Several finishing options are available for metal products, with powder coating being the most popular solution. This process creates a visually appealing layer of coating that provides additional protection to goods with long lifespans.Â
Its long-lasting and durable solution is among the many advantages of powder coating compared to traditional liquid painting alternatives. It gives a significant financial edge to anyone who uses powder coating in the long run.Â
Keep reading to learn more about the financial benefits of powder coating. You can also contact Minnesota Industrial Coatings for advice to ensure you make an informed decision on your next project.
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What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is the application of a dry powder to a metal surface to form a protective layer. The powder coating process protects metal surfaces from electric current and corrosion, including harsh environmental factors like the sun, rain, and wind.Â
It is gaining popularity in industrial and commercial settings because it’s a cost-effective and efficient method of safeguarding metal surfaces.
Dry coatings fall under two categories; thermosets and thermoplastics.
- Thermosets such as epoxies and polyesters are the most widely used powders as they’re ultra-durable and offer protection against chemical, UV, corrosion resistance, etc.
- Various industrial applications use thermoplastics like vinyl, polyvinyl, and polyester powder coating as a shield against corrosion.
UV-curable powder coatings are also used on heat-sensitive substrates and some alloys that prefer lower temperatures with faster curing cycles. Powder coatings withstand extreme weather and resist scratches, abrasions, and chips. The durable finish can add years to the lifespan of your metal product.
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Long-Term Financial Benefits of Powder Coating Goods With Long Lifespans
Apart from the durability advantages of powder coating, the product offers several application rewards, making it an excellent choice for metal fabrication. Here are the long-term financial gains of powder coating you may want to consider when choosing it as a finish:
- Better Performance: powder coating is more durable than liquid paint coats since it undergoes a thermal bonding process during curing. Because metals that work much thicker coat layers make powder coating more resistant to wear and tear, this quality guarantees superior, longer-lasting protection for metal surfaces that don’t need costly maintenance in the future.
- Environmentally Friendly: unlike solvent-based paints, powder coating doesn’t produce harmful fumes or pollutants. The powder coating process has less product waste, including finishing line emissions. Thermoplastic coating, in particular, is reusable, recyclable, and easily reshaped, unlike thermosets— less wastage translates to more money in the bank.
- Cost-Effective: a long-term financial benefit of powder coating is it doesn’t require additional solvents or thinners, which saves you money. The product releases little to no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) into the environment. As such, there’s no need to buy expensive pollution control gear.
- Offers Variety: powder coating is available in a full range of color palettes, textures, and glosses. The product is also applied in a wide range of textures and thicknesses that aren’t readily achievable through conventional liquid coating methods. Moreover, dry powder can be formulated for decorative and protective applications, allowing for greater customization of metal surfaces.
- Heat Protection: powder coatings provide effective heat resistance, withstanding temperatures of over 400 °C, UV rays, and other environmental factors. To get value for your money, you must select your coating carefully to ensure it offers effective thermal insulation.
- Strong and Durable: the powder coating bond gives a superior covering that suits the most durable finishes on various surfaces, not just metal. A major long-term financial benefit of powder coating is that finishes can last up to 20 years. This means fewer replacements or expenses for new coats. However, longevity depends on the type of product used, quality of preparation, and exposure of the said product in the environment.
Note that all powder-coating products have different lifecycles. For example, high-quality powder coatings containing urethanes or fluoropolymers can withstand extreme weather conditions. Most applications are better suited to outdoor products since they can last longer.
Conversely, epoxy coatings perform well indoors but break down faster once exposed to outdoor elements. To ensure that your finished products are protected from damage and degradation, it is important to work with an experienced finishing services provider who can help you select the right type of coating for your specific application.
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Why Invest in Powder Coating?
Manufacturers and business owners are gradually discovering the long-term financial benefits of powder coating. Who wouldn’t want an environmentally-friendly product that offers greater longevity, protection against harsh weather conditions, and value for your money in the available varieties?Â
Powder coatings are ideal for metal surfaces because they deter chemicals and water corrosion.Â
An electrostatic paint sprayer is used for the powder coating application process. It eliminates overspray wastage, that’s synonymous with solvent-based paints. One of the most significant long-term financial benefits of powder coating is that once it solidifies, it is time to apply additional layers to achieve the desired thickness.
Thicker coatings mean longevity, increased protection, less maintenance, or the need for new coats. Powder coating finishes are some of the best in the metal fabrication industry. At Minnesota Industrial Coatings, we utilize high-quality powder coating materials for your long-term satisfaction. Our coating technicians are highly skilled, and our process is unbeatable. Contact us for an estimate.