The powder coating process is a dry painting process that is mainly used for coating metal. There are several methods for applying powder coating. The most commonly used method is spraying electrostatically charged particles of pigment and resin onto an electrically grounded piece. Heat is used to melt the powder, causing it to flow, form a thin film and eventually dry to a hard, scratch-resistant shell.
As with any painting job, the most important step in the powder coating process is preparing the surface. Before the powder coat is applied, metal surfaces are thoroughly cleaned to remove oils, dirt and grease. After the metal has been cleaned, it is generally rinsed and given an acid bath to etch the surface. An etched or slightly rough surface helps to ensure proper adhesion and an even distribution during the powder coating process.
The next step in the process is the actual powder application. The application method varies depending on the type of powder being used. The two main types of media used in the powder coating process are thermoplastic powder and thermoset polymer. Both types of powder rely on heat curing, but they do so in different ways.
Thermoplastic powder is usually applied to a heated work piece. The hot metal causes the powder to melt, flow and then harden upon cooling. Thermoplastic powder does not undergo any chemical change as it hardens. That means that the finished work can often be reheated to even out any thin or uneven spots in the finish.
Read more: What is the Powder Coating Process?
