Sand-textured powder coatings

Surface Finish Options Overview

Introduction

Sand-textured powder coatings are a unique type of finish that provide a distinctive, tactile surface with a granular or sandy appearance. Applied as a dry powder and then cured through heat, these coatings create a uniform texture that mimics the feel of sandpaper or fine gravel. The sand-like texture not only adds a visually appealing, non-slip surface but also provides excellent wear resistance and durability. Sand-textured powder coatings are available in a variety of colors and can be customized to meet specific design requirements. Their textured surface also helps to hide minor scratches and imperfections, making them a practical and aesthetic choice for many applications.

Applications

Sand-textured powder coatings are widely used in applications where both functionality and aesthetics are important. In the furniture industry, they are applied to metal chairs, tables, and storage units to provide a non-slip surface and a unique, tactile finish. In the automotive sector, sand-textured coatings are used for underbody parts and engine components, offering protection against wear and corrosion while providing a rugged appearance. In architectural applications, sand-textured powder coatings are ideal for outdoor railings, handrails, and architectural elements, providing a slip-resistant and visually appealing surface. They are also used in industrial settings for equipment and machinery, where their durability and non-slip properties enhance safety and functionality.

Types of powder coating

Powder coatings can be categorized by resin system (epoxy, polyester, hybrid, polyurethane), appearance (smooth, texture, hammer, metallic, pearlescent), or performance level (anti-corrosion, heat-resistant, UV-resistant, architectural grade, automotive grade).

Powder coating colours and effects

Powder coatings offer thousands of colors in gloss, matte, satin, metallic, candy, texture, wrinkle, hammer tone, wood grain, fluorescent, and other custom effects. Special powders can create soft-touch, anti-scratch, anti-fingerprint, or anti-graffiti surfaces.

Powder coating process

The process generally includes surface pretreatment (degreasing, phosphating, chromating, sandblasting), drying, electrostatic spraying, curing in an oven, and cooling. A well-controlled pretreatment and curing process ensures strong adhesion and long service life.

Powder coating benefits

Powder coatings are environmentally friendly, solvent-free, and produce minimal waste. They offer excellent corrosion resistance, weather durability, mechanical strength, and uniform film appearance. The coating is tough, impact-resistant, scratch-resistant, and has a long lifespan.

Applications for Powder Coatings

Powder coatings are widely used in appliances, aluminum profiles, architectural components, automotive parts, bicycles, furniture, outdoor equipment, machinery, electrical cabinets, pipeline systems, and general industrial and consumer goods.

FAQ

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a dry finishing technology where finely ground powder is electrostatically sprayed onto a metal or non-metal surface and then cured at high temperature. After curing, the powder melts into a continuous, durable, and decorative coating layer.

What does powder coating do?

Powder coating protects the substrate from corrosion, weathering, chemical attack, and mechanical wear. It also provides decorative appearance with rich colors, gloss levels, textures, and special effects.

Is powder coating better than paint?

In many industrial applications, powder coating outperforms liquid paint. It forms a thicker and tougher coating, resists corrosion and chemicals better, and does not contain VOCs. It also provides excellent consistency and cost-effective mass production.

Why is it called powder coating?

It is called powder coating because the coating material is a solid powder instead of a liquid paint. The coating is formed by melting and curing powder particles under heat.

What are the different types of powder coating?

Powder coatings include several families depending on resin chemistry:

• Epoxy powders

• Polyester powders

• Epoxy-polyester hybrid powders

• Polyurethane powders

• Acrylic powders

• Fluorocarbon (PVDF) powders

Each type has its own performance features such as corrosion resistance, UV resistance, chemical resistance, outdoor durability, or decorative properties.

Which material is used in powder coating?

Powder coatings are based on thermoset or thermoplastic resins combined with pigments, curing agents, fillers, additives, and in some cases metallic or effect particles. Common substrates include steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, MDF, and certain heat-resistant plastics.

How long will powder coating last?

The lifespan depends on powder type, film thickness, application method, pretreatment, and service environment. Indoor coatings can last more than 10–20 years. High-grade outdoor polyester or fluorocarbon powders can last 15–25 years or longer under UV exposure.