Powder coating is the process of coating the surface of certain materials with a powder substance using an electrostatic or compressed air method. The coated fixture or materials are then heated or "cured" to a melting point, forming a smooth or textured finish which, when cooled, becomes a durable finish resistant to peeling, scratches, cracking, and rust.

The powder coating process involves multiple steps.

• Cleaning to insure the product to be coated is free of oils, dirt, and rust residue that would compromise adhesion which would affect the end result.
• Pretreatment of the product is treated with a chemical or conversion coating, usually phosphate, to further protect it and improve the surface for powder adherence.
• Drying of the product to safeguard against water or chemicals that could interfere with the application or adhesion.
• Electrostatic powder coating of product either manually or with automatic equipment.
• Precision timing to cure the coated product in a specially designed and digitally instrumented oven, at varying temperatures and times.

Advantages of Powder Coating

Powder coatings have become the application of choice for all types of products from store fixtures,  exercise equipment, storage containers, office and home furniture, to appliances and automotive parts. An environmentally and economically advantageous, high quality custom applied and durable finish represents the most visible and influential characteristic to both manufactures and consumers.

QUALITY: The characteristics of powder coating provide superior consistency and uniformity of finish without sags, drips, runs, or bubbles. The remarkably durable coating enhances the high quality, value-added image of products.  Attributes of powder coating such as impact resistance, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, provide a better quality of finished products than with liquid applications. Powder coated parts resist cracking, peeling, and marring during handling and normal service use.

ECONOMICS: The advantage to manufacturers and consumers is a coated part with a superior quality finish at a reasonable cost. Powder coatings are frequently a cost saving alternative to liquid paints with respect to energy savings, labor costs, rework costs, material usage, waste disposal, and overall line efficiency.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Environmental issues are of growing significance to the government regulators,  industry watchers and consumers alike.  Powder coatings are compliant with environmental regulations, as opposed to liquid paints that often contain solvents that have the potential to contribute to environmental pollution. Powder coatings are free of contaminates that create by-products which are required by the EPA to be disposed of in regulated hazardous waste landfills.  Properly formulated powder coatings generate no such hazardous waste. Manufactures and consumers are being ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE when selling and purchasing a product with a high quality powder material.