The Benefits of Blasting and Coating Under One Roof
March 5, 2025When selecting a powder coating color, consider the following:
- Purpose: Think about where and how the coated item will be used. Bright, durable colors may be ideal for outdoor furniture, while sleek metallics could work better for home decor.
- Environment: Consider the surroundings. Will this be used indoors under certain lighting, or will it be outdoors subject to the elements and UV exposure?
- Aesthetics: Is this colour supposed to match an existing colour requirement, or does it need to be close (i.e. anything close to Safety Yellow vs RAL 1018)
- Durability: Some colors may show wear and tear more than others. Lighter colors can show dirt, while darker shades may fade less over time
Types and Formulations of Powder Coatings to Consider
When selecting a powder coating, it’s important to understand that there are different types of formulations, each with its own specific characteristics. These formulations can impact not only the color but also the performance, appearance, and durability of the final finish. Here are the primary types of powder coatings and key factors to consider when choosing the right one:
1. Standard Polyester Powder Coatings
Polyester-based powder coatings are the most commonly used and are known for their excellent outdoor durability. They are resistant to UV radiation and weathering, making them a popular choice for exterior applications like architectural components, outdoor furniture, and automotive parts.
Key Considerations:
- Best for outdoor use due to resistance to fading and chalking under UV exposure.
- Available in a wide range of finishes including smooth, textured, and matte.
- Color matching may require consideration of UV stability to ensure the color holds up under prolonged sunlight.
2. Super Durable Powder Coatings
Super durable powder coatings are an advanced type of polyester powder designed to meet even the harshest of environments, including tropical south Florida. It is very important to understand that the ultimate durability of a powder coating not only involves the resin, but the other components within the formulation - pigments, fillers, additives, etc.
A powder coating designated as super durable due to resin but not the other elements may still fade in less than 3 years exposure in Florida, if a non-durable pigment or additive is present in the formula. When considering if a super durable coating is right for you, be sure to reference the product data sheet for the specific performance definition and get confirmation that the coating is a true super durable system.
Key Considerations:
- Excellent UV stability, maintaining color vibrancy for longer periods in harsh outdoor conditions compared to standard polyester powders.
- Commonly used in architectural and infrastructure projects where long-lasting appearance is critical.
- More expensive than standard polyester powders, but offers better color retention and durability.
- Custom color matching for super durable powders may involve a more complex process due to the formulation's emphasis on longevity and UV resistance.
- May be tested and approved for use in AAMA 2604 applications.
3. Epoxy Based Powder Coatings
Epoxy-based powders are highly chemical resistant and provide excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for interior applications such as appliances, electrical enclosures, and industrial equipment. However, they tend to yellow or chalk when exposed to UV light, which limits their outdoor use.
Key Considerations:
- Excellent for interior applications where UV exposure is limited.
- Offers superior chemical resistance and adhesion to metal surfaces.
- Excellent edge coverage.
- Not suitable for outdoor use as the color and finish will degrade when exposed to sunlight.
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4. Polyurethane Powder Coatings
Polyurethane powders are known for their durability and high-quality surface finish, offering excellent resistance to abrasion and impact. They provide a smoother finish compared to polyesters, but are generally more expensive and slightly more difficult to apply.
Key Considerations:
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, though not as UV-resistant as pure polyester.
- Offers a smoother finish and is often used for high-end finishes where aesthetics are critical.
- Typically requires more precise application control, making color matching more challenging in certain cases.
5. Hybrid Powder Coatings (Epoxy-Polyester)
Balance between durability and aesthetic qualities. These coatings are mostly used for indoor applications where UV exposure isn’t a concern.
Key Considerations:
- Provide a cost-effective solution for interior applications that require good corrosion resistance and attractive finishes.
- Not suitable for outdoor use due to their tendency to degrade under UV exposure.
- Often used on price sensitive jobs.
Easier to color match
6. Fluoropolymer Powder Coatings
Fluoropolymer-based powders are premium formulations that offer superior UV resistance and weatherability, making them the go-to choice for architectural applications and other environments that require long-lasting finishes. These powders are highly resistant to fading and chalking.
Key Considerations:
- Ideal for architectural applications such as window frames, curtain walls, and building facades.
- Highest level of UV and weather resistance, but also one of the most expensive options.
- Generally rated for AAMA 2605, these powders require large order volume
- Limited color and gloss options.
- Often require key information about the projects they will be used on.
- Generally, applicators of this powder must be certified by the powder manufacturer in order to pass on warranty for project.
Color matching can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the formulation, and some suppliers may have limited color options or require large minimum orders
7. Acrylic Powder Coatings
Acrylic-based powder coatings offer excellent clarity and smoothness, making them ideal for high-gloss finishes. They are often used in clear coat applications or on products that require scratch resistance and good color retention.
Key Considerations:
- Excellent for high-gloss and clear topcoat applications where aesthetics are a priority.
- Provide good UV stability, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- More expensive compared to other types of powder coatings and can be more difficult to formulate for custom color matching.
- May require designated coating application area due to cross-contamination risks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right powder coating for your project is crucial for ensuring the durability, performance, and aesthetic appeal of the final product. By carefully considering the intended use, environment, and formulation characteristics of each type of powder coating, you can make an informed decision that balances cost, longevity, and appearance. Whether you're looking for UV stability, corrosion resistance, or high-gloss finishes, understanding the strengths and limitations of each powder type will help you select the best coating to meet your project's specific needs.
