Powder painting: what is it and where is it applied?

At home, people used paint in cans, but the quality of the painted surface left much to be desired. Paintwork materials are sometimes simply ineffective. But there is another way, or rather not even a method, but a whole technology. So, powder painting - what is it? Let's try to find out the answer to this question.

What is it like?

So, this type of paint is called a very fine dispersion powder, which is obtained by melting the film-forming components, various pigments, and also special additives. Then all the components are mixed, and then the melt is extruded and the result is a thin plate. Then this plate is crushed, ground and fractionated.

As for film-forming materials, these are often polyester or epoxy resins or any mixtures thereof. Acrylate and urethane materials are used more rarely. One particle of such a powder has a size of 10 to 100 microns.

Powder painting - what is it?

It is believed that such paints are completely environmentally friendly, the technology of staining them is completely wasteless. As a result, the most high-quality decorative, as well as decorative-protective polymer coatings are obtained.

Such a coating is formed from the polymer powder. It is applied to the surface to be treated. There is a special method for this. The powder layer is very thin. Then this layer melts at temperatures from 160 degrees. And then the maximum uniform and continuous coating is formed.

Since the technology provides for high temperatures, the powder coating is used only for metal or glass products. For the last 10 years, this innovative technology has been able to pierce its way into many areas where previously traditional coatings based on paints and varnishes were applied.

Today with the help of powder paints about 15% of all products are painted. And this figure is increasing every day.

Technology advantages

Powder painting, what is it, why is this method so popular? It's simple. This technology is very economical. There is not a large number of operations, the polymerization rate is very high. Equipment for powder painting is compact in size. Also need to say that the paint is hard. No solvent is present in the composition. The utilization factor is more than 95%. This is so, thanks to a special system of recuperation of such compounds. So, the unused portion of the powder is returned back to the technological processes and it can be reused.

If we talk about traditional liquid paint and varnish products, approximately 40 to 60% of the coloring material remains in the solvent, and it does not remain on the coating. Hence, the coefficients of using traditional paint are only 40-60%. This is if you do not take into account the various losses that sometimes occur when staining.

High saving, low cost

Low cost is another advantage. The price depends on the surface area, as well as on the complexity of the subject. Also the price is formed by the type of paint. What are the savings?

Powder painting - what is it? This is the colorless staining that, in liquid analogues, plays the role of merely a carrier for the film-forming substance. Thanks to energy savings for heating and ventilation, and also because there is no need to spend money or energy on the evaporation of solvents, the cost of the technology is very, very