Blog > Coatings > Commercial Coatings > Powder Coatings

Powder Coatings

Fleming Coatings have a new state of the art facility for powder coating for application on a range of specifications. With a full pre-treatment system available we can cater for a number applications.

Why Powder Coating?

Powder Coating is an economical method to create a desired aesthetic quality in a product whilst also offering excellent durability and resistance to surface scratches chipping and chemical corrosion, even in the harshest of climates.

The nature of the process means that powders are ready for use, eliminating variable finishes, reduces processing time and results in superior film properties.

A technical description:

It is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a “skin”. The powder is a thermoplastic polymer. It is used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint.

What is the process?

Stage 1: Pre-treatment

It is essential to prepare to the material for powder coating appropriately as this has greatest influence on achieving the best possible results. There are various methods of pre-treating for powder coating from shotblasting and handblasting to chemical pre-treatments and galvanising.

Stage 2: The powder application

Thermoset Powder is applied uniformily over the product via a spray gun. This works by grounding the object and the gun imparts a positive electric charge onto the powder which is then projected onto the material and ‘sticks’ to it.

Stage 3 – Curing

The properties within thermoset powders mean that when it is exposed to high temperatures they start to melt, flow out, and then react forming a higher moleculer weight polymer. This curing process requires a certain degree of temperature for a certain length of time to establish the full film properties. In effect the product with powder applied is put in a convention oven for a period of time to ‘bake’ the powder to the product.

Advantages of Powder Coating

  • Environmentally friendly – no solvents required
  • Cost-effective
  • Finishes are tough and flexible making it harder to chip or crack
  • Gives a 100% solid coating
  • Almost no waste produced
  • Massive range of colours and finish
  • Special effects are easily accomplished
  • Fast turnaround times
  • Protection against external UV fading
  • Exceptional colour retention
  • Excellent electrical insulation capabilities
  • Resistant to most chemicals and solvents