Hello, friends, in this post we will discuss How Long Does Powder Coating Last? Power coating operated for 40 years based on uses and preparation, material used, and type. Some types of powder coatings are durable, resistant to weather, and come with high uses, and some affect powder coating. Here we will cover details about powder coating and learn how much it can last.
WHAT IS POWDER COATING?
Powder coating is a dry coating employed on metallic finishes on industrial devices. Powder coating is applied to dry powder through the use of an electrostatic process and then cured with the use of heat. It has high-quality finishes and is good, so it is used.
Powder coating finishes have stiff and flexible features. It is used for different surfaces like metals, concrete, steel, and plastic. It is best for indoor and outdoor uses.
Types of Powder Coating
There are two main types of power coating explained here.
Thermoplastic:
- Due to heating, these powder-coating finishes become liquid, and there is no need for chemical bonding. These polymers are good for metallic and automotive components.
- Thermoplastics have lower melting points and are used for recycled materials. Thermoplastic coatings come with polyester and acrylic.
Thermoset:
- After curing the coating, chemical bonding is made, has features for handling high temperatures, and is good for being solid and durable. Its common examples are epoxy and polyurethane.
HOW DOES POWDER COATING METAL WORK?
Powder coating is based on polymer resin with the use of pigments, curative flow modifiers, and some other additives. All components are combined in melted form and cooled to make the powder-like design. For smooth finishing, preheating is used, and cooling makes hard coating.
The powder coating press reduces the wastage of overspray that is performed for solvent-based paints. Powder coatings are different from paint as they need an electric charge for work and paint employs adhesive.
Electrostatic paint dryers are used for this process. It affects positive electric charge to power and passes to components through electrostatic discharge. The chemical bonding process increases powder power coatings because cured bonds become solid.
The basic advantage of powder coating is that when it becomes solid, more layers make for a proper thickness value. Thick coatings offer high protection and increase longevity. Powder coatings are good for metallic as they have repulsion from corrosive materials such as chemicals and water.
What Shortens the Lifespan of Powder Coating?
- Saltwater, blowing sand, and other environmental factors affect the coating.
- The connection with industries and other chemicals and compounds, for example, xylene, gasoline, and caustics, effects powder coatings.
- The use of abrasive cleaners such as scouring pads and steel wools affects the longevity of powder.
HOW LONG DO THE POWDER COATING FINISH LAST?
The working life of components is based on some factors like preparation quality, types of powder, and working conditions. Powder coating finishes operated for about 20 years, but due to constant use in UV light and external conditions, they can damage.
Different coatings have a different life, like coatings that are fluoropolymers and urethanes have a longer working life. They are made for handling harsh conditions and are good to use for external conditions. Epoxy coatings operated for longer indoor uses, and external conditions were affected badly.
Advantages of Powder Coatings
- It is environmentally friendly because it is used again. Thermoplastic coatings can be reshaped more easily than thermosets. The powder is used properly with low waste as compared to overspray spaces.
- It is a low-cost solution and is polished for powder coating metals.
DISADVANTAGES
- It is difficult to get the required thickness for coating. It can make an uneven thickness that affects the complete texture. If powder coating is affected, it is needed to apply again.
- Recycling and reusing powder coating resulted in cross-contamination. That means colors are not used, reduces efficiency, and mismatches the touch required.
Applications
- It is part of aircraft and spacecraft component production and makes coating finishes.
- These finishes are used for making buildings and structures and for the architectural sector.
- It is employed for mechanical component resistance for chemical or heating damage.
- It provides epoxy coatings for wire insulation.
- Molds that come with a food-grade powder coating help to bake food easily.
- It is employed for metallic furniture longer and is good for powder coating surfaces.
- It is also employed for lighting and writing to help to avoid heat resistance and insulation features of different powder coatings.
Faqs
Does powder coating last longer than paint?
- Powder coating finishes are durable as compared to painted finishes. This coating protects metallic components for 2 decades. But exposing moisture, UV, and heat degrades both finishes with a time process called chalking.
What can damage powder coating?
- Abravie cleaning products, weather or UV lights, and other factors affect the coating. When finished, it can stain and fade.
Is powder coating costly?
- It is a higher cost than a simple garage rattle finish. It is also good for longer working and resistance to damage.
What is better than powder coating?
- It is checked that polyurea is 15 times more durable as compared to powder coating. Since polyurea applications operated for many years without repairs.
Is powder coating waterproof?
- Powder coating is a solid layer that offers protection from water. So the main reason is the use of this coating and not needing wet paint for protection again from corrosion.