Powdercoat
High-performance wet paints were the best way to maintain color retention. Since the 1990’s engineered powder coat paints have bridged that gap. Besides providing high color retention, powder coats offer superior abrasion resistance, especially where materials are subjected to touching/handling. For high-quality wet or dry paints, adhesion, salt-spray and humidity or boil test results are passed at similar rates. Powder Coat paint is becoming more widely used due to its environmentally-friendly low VOC rating and superior abrasion resistance. Previously powder coated materials can be re-powder coated or wet-coated with minimal preparation.
Powder Coat details are as follows:- One part application, applied electrostatically. Available in a broad range of colors and reflectivity (gloss, semi-gloss, satin, etc.) available. A minimum of semi-gloss (minimum reflectivity of 60%) is recommended for exterior applications, to allow easier cleaning.
- Usually applied to a minimum thickness of 3 mils. The color and paint consistency are the same from the surface to the base metal.
- Low to no VOCs (considered environmentally friendly). It is applied locally; higher LEED scores may be possible.
- Requires oven temperatures of 420-485 degrees Fahrenheit to properly bake the paint. The powder is melted into a liquid state, fusing together to form a homogeneous film.
- Superior abrasion resistance and overall durability. (Dulls carbide saw blades at a much higher rate than wet paints.) Ideal in areas where touching/handling occur.
- When the base metal is properly pretreated, will not chip or flake under extreme abuse.
- High-quality powder coat paints withstand 4000 hour salt spray tests and 4000 humidity tests. Powder Coat paints have improved significantly in the 1990’s, with essentially little different in long-term performance between quality powders and high-performance wet paints.
- Most powdercoats are available at standard costs.
- Custom colors are available at no or low price increase, depending on quantity.
