Powder Coating Basics

Powder coating technology, the first products of which were used 50 years ago, has developed dramatically since the early 1970s. It is seen as a solution to the VOC problem as its manufacture and use requires no solvent usage. This, coupled with excellent economics, and increased quality and performance are demonstrated by the fast rate of growth in the industrial finishing sector. The range of applications has widened due to the inherent attributes of powder coatings - toughness and durability - that can offer functional protection with a range of decorative properties to a diversity of metallic and non-metallic substrates.

A major difference between powder coatings and traditional liquid coatings is that powder coatings are completely ready for use requiring no solvent adjustments. This leads to reduced fire hazards, more efficient handling and less factory storage space. Another key difference is that a powder coating is applied in most cases as a one coat finish.