At home, people used paint in spray cans, but the quality of the painted surface left much to be desired. Paints and varnishes are sometimes simply ineffective. But there is another way, or rather not even a way, but a whole technology. So, powder coating - what is it? Let's try to find out the answer to this question.
What is it like?
So, this type of paint is called a powder of a very fine dispersion, which is obtained by melting the film-forming components, various pigments, as well as special additives. Then all the components are mixed, and then the melt is extruded and the result is a thin plate. Then this plate is crushed, ground and fractionated.
As for film-forming materials, these are often polyester or epoxy resins or any mixtures thereof. Acrylate and urethane materials are somewhat less commonly used. One particle of such a powder has a size of 10 to 100 microns.
Powder coating - what is it?
It is believed that such paints are completely environmentally friendly, the technology of staining with them is completely waste-free. The result is the highest quality decorative as well as decorative protective polymer coatings.
Such a coating is formed from a polymer powder.
It is applied to the surface to be treated. There is a special method for this. The powder layer is very thin. Then this layer is melted at temperatures from 160 degrees. And then the most uniform and continuous coating is formed.
Since the technology provides for high temperatures, powder coating is used only for metal or glass products. Over the past 10 years, this innovative technology has been able to break its way into many areas where previously applied more traditional coatings based on paints and varnishes.
Today, using powder paints, about 15% of all products are painted. And this figure is increasing every day.
Technology benefits
Powder coating, what is it, why is this method so popular? Everything is simple. This technology is very economical. There are not a large number of operations, the polymerization rate is very high. Powder coating equipment is compact in size. It must also be said that the paint is hard. The composition does not contain any solvent. The utilization rate is more than 95%. This is so, thanks to a special recovery system for such compounds. So, the unused part of the powder is returned back to the technological processes and it can be reused.
If we talk about traditional liquid paints and varnishes, approximately 40 to 60% of the coloring matter remains in the solvent, and it does not remain on the coating. So, the utilization rates of traditional paint are only 40-60%. This is if you do not take into account the various losses that sometimes occur when staining.
High savings, low cost
Low cost is another advantage. The price depends on the surface area, as well as on the complexity of the subject. Also, the price is formed by the type of paint. What is the saving?
Powder coating - what is it? This is a coloration without solvents, which in liquid analogs play the role of just a carrier for a film-forming substance. Thanks to energy savings for heating and ventilation, and also because there is no need to spend money or energy on the process of evaporation of solvents, the cost of the technology is very, very affordable.
Also, there is no need for large rooms - the equipment can accommodate in a small workshop.
Speed of work
The technology can significantly reduce the hardening time of the treated coatings. So, the film is formed very, very quickly, so the layer needs to be dried only once, and not repeatedly, as is the case with conventional paints and varnishes. Powder coating of metal, for example, car parts today is a very relevant service.
Ease of use
The staining process is very simple. There is no need for constant monitoring of the viscosity of the paints and constant adjustments to the desired consistency. This provides not only savings, but also high stability of the machined surfaces. It is much easier to remove powder from spray devices.
Variety of colors and shades
Powder coating - what is it? This is an opportunity to use more than 5000 different colors, their shades, as well as a variety of textures. Any surfaces can acquire properties that are simply impossible or very expensive with traditional painting technologies.
For example, powder coating of metal in silver or aluminum metallic, fluorescent type paints , with the effect of "antizika", imitating moire or granite - all this is available. In addition, you can make the surface more glossy or, conversely, more matte.
Durability and surface strength
Powder coating differs from traditional paint coatings in increased chemical resistance, as well as excellent physical and mechanical characteristics. So, in order to damage the layer, a force of more than 500 Nm must be applied, and the bending strength is 1 mm.
The resulting coating is quite shockproof.
This has already been appreciated by cyclists, motorcyclists, car owners. Powder painting of a bicycle is a popular service for those who prefer to ride in extreme disciplines and at the same time want the frame to be constantly in a new state.
High environmental friendliness
This method of painting various surfaces helps to get rid of various environmental problems. So, there is no need for flammable and sufficiently toxic solvents. The process is completely waste-free. Powder that has not settled on the surface can be reused. In addition, the working conditions of the personnel who work in such a site are much better than if they used ordinary materials.
The advantages of powder technology
This is an opportunity to get a fairly thick single layer coating. In the case of paints and varnishes would have to apply several layers.
Powder coating of metal products, glass and others is fully automated. The film practically does not shrink after painting work. No adverse effects due to the absence of any solvents.
Any leaks and wrinkling can be completely eliminated.
Powder paint has good temperature resistance.
How to apply it?
There are several methods for applying such coatings. The most popular of them is electrostatic, as well as tribostatic. If you want to see what powder painting is, a photo of it is in this article.
Electrostatic spray painting
This method involves charging with a corona charge. This is an industrial technology. It is quite popular due to its high efficiency. Many powder paints lend themselves to a charge. The method is quite productive - it is used to work on large surfaces.
Along with the pros, this electrostatic spraying has some disadvantages.
A strong electric field is created between the atomizer and the part. This can complicate the staining process in corners and in deep grooves. In addition, improper adjustment can sometimes degrade surface quality.
Tribostatic spraying method
What is such a powder coating? What is tribostatic spraying?
This is friction charging. Unlike electrostatics, there is no high voltage generator that is needed for the atomizer.
Teflon is used for this method. This material allows you to perfectly charge many powder paints. Atomizers for this technology do not need strong electric fields. Charged particles can penetrate even the most inaccessible places. It is possible to apply paint in several layers.
Paint at home
Do-it-yourself powder painting requires a complete set of equipment.
As for surface preparation, it is the same as in the case of paints and varnishes.
At home, painting something using this technology is an expensive and difficult task. If you need to paint one or two parts, it is easier to contact the company that offers this service.