Powder Coating FAQ

What is powder coating and how does it work?
Powder coating is an advanced method of applying a decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products that are used by both industries and consumers. The powder coating process uses a solvent free dry mix of plastic resins, pigments and fillers that melt and fuse together when heated. The solid particles of coating are electrostatically charged in a spray gun and carried by low velocity air to the surface of the piece to be coated. The electrostatic charge holds the powder particles in place while the part is cured in an oven at the required temperature. The heat of the oven causes a chemical reaction to occur and the powder to cure, creating a highly durable finish.

Why powder coat?
Powder coating is the fastest growing industrial finishing method in North America representing 15% of the total market and growing at 20%. Powder coating today can be found on millions of items. The advantages of powder coating are:

• Protects the environment: Powder coating contains no solvents and releases negligible amounts, if any, of VOCs into the atmosphere. In addition, most powder coating overspray that does not adhere to the part can be retrieved and reused, virtually eliminating the waste commonly found in liquid finishing processes.
  
  
• More durable: Powder coating provides one of the most economical, longest-lasting, and most color-durable quality finishes available. Powder coated surfaces extend product life by providing a product that is more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than other finishes. Color selection is virtually unlimited with high and low gloss, metallic, and clear coat finishes available.
  
  
• Attractive: Powder coating will make your product look better and last longer. Customers prefer the appearance and finish of items powder coated. It's tough, looks great, extends the brightness of the color and lasts a very long time.
  
  
• Corrosion Resistance: Powder coating acts as a barrier to corrosive chemicals and moisture which are the essential components of the corrosion process.

Is powder coating environmentally friendly?
YES! Powder coating is an environmentally friendly process unlike solvent-based wet paint systems. With EPA regulations growing more strict, powder coating is fast becoming the technology of choice. While liquid finishes contain solvents which have pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), powder coating contains no solvents and releases zero VOCs to the atmosphere for an environmentally "green” technique. Elimination of VOCs and reduction of wastes saves money and helps companies comply more easily and economically with the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, unused or oversprayed powder can be recovered, so any waste is minimal and can be disposed of easily and safely.

What is the difference between Powder Coating and wet paint?
Powder coatings have proven to be an efficient, economical, and ecologically sound method of industrial finishing. Generally, powders outperform liquids because of their higher molecular weight and greater insolubility; there is less film porosity with superior chemical resistance, toughness, hardness and abrasion resistance. Some of the advantages of powder coatings versus liquid include:

• Powder is an attractive choice over liquid finishing systems because it is a 100% solid material that contains no solvents. Powder coatings permit compliance with volatile organic compound (VOC) air pollution standards.
  
  
• Powder coat provides chip, abrasion and heat resistance, prevents corrosion chemical resistance.
  
  
• Powder eliminates the need for storing flammable paints and solvents. In addition, there is no liquid paint sludge to dispose as hazardous waste.
  
  
• Oven exhaust and air make up can be reduced because no solvent fumes are emitted during the curing cycle. This results in considerable energy savings.
  
  
• Powder that is not deposited on the part can be reclaimed and reused, increasing material efficiency to as much as 95 to 98 percent.
  
  
• Powder coatings can offer excellent color consistency, color matching capabilities and color and gloss retention.

What can be powder coated?
Any conductive metal object that can hold an electrostatic charge and withstand the heat of the curing process can be powder coated. Powder can be applied to intricate surfaces and still maintain a uniform finish across the entire piece. In addition, glass and certain woods can also be powder coated. For 30 years, powder coating has been the finish of choice for a superior, more colorful, longer lasting and more durable finish.

What markets does Powder Coating Specialists serve?

• Architectural: Decorative, railings, gates, fencing, balconies, stairs, light fixtures, etc.
  
  
• Construction/Building Materials: Doors, window frames, lifts, doors, ladders, fasteners, railings, scaffolding, gutters, etc.
  
  
• Electronics: Control panels, housings, switches, brackets, conduit, etc.
  
  
• Fishing/Hunting: Bows, stands, lures, equipment, etc.

