Powder Coating Finishes: Is There More Besides the High Gloss?

Powder coating has emerged as the preferred way to coat metal products instead of wet spraying. Although powder-coating finishes provide better and longer-lasting protection, Most people believe they only come in that glossy finish which couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Minnesota Industrial Coatings stands as a premier destination for all your powder coating and e-coating needs. With our cutting-edge facilities, meticulous quality control, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we guarantee superior finishes for your metal components. Take the first step towards exceptional coating solutions by contacting us today and learning more about our full range of powder coating finishes and E-Coating processes. 

What is Powder Coating? 

Powder coating is a dry coating process used as a metal finish. This process is mainly used on industrial equipment but can also be used on other metal products as well. Powder coating uses an electrostatic process. 

A spray gun uses an electrostatic charge to help the powder bond to the material. After coating, the product is moved to a high-temperature curing oven to dry and harden the coating into a durable and protective layer. 

This process is excellent for enhancing aesthetics while making the product more durable. Like painting, you can choose from a broad selection of colors and powder coating finishes like high gloss, clear, metallic, and satin. You can also go for the specialty finishes available for manufacturers seeking added performance features or a different look to their products. 

Benefits of Powder Coating

Powder coating has several advantages, so it is becoming an increasingly preferred choice for manufacturers. 

Its legendary durability properties are well documented. But other strong points should convince you to go for a powder-coating finish. 

Aesthetic appeal 

You can achieve a nice polished look after powder-coating metal. Once cured, it achieves a quality finish that repels chemicals, moisture, and other elements, making cleaning easier and less frequent. 

Cost-effective

Initially, powder coating seems like an expensive endeavor and can be overwhelming for some. But over time, the cost of the coat is much lower compared to other types of metal finishes. Powder coating finishes require little to no maintenance and last longer. The coat enhances the performance of the metal and improves its ability to withstand corrosion and wear and tear.

Environmentally friendly 

Thermoset powder coating is an eco-friendly option that brings many benefits. It reduces waste and can be applied with precision, making it easy to reshape. Unlike regular paint, powder coating is more efficient and doesn’t create as much waste. 

Also, the fact that you don’t need solvents when powder coating is a huge plus. The process doesn’t release any volatile organic compounds into the environment and doesn’t pose as many health risks, even though wearing protective gear is still recommended. 

Types of Powder Coating Finishes 

You can choose from various types of powder coating finishes depending on the application of the product. The type of powder coating finishes we offer include thermoset coatings which encompass a range of options, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Let’s explore them in more detail:

1. Epoxy coatings are an excellent choice when it comes to applications requiring electrical insulation and non-flexible objects. They provide a reliable and durable coating solution. However, it’s important to note that epoxy coatings can become brittle when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it is recommended to use such coatings primarily for indoor applications where they can maintain their structural integrity and performance over time.
2. Epoxy-polyester hybrid coatings offer a compelling combination of the best qualities of both epoxy and polyester. By incorporating polyester into the formulation, these coatings gain enhanced flexibility, preventing cracking or chipping. This added flexibility makes epoxy-polyester hybrid coatings particularly suitable for outdoor use, as they can better withstand the challenges posed by weathering and environmental conditions. Whether it’s exposure to sunlight, moisture, or temperature fluctuations, these hybrid coatings exhibit improved resilience and durability.
3. If achieving a high-gloss finish is your goal, acrylic powder coat finishes are the way to go. Acrylic coatings stand out for their ability to deliver an unparalleled glossy appearance that surpasses other coating options. They offer a visually striking finish that enhances the aesthetics of the coated product. Moreover, acrylic powder coatings provide versatility in terms of appearance, as they can be applied in either pigmented or clear forms. This flexibility allows for customization to achieve the desired look and feel of the final product. When it comes to exposed parts, such as engine components or other visible surfaces, where a super glossy finish is desired, acrylic powder coat finishes are the top choice.

Powder Coating Finishes by Function 

Customers that find it hard to pick the right powder coating finish by type can consider the function of the final product. You will encounter powder coatings designed for various functions like: 

Powder coating to prevent the virus transfer 

Antimicrobial coatings aren’t new, especially after the pandemic. The coating involves adding silver ions in the powder coating formula to make the surface of the metal less suitable for the reproduction of bacteria and viruses. 

Coatings to provide protection 

Using textured coating and cosmetic treatments like veining can help add a layer of protection and reduce slipping risks. Such finishes are widely available and highly applicable. You can consider this textured look if you’re concerned that the regular high gloss look will be easily damaged. 

Enhance Your Coating Solutions

In summary, the selection of thermoset coatings depends on the specific requirements of the application. Epoxy coatings excel in electrical insulation and non-flexible objects, while epoxy-polyester hybrids strike a balance between flexibility and strength, making them ideal for outdoor use. 

Acrylic powder coat finishes offering an exceptional high-gloss appearance and the ability to customize the final product’s visual appeal. Consider these options carefully to ensure the optimal performance, durability, and aesthetic outcome for your coating needs.

With Minnesota Industrial Coatings, it’s even better because you can choose from multiple powder coating finishes to suit your preference and applications. Our team can coat manufactured, fabricated, and machined parts. Contact us for more details on our powder coating finishes and other services like E-coating.