Metal powder coating

Surface Finish Options Overview

Introduction

Based on the users' pursuit of metal texture and effect, the market demand for metal powder is increasing. At present, the market mainly relies on paint with metal effect, which has high cost, soft coating hardness, low utilization rate, and the VOC emission of paint seriously pollutes the earth’s ecological environment and affects human health. With the continuous advancement of the national green development policy, environmental protection laws and regulations have been implemented in various places, and the wave of ''painting powder'' has become a general trend.
 

Standard has accumulated more than ten years of technology and has continuously cooperated with advanced equipment suppliers and material suppliers at home and abroad. The bonding technology metal powder coating provided by Standard can provide users with solutions to replace paint. It is a green and environmentally friendly product that can achieve sustainable development of human beings and the environment.
 

Definition and classification of metal powder

Metallic effect powder coating, in simple terms, is a variety of powder coatings based on ordinary powder, through a mixing process, plus metal pigments (such as: silver aluminum powder, mica powder and copper gold powder, etc.), which can show a bright and luxurious decorative effect.
 

Metal powder bonding principle

The bonding technology of powder coatings and metallic pigments appeared in 1980, when a pigment company first launched this bonding process in continental Europe. Subsequently, European powder coating companies took the lead in successfully applying thermal bonding technology to the production of powder coatings.
 

Powder coating bonding technology is also called thermal bonding technology. It mainly uses friction heating or jacket heating to make the surface of powder particles have a certain viscosity, so that the metal effect pigment and the powder base powder are combined. Specifically, the bonding machine' s stirring paddle rotates at high speed, so that the powders and the metal effect pigments, the powders and the bonding machine (stirring paddle, cylinder wall) collide and rub at high speed. Within a certain period of time, the surface temperature of the powder particles rises to a certain degree, the powder surface softens, and the metal effect pigment particles and the powder coating particles are bonded together.

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.