder coating.
1. Little Waste
The process of applying powder coating is much more efficient than paint. Because of the electromagnetic charge used to hold the powder to the part, little waste is produced. The applicator can spray the exact right amount needed for the application, wasting as little as possible.
2. Efficiency
The application and handling processes associated with powder coating are very efficient. Unlike paint, you don’t need to wait for each coat to dry before applying the next coat. Instead, the application of all of these coats is done at once. Additionally, powder coating dries much faster than paint, allowing the product to be handled quickly after application.
3. Durability
A powder coating is a much more durable covering than paint options. The coating is much more flexible than traditional paint, allowing for a small amount of bending and flexing as the parts vibrate and move. Powder coating is also resistant to scratching, flaking, and corrosion.
4. Cost Efficiency
Because no extra drying time is needed before the next step of the process, you will save time and money. The raw materials needed for the job can be purchased based on the project’s exact size and specifications, meaning you will not waste money on extra materials. The powder itself is less expensive than paint, further cutting costs. Lastly, storing powder coating takes up less space than paint cans, meaning minimal space will be needed for storage.
5. Variety
Although there are common colors and finished associated with powder coating, your options are virtually endless. You can completely customize the color and finish of your project by creating a one of a kind powder blend for any color. You can even add texture such as wrinkles or glitter to the powder coating. There is also a wide range of finishes from high gloss to matte.
6. Environmentally Friendly
Powder coating is free of solvents and other chemicals that are often found in paint, making it safe for use and disposal. It does not release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, minimizing the damage to the environment. During the application process, it produces less overall waste, reducing the pollution to the air.
7. Safety
In addition to the minimized harm to the environment, powder coating poses much less of a health and safety risk to the individual applying it. There are no chemicals to breathe in, unlike paint. With proper precautions, the specialist will not have to worry about getting it on their skin. When the powder coating is stored, it is a solid, meaning there are no potential risks of spillage that can lead to slipping and falling.
8. Minimal Maintenance
Powder coating requires less maintenance than paint over time. It does not need any special cleaners or solvents to keep it clean, and can be wiped down with regular soapy water and rinsed off. The coating is also resistant to scratching and corrosion, meaning there is no worry about rust or other damage during cleaning.
9. Quality
Powder coating creates a better overall quality of covering than paint. The powder melts and flows together, creating an even surface. There is no risk of uneven coating, running, or dripping like paint. At the end of application, it will not require sanding or refinishing like paint does. Finally, it creates a coat twice as thick as paint, ensuring that the coating is strong and will last.
CAMM Metals | CT Metal Fabrication Company
Whether you think painting or powder coating is better for your metal product, experts at CAMM Metals can help! CAMM Metals has years of experience, honing our skills across the board to deliver a quality product and measurable bottom line value to our customers.