All metal components can rust over time, making the protection applied to the exterior critical to the long-term durability and performance of the product. Two main types of metal surface finishing are wet paint and powder coating. Both options provide an essential protective barrier and are available in a range of colors. However, there are notable differences between the two in application, appearance, and durability. In this blog post, learn more about powder coating vs. wet paint and the benefits expert coating services can offer for your project.
Powder Coating vs Wet Paint: What’s the Difference?
Powder coating and wet paint are both surface finishing methods for metal components. However, the products used and the application method for each process are markedly different.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is performed by spraying dry powder composed of ground particles of colored polyesters, acrylics, or polyurethane onto a metal component. The electrostatic gun used to spray the powder gives the particles a positive charge, which makes them cling to negatively charged metal components.
Once the metal product is uniformly coated to the desired thickness, it is heated to melt and cure the powder to the metal. The heating/curing process takes only minutes and is complete before the metal is cool enough to be handled.
Wet Paint
Wet painting is the process of pressure-spraying color particles suspended in a liquid solvent onto dry metal products. The curing process with painted metal components occurs as the solvent evaporates, eliminating the need for heating. Like powder coating, it can completely cover metal surfaces. However, it lacks the durability and versatility of powder coating. The drying process also takes much longer than powder coating, although it doesn’t require heating equipment.
Advantages of Powder Coating
While powder coating is a more in-depth process than wet spray painting, it offers several vital benefits. The advantages of powder coating include:
- A wide range of finishes. Using different-sized particles allows technicians to create surfaces with various textures for specialized applications.
- Improved durability. Since it can be applied to the desired thickness before curing, powder coating is often several times thicker than paint finishes, reducing surface wear over time.
- Protection against environmental factors. Powder coating is effective against corrosion, scratches, chipping, and fading.
- Consistent color finish. Powder coatings can produce much thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging.
While the up-front cost of powder coating may be more than wet painting, the combined advantages of powder coating make it one of the most economical, longest-lasting, and most color-durable quality finishes available on virtually any type of metal. Powder coating also doesn’t use any volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a non-toxic finish that is safe during application and suitable for use in any environment.
Choosing the Right Finish for Your Metal Project
Both powder coating and wet painting have their strengths, and your project needs will ultimately dictate the best choice. Powder coating’s application process makes it ideal for high-quantity projects that demand efficiency. It’s also an eco-friendly option that reduces waste and eliminates the dangers of harmful fumes.
Trust Pyramid Fab & Finish’s Powder Coating to Save Time and Money
Powder coating is one of the most effective ways to add a durable finish to metal components. As a one-stop shop for projects both large and small, Pyramid Fab and Finish is prepared to handle all your powder coating needs. We provide powder coating for an array of metal components, including metal boxes, enclosures, brackets, and frames.
Pyramid Fab and Finish began providing powder coating alongside our fabrication services in 1988. Since then, we’ve added many processes to our facility, with critical in-house services that help customers reduce costs and custom masking fixtures for complex requirements.
Contact us today for more information or request a quote for your upcoming product.