What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a dry finish process that involves the use of finely ground particles of pigment and resin. The pigment is the actual coloring and resin is a glue that bonds the color particles. The part to be coated is suspended from a negatively charged hook that grounds the part. A special nozzle is charged with a high-voltage, low-amperage electrostatic current. The spray gun shoots an air/powder mixture, and when applied to the part, creates a lock between the part and the paint particles. The parts are then placed in a large baking oven, when cured with heat, the powder particles fuse together to create a single coat finish that cannot be achieved by any other method of coating. The resulting finish provides a wide range of performance properties, offering excellent resistance to corrosion, heat, impact, abrasion, fading from sunlight, and extreme weather. The molecules of the powder actually interlock providing a strong flexible film that is far superior to liquid paint.


Powder Coating is Safe for the Environment

Powder coating is a unique method of coating that eliminates many of the problems inherent in liquid finishes. Liquid finishes pose a threat to the environment due to the emission of volatile organic compounds. Powder coating, on the other hand, is a much safer process. When the powder is being cured in the oven, the exhaust air that is emitted, is returned to the coating room, and less air is exhausted into the atmosphere. Another advantage that powder coating offers, is the easy and safe retrieval of overspray. The unused powder coating is collected by a recovery unit and returned to a feed hopper for recirculation. The waste is minimal and can easily be disposed of.