Powder coating is a game changer. It’s attractive and highly customizable – introducing a virtually unlimited range of colors, finishes, and combinations of the two. But what about durability? It’s popular, yes, used on everything from industrial machinery to household appliances and sporting equipment to patio furniture…but does it last?
The answer is a resounding yes – usually around two decades.
The aesthetic advantages of powder coating are only part of the appeal. It’s also applauded for the durability it brings and the long-lasting finish it provides, protecting your metal objects and keeping them looking good and functioning well for the long haul.
How Does Powder Coating Work (So That It Lasts)?
Unlike liquid paints, powder coating is a dry finishing process. Finely ground particles of pigment and resin are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto a surface. These charged particles adhere to the electrically grounded metal surface, and the coated item is then cured in an oven where the powder melts, flowing into a smooth and durable film, and hardens into that oh-so-desirable polished finish.
- Our team ensures surfaces are properly prepared and powder coating is expertly applied and cured to promote the best possible adhesion and finish quality.
- The electrostatic attraction that causes the metal surface and powder to adhere creates a strong bond that resists cracking, corrosion, peeling, or fading over time.
- This turns ordinary items into workhorses in applications where the coated surface is exposed to harsh conditions, such as outdoor environments or in industrial uses.
- The nature of the powder coating process also lends itself to uniformity. Even on complex shapes and in corners, there aren’t really concerns about dripping, pooling, or areas of thinness.
- This uniformity contributes to consistent protection, and eliminating weak spots extends the lifespan of the coating.
How Long Does Powder Coating Last?
Powder coating is very durable, but its longevity can be influenced by several factors. That said, most of the time, you can expect your powder coating to last around 20 years. Here’s what may impact that:
- Preparation. Before powder coating is applied, your surface may need a degree of preparation. We assess the degree to which cleaning, sanding, or other pretreatment may be needed to make sure the application quality will be optimal. Any contaminants on the surface during application can diminish the coating’s lifespan.
- Application & Curing. Items should be properly contained and positioned so powder coating can be applied to the entire surface. Then, the coating should be applied and cured with attention to detail to ensure the durability of the finished product.
- Exposure. Powder coating can withstand the elements – it’s one of the reasons it’s so popular. But over time, exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight, moisture, chemicals, and fluctuations in temperature can take a toll. That’s why powder coatings formulated for outdoor use typically incorporate UV stabilizers and other additives to enhance weather resistance.
- Maintenance. Powder coating is relatively low maintenance, but a little TLC can still go a long way. Regular gentle cleaning with mild soap and water can extend the lifespan of powder coating by removing dirt, grime, and other pollutants – and it’ll keep your items looking good too. While you clean, look for any signs of wear that could potentially be touched up to maintain a pristine finish.
- Quality. The quality of your powder coating material, including its formulation, plays a role in its longevity as well. High-quality powders are designed to withstand harsh conditions, maintaining their appearance and protective properties for long periods. That’s why we’re selective about the materials we use in our powder coating process.
While the longevity of a powder coating job can vary a bit depending on application, quality, and environmental factors, there’s a reason powder coating’s burgeoning industry popularity and reputation for toughness.
If you want long-lasting protection and appeal, powder coating is an excellent way to go. When you trust the job to our experienced pros you can be confident we’ll be lending all our expertise to maximizing durability.
Does Powder Coating Last Longer Than Paint?
Traditional liquid paints are the primary other option for finishing metal objects. Generally speaking, powder coating lasts much longer than liquid paints.
The hard finish created by cured powder coating is more resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading, which is excellent news if your item is used for high-wear applications.
And powder coating is also more resilient against UV radiation, moisture, chemicals, and harsh weather conditions, which makes them ideal for outdoor uses where exposure to environmental elements can degrade traditional paint finishes more quickly.
Both powder coating and paint may require maintenance to get the most out of their lifespan, but powder coatings are generally lower maintenance. They’ll require less frequent touch-ups or recoating because of their inherent durability, and they’ll look more vibrant and polished between touch-ups, as well.
Enjoy the Long-Lasting Quality of Powder Coating
There are lots of advantages to powder coating as a finishing process. If you’re after a beautiful, versatile, and long-lasting finish that resists corrosion and chipping, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to see what’s possible. We’re equipped to treat virtually any metal object, large or small, with excellence so you can use and enjoy it to the full for many years to come!