What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating 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".  It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of high volume metals, such as household appliances, aluminium extrusions, Medical, automobile and bicycle parts, due to the requirements for high volume, high quality durable coatings.

As powder coating does not have a liquid carrier, it can produce thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging, and powder coating produces minimal appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces and vertically coated surfaces. Because no carrier fluid evaporates away, the coating process emits few volatile organic compounds (VOC). Finally, several powder colors can be applied before curing them all together, allowing color blending and bleed special effects in a single layer.

 

What are the advantages of using Powder Coating instead of other coating treatments?

  1. Powder coatings emit near zero volatile organic compounds (VOC).
  2. Powder coatings can produce much thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging.
  3. Powder coated items generally have fewer appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces and vertically coated surfaces than liquid coated items.
  4. The wide range of specialist effects are easily accomplished using powder coatings that would be impossible to achieve with other coating processes

 

So what does Berkshire Powder Coatings offer?

Utilising the very latest in technology, BPC's fully online plant ensures the highest standard together with outstanding throughput. We offer a wide range of powder coatings which cover almost any need.  The popular ones are listed below together with their common uses.  If you need further infomation or require a less popular coating, please get in touch to discuss your requirement.

1.

EPOXY POWDER COATING: 

Epoxy powder coating is recommended for use in interior situations where chemical resistance, and Moisture resistant properties are essential.

Typical applications for epoxy powder coatings are: 

  • Internal Furniture – for example office desking
  • Storage racks
  • Interior Display furniture

2.

POLYESTER POWDER COATING: 

Polyester powder coatings are recommended for general exterior situations as they offer a durable finish with very good abrasive, UV and weather resistance properties ideal for exterior use.  A specialized grade of Polyester Powder is available for architectural applications.

 Typical applications for Polyester coatings include:

  • Architectural cladding systems
  • Exterior Building Products
  • Automotive Components
  • Electrical Components

3.

POLYESTER NYLON REINFORCED POWDER COATING: 

These specialised type of coatings is recommended for uses that require additional durability over and beyond that of Architectural Polyester powder, providing increased abrasive resistance and chemical resistance.

 Typical applications for reinforced nylon coatings include:

  • Medical Equipment
  • High end Furniture
  • Laboratory equipment

4.

NYLON POWDER COATING: 

Recommended where components require high impact resistance, and durability against oil solvent and chemical application. Nylon coatings also offer a Low Coefficient of friction.

Typical applications for Nylon coatings include:

  • Tray / drawer runners
  • Wire Cable trays
  • External hand railing
  • Catering applications – Fridge shelving

5.

ZINC RICH PRIMERS: 

Zinc Rich Primer Powder coatings are recommended where components require high resistance to corrosive forces and work in collaboration with the in line Chemical conversion pre-treatment used without Iron phosphate treatment.

Once the Zinc Rich Primer is applied it is then partially cured prior to the application of the top coat to ensure the perfect bonding of the 2 layers and increase the overall durability of the top coat.