Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a dry powder, an alternative to traditional liquid paint. The advanced powder coating process utilizes finely ground particles that are electro-statically charged and sprayed onto surfaces. It is usually applied to create a hard finish that results in a more durable finish than can be achieved with liquid paint.
As the parts are heated, the melted powder forms a coating that is both physically and chemically bonded to the surface. These custom powder coatings are virtually chip, fade and scratch-resistant. Eco-friendly powder coating is significantly more durable than conventional painting, but not necessarily more costly. Plus, today’s eco coatings are a much more environmentally friendly alternative to powder coatings of the past.
Environmental Advantages of Powder Coating
Environmentally friendly powder coating is mainly for the coating of metals for structural steel and highway component products. Powder coating was first applied in Australia in the 1960s.
The environmentally friendly powder coating has several advantages over traditional powder coating and conventional liquid coatings.
Low Emissions
The eco-friendly powder coatings emit zero or near zero solvents that are known to produce volatile organic compounds (VOC). These organic chemicals have a high vapor pressure at ordinary, room-temperature conditions, and many of them are dangerous to human health or cause harm to the environment.
Less Waste
Environmentally friendly powder coating overspray can be recycled, and thus it is possible to achieve nearly 92% use of the coating.
Environmentally friendly powder coating also produces less hazardous waste than conventional liquid coatings and lessens the overall environmental impact.
The use of eco-friendly powder coating produces no wastewater discharge into the public sewer, groundwater or the earth’s surface.
No Toxicity
Unlike some finishes, environmentally friendly powder coating is not toxic. It contains no heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium. It likewise does not contain harmful carcinogens, which are substances or agents that can cause cells to become cancerous by altering their genetic structure so they multiply continuously and become malignant.
Less Pollution
Treatment water is often utilized as the source of process water in the pretreatment processes. The use of eco-friendly powder coating produces no wastewater discharge into the public sewer, groundwater or the earth’s surface. Eco-friendly powder coating does not produce any hazardous wastes as by-products of the powder coating process.
Because powder coating operations are quite clean, there is also no excess air pollution. That means exhaust air can be immediately returned to the plant with minimal external exhaust. With no make-up air required, there’s also less energy consumption — another aspect that helps the environment.
Regulation Compliance
Powder coating requires less waste disposal treatment than traditional wet paint, making for more eco-friendly processes. Plus, its inherent properties — inert, non-toxic and low-VOC — meet or exceed national environmental protection regulations.
Effective and Inexpensive
While the use of eco-friendly powder coating can be good for the environment, powder coating, are also wallet-friendly.
These coatings are typically more durable than conventional liquid coatings and are often less expensive than comparable liquid options. Not only is the use of eco-friendly powder coating quick, usually taking no more than an hour to complete, it is also inexpensive, because it does not require several coats, like that of conventional liquid paint. And when eco-friendly powder coating is applied to items, it generally has fewer appearance differences between surfaces, making it a viable alternative.
Eco-friendly powder coating also offers a wide range of specialty effects, which is easily accomplished. Such effects would be impossible to achieve with other coating processes. Additionally, advanced powder coating can produce much thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging.
Coating Applications in the Home
While it is often associated with bigger, more industrial projects, environmentally friendly powder coating is also a smarter and more economical way of applying a decorative and protective finish to metal and aluminum products in the home.
Powder coating is not just a useful alternative for metal doors and frames, roofing or wrought iron fences. It is also a popular refinishing method championed by homeowners and consumers for products like patio furniture, office furniture, driveway entry gates, barbecue grills, aluminum basketball frame systems, bathroom fixtures and animal pens, as well as car rims and bodies.
Eco-friendly powder coating is a cost-effective way to restore and refinish any metal or aluminum product. Since it lasts longer than its alternative coating methods, in some cases up to 20 years, you will be saving money, as less maintenance is required. It also guards against rusting and erosion, something traditional liquid or spray paint cannot do.
Other Advantages of Powder Coating
Eco-friendly powder coating has additional advantages beyond being a greener choice. These benefits include:
- Variety: There are multiple color options and finishing styles to create a unique look. Choose from textured or smooth, matte or glossy, and more selections.
- Durability: Powder coating produces a strong finish. Get better protection from weather elements, corrosion, moisture and more than you would with traditional liquid paints.
- Compatibility: This finishing solution is ideal for various materials. You can coat metal, glass, plastic, wood and more.
- Speed: The powder coating process offers swift curing and cooling. Enjoy faster turnaround for more throughput overall.
- Longevity: Thanks to the thermal bonding, high-quality powder coats are long-lasting. Expect powder-coated items to remain newer-looking for longer.
- Care: Powder-coated finishes are easy to care for. Maintain your investment with less time and cost than a traditional painted finish.
Get Affordable Coating Solutions From Lane Coatings
Lane Coatings has over 30 years of experience in eco-friendly powder coating and other solutions. Our team expertly handles projects of all scopes and sizes, in the field and in-house from our Carlisle, Pennsylvania, facility.
Browse through our project gallery to see examples of our work, or contact a coatings specialist for more information or a custom quote.
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