POWDER COATING
This finishing process involves the electrostatic application of a dry powder coating, which settles onto the surface and is then set through the application of heat. The outcome of the power coating finishing process is a tough, thick finish, which is harder and more durable than common paints. This kind of coating is popularly used on a number of products, including automobile parts and various household appliances. When powder coating a surface, one of these two processes can be opted for: thermosets and thermoplastics. Thermosetting makes use of chemicals that react to the powder when heated, whereas thermoplastics melt and set into the coating upon heating, and no additional chemicals are involved in the process. The two processes are visually identical.
ADVANTAGES OF POWDER COATING
Powder coating a metal object allows for a dense sturdy finish, more durable than conventional paints. The process only requires a single coat so it is fast, efficient, and easy. In addition to its ease of application, it allows for custom textured and coloured finishes as the powders involved can be manipulated. Powder coating objects result in a remarkably even finish as the powder melts and sets across the entire object at once, leaving no application traces or drips. Finally, the powder coating process is environmentally friendly as it produces minimal volatile organic compounds.
DISADVANTAGES OF POWDER COATING
With a number of benefits, there are also some disadvantages of powder coating. The first is its inability to produce a thin finish. Although a thick sturdy finish on metal objects works well in most cases but some objects require a thinner finish which is where powder coating fails. Attempting to thin the polymer results in a course, bumpy finish much like an orange peel. Another drawback is the complexity and expensive nature of the procedure, making it unsuitable for small-scale sheet metal applications. The process requires electrostatic equipment, spray materials, and an oven which could all be too much work and expense for a minor application.
PAINTING
Wet paint has been used for years as the conventional finishing coat, although the process has seen various changes with technological development. A majority of sheet metal fabrication procedures make use of a pump, spray, or another form of a pressurized applicant to evenly deliver the paint over the metal surface.
Similar to powder coating, the metal surface is wiped thoroughly clean first, after which liquid paint is evenly blasted onto the object to a thickness of about 15-20 micrometres. The process ends once the object has been evenly coated with paint to the required thickness.
ADVANTAGES OF WET PAINTING
Wet paint excels where powder coating fails. The wide range of colours paint finish can produce, allows for much more custom colour works than powder coating. Painting can produce a thin finish, making it ideal for objects that require one. Paint is more affordable as a finishing process than powder coating, making it suitable for both large and small finishing applications.
DISADVANTAGED OF WET PAINTING
The disadvantage of painting is the lack of durability if compared to powder coating, with regular maintenance and re-finishing required from time to time. The second disadvantage of paint is its inability to achieve an even finish the first time around, with the object requiring several coats to attain an unblemished and even finish. Unlike powder coating which uses powder as the initial coat, this process uses liquid paint which can be tricky to spread across the body of the object keeping the thickness consistent.
