Powder coatings

Powder coating is a unique type of coating system that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. Unlike conventional liquid paint (water-based or oil-based) which is delivered via an evaporating solvent (usually termed as thinner), powder coating is typically applied electrostatically and then cured under heat or with Ultraviolet light. The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish on the desired surface that is tougher than conventional paint.

Powder coatings are very resistant to cracking and peeling and provide very high abrasion, corrosion and chemical resistance. These attributes vary according to the specific application and paint choice. Powder coatings typically meet or exceed the finish performance characteristics of conventional solvent-based wet paint coatings.

Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as household appliances, aluminium extrusions, drum hardware, automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle parts. More advanced technologies in powder coating allow other materials, such as plastics, composites, carbon fiber, and MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), to be powder coated using different methods that require less heat and time. The powder coating process was invented around 1945 by Daniel Gustin.