Powder coating is a coating process that produces a dry finish. The finish is created by an electric charge causing a dry powder to fuse the surface of the metal. This is then baked in a curing oven to achieve a smooth coating. It is usually used to create a greater finish than conventional paint.
The powder coating finishes are not only sturdy but flexible as well. It can be used on different surfaces, including metal, concrete, steel, and plastic. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, and it’s one of the most cost-effective finish options.
In this Alphatek blog, we will have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of powder coating and if it is better than paint…
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Powder Coating?
Advantages:
The advantages far out way the disadvantages when it comes to assessing powder coating. Here are the strong points:
Durability – This is easily one of the most durable coatings you could use as a finish for metal and other surfaces. The bond gives a superior finish making it suitable for machinery and everyday items.
It holds well to extreme environments and physical impact, meaning it’s resistant to scratches, abrasions, and chips.
Longevity And Protection – The most significant advantage of using powder coatings is that once it has solidified, more layers can be added to increase the thickness. Thicker coatings mean longevity and increased protection.
Environmentally Friendly – Above everything else, powder coating is an environmentally friendly way of colouring a metal surface. Even though it’s applied by spraying powder onto the part, the powder doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals designed to make it stick. It adheres to the metal through the electrical charge on the surface, so no solvents are used.
Disadvantages:
Even though this type of finish boasts plenty of advantages, the disadvantages should not go overlooked. The thing is, to achieve efficiency and functionality, the correct finish must be used.
Initial Cost – The initial setup cost because of the machinery can be seen as expensive, and possibly overwhelming for some. However, if you compare it to other coatings over some time it is much lower.
Is Powder Coating Better Than Paint?
Two very similar products but they achieve slightly different outcomes. Choosing between powder coating and paint will depend on the appearance, cost, performance and safety.
Appearance – In some applications, appearance is the most important factor when choosing an added layer. When it comes to colour matching there Is only one winner and that is paint.
Powder coating is usually produced in large batches of standard colours. Custom orders are possible, but more time consuming and expensive than colour matching with wet paint.
Performance – There is no doubt that powder coating provides the best performance when comparing the two. It is more resistant to chipping, scratching, and other wear because it can be applied in a much thicker layer.
Yes, paint can match more colours, but powder coating is more susceptible to chalking, meaning the colour retention is far superior.
Health And Safety – You may not think about this, but powder metal coating is safer to apply. Paint can be very dangerous. It is flammable, meaning careless storage can lead to a disastrous fire.
Wet paint emits volatile organic compounds and long exposure can cause respiratory problems and compounding health issues. You’ll be glad to know powder metal coating doesn’t contain any fluids and is completely healthy and risk-free.
Is Powder Coating Better Than Metal Coating?
Whilst both have their own advantages and disadvantages for protecting metal from its environment, there is no doubt that metal coatings provide the better protection. Metal coatings can be applied to different types of metals, and Alphatek can uniquely apply these onto composite substrates much more than metal – carbon fibre, glass fibre, plastics and more.
Here are the benefits of metal coatings:
- Wide Range Of Coating Materials
- Huge Variety Of Substrate Materials
- Increased Lifespan
- Reduced Cost
If you’d like a more in-depth explanation head over to our blog – Metal Spraying: Advantages And Disadvantages
Alphatek: Metal Coating Specialists
There’s no real shortcut to experiencing and understanding which coating is perfect for your product or substrate. Here at Alphatek, we have combined over 100 years of cumulative coating expertise in house – we have seen a lot.
Working closely with our customers over the years, we have developed our products and services to deliver the best value, most effective thermal spray coatings solution, first time, every time, and with a stress-free service that suits everyone.
For Metal Spraying and Thermal Spray Coating specialists, look no further than us, Alphatek. You can call us directly on 01706 821021 or email us at postbox@alphatek.co.uk.
Alternatively, if you’d like to visit us, we are located 20 miles north of Manchester. Just be wary of our opening times.
