Understanding The Powder Coating Difference

Liquid PaintAfter a product is manufactured, there are a few ways it can be finished using painting or powder coating. Powder coating offers a great alternative to liquid paint, as it does not need an extra solvent to help it adhere to a surface. As a dry powder that can flow freely, powder coating is applied electrostatically, and then is treated or cured with heat that results in a coat of skin on the object. One of the best advantages to powder coating is that it creates a finish that is harder than paint, resulting in a more durable final product. As API/AMS, we are proud to offer powder coating in the Portland, OR metro area and beyond.

Many Uses and Benefits

Powder coating is often used to coat metals from appliances to hardware to machine parts. It can be protective or used as decoration, and it can come in almost any texture or colors, making it a great choice for a wide range of uses. Not only does powder coating offer maximum durability and chemical resistance, but it also does not use paint, which eliminates using any solvents and any VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emission issues that can occur in traditional paint applications.

The Powder Coating Process

Powder coating begins with what are called polymer resin systems (plastic) which are then mixed with pigments, curatives, and fillers that will melt and combine together. These elements are then cooled down and ground into fine powder. Then, this powder is ready to be applied to an object and is done so using a spray gun and method called electrostatic spray deposition or ESD. ESD “paints” the powder on the object electrostatically. The next step in the process is the cure, where the objects are placed in an oven that heats the coating to 350 or 400 degrees, where it has a chemical reaction that creates the dense and durable finish. Another less common powder coating method is known as the fluidized bed application, where preheated objects are submerged in a bed of fluidizing powder where the coating then melts and adheres to the part. Curing the fluidized bed application powder coating varies depending on how big the part is and what type of coating is used.

The Many Advantages of Powder Coating:

There are many advantages to powder coating your products, including the environmental friendliness, as it does not use solvents or result in any VOC emission issues. Another advantage is that powder coating creates a barrier that is extremely resistant to any corrosion, weather, chemical reactions, and scratching. Powder coating also gives maximum flexibly in what you can use it for: from UV protection to coating outdoor objects to handles on frequently used household objects, it can be the solution to many coating problems. With its vast variety of colors and thicknesses, powder coating can really enrich your products and take them to the next level. 

So if you are looking for a solution to make your products look great, feel great, and last a long time, powder coating might be just the option for you. At API/AMS, your choice for powder coating in Portland, OR area, we offer powder coating services to a wide variety of clients. Call us today and see how we can help get your products to the next level.