What is Powder Coating? You might have seen the term "powder coating" and assumed that it is some kind of fancy way of describing paint. However, the truth is that it is simply another application of paint. The type of paint that you see on painted walls is called "pigment paint" and the other type that is used for paint on wood or metal surfaces is called "adhesive paint".

There are many benefits associated with what is commonly referred to as "powder coating". One such benefit is the durability of the finish. A strong bond is established between the primer and the coating of the final coat. This strength is what ultimately determines the durability of the finish. Powder coating is often referred to as an accelerated drying finish because the paint quickly bonds with the natural surface to create a very strong, smooth finish. Because of this bond, there is a much longer time frame for the appearance of the finish after it has cured completely than with conventional liquids.

Another benefit is the durability of the finish on metal items. Metal surfaces can be extremely smooth when freshly painted but once they have been exposed to the atmosphere for any amount of time, the surface becomes rougher. A powder coating immediately cures the roughened surface of the metal, so the item looks as smooth as the freshly painted item. Also, metal items that are powder coated have significantly less abrasion than solid materials. Powder coating is used to finish handrails, table legs, window sills, cabinet faces and skirting boards among other items.

With all of these benefits, many people wonder how long does it take to see the results of powder coating. Typically, it takes about two to six weeks to start to see the full benefits of a powder coated item, depending on the temperature of where the coating has been applied and whether or not the project was a small or large one. Also, the amount of time will depend on how long the item has been exposed to an alkaline environment, which will accelerate the process.

So, you may wonder just how long a coat can be powder coated before it starts to look "old." If the coating has been applied properly, then the finish will last for as long as it needs to. It will not start to deteriorate until it has completely cured and dried. Some materials can even go up to twenty-five years without losing any of their durability during this time.

Many contractors and painters who use powder coatings for decorative applications wonder what the dangers are to their health and welfare. First, some metals can be harmful to your health if they are exposed to high levels of temperatures. For example, metal roofing surfaces can be severely damaged by hot metal oxide when exposed to outdoor weather for extended periods of time. If you have any doubt about the safety of using powder coatings on your project, you should consult with a health professional first.

The biggest danger to health is the fumes released when you are working with hot metal and mixing the paint. These fumes can include hydrocarbon monoxide, lead and zinc. Working with these types of chemicals can also increase a worker's risk of respiratory failure, although it varies from worker to worker, and is only a factor for those who are already susceptible to health problems. The risk of paint sensitization is also a consideration, especially if you are working with a new product or different colored paints. Paint sensitivity is very rare, but it can be an issue if you are working with a wide variety of paints and are not following the directions for the particular type of paint you are using.

Although powder-coated aluminum handrails are more durable than other types of finish, they should still be maintained in good condition. Cleaning and lubricating with a good quality automotive spray cleaner can help keep your coating looking great and performing well. Remember that applying coating in the right manner, with a little bit of elbow grease and the proper tools, can create a barrier between the coating and the surrounding metal, which improve both the durability and appearance of the finished piece. For maximum results, always work with a qualified contractor who will be able to create a custom coating to match your design and hardware needs.