• Household: Lawn furniture, light fixtures, shelving, decorative items, mailboxes, lawn ornaments, snow plows, etc.
  
  
• Manufacturing: Pumps, fixtures, work tables, housings, pipes, machinery & components, etc.
  
  
• Motorsports: Frames/chassis, wheels, bodies, antennas, hitches, roll bars, valve covers, engine parts, manifolds, exhausts, etc.
  
  
• Marine: Outriggers, outdrives, trailers, anchors, docks, hand rails, cleats, towing equipment, radar arches, etc.
  
  
• Municipalities: Signage, garbage/smoking receptacles, meters, community signs, benches, bike racks, book/video return boxes, etc.
  
  
• Parks & Recreation: Decks, bleachers, benches, bike racks, playground equipment, water fountains, newspaper machines, etc.
  
  
• Retail: Display racks, point of purchase displays, shelves, cart returns, shopping carts, etc.

What textures does Powder Coating Specialists offer?

• Smooth: Available in a variety of gloss ranges to highlight appearance and depth.
  
  
• Textured: Often used to hide irregularities or imperfections in the parts. They are also effective at hiding fingerprints and give a distinctive feel to a product.
  
  
• Wrinkle: A special class of textures which offer style variation and a consistent appearance.
  
  
• Hammertones/Veins: Give an antique or distressed look and are widely used on metal furniture & fixtures.
  
  
• Metallic: Adds sparkle highlights to a base color to increase richness.
  
  
• Clear: Provide protection and also serve as a top coat over metallics to bring out the luster.
  
  
• Tints: Non-hiding coatings that add highlight color.
  
  
• Gloss: Ranges from flat to high gloss.

Does Powder Coating Specialists offer any functional powders?
Anti graffiti: A powder coating for easier cleaning of facade components, surface suitable for removal of typical spray paint used for graffiti.

Anti-microbial: An excellent choice for schools, a powder to combat the growth and spread of harmful microbes on powder coated surfaces is available. Perfect for schools, municipalities, public transportation, restaurants and restrooms.

Reflective: an extremely durable and cost-effective finish that looks great by day and protects people and objects with over 1,000 feet of bright, life-saving visibility at night.

High Heat: A high heat resistant powder coating for interior and exterior applications typically associated with industrial or machining parts.

What colors does Powder Coating Specialists offer?
Powder Coating Specialists only uses the premium quality powders from Tiger Drylac & DuPont. With so many colors to choose from, Powder Coating Specialists can assist you in choosing the correct coating and color for your specific job. Color charts for the powders we use are available on the Services page.

What is a clear coat?
Clear powder coating protects the underlying finish and adds depth and luster to the surface. Clear powder coat is applied as a second coat and sprayed while the piece is still hot. Then the piece is returned to the oven for an additional curing process. We recommend using a clear powder coating on any piece that is exposed to elements that could cause it to fade or be subject to damage.

Can you powder coat for a chrome finish?
There are powders available to achieve a chrome finish. One thing that must be understood is that these are 2-coat processes and they are not an exact match for chrome. However, the advances made in metallic powder coatings have provided some amazing results that are being used heavily by custom coaters worldwide in replacement of chrome plating.

What about holes with threads & other areas that I want to remain coating free?
High temperature masking can be applied to special surfaces such as threads or high tolerance areas to keep them from being coated. We also use high temperature silicon plugs for threaded holes or shafts.

How should I prep my parts?
Powder Coating Specialists requires ridding parts of any grease, oils or any foreign substance. before parts are dropped off. Additional fees will be incurred if cleaning is necessary.

Does Powder Coating Specialists provide pick-up and delivery?
Yes, Powder Coating Specialists offers FREE pick-up and delivery for customers in the Brookfied area and neighboring cities.

Can I ship an order to Powder Coating Specialists?
Yes, Powder Coating Specialists is equipped with 2 overhead doors for delivery and a forklift to receive shipments.

What forms of payment are acceptable?
Powder Coating Specialists accepts Mastercard/VISA as well as other cash payments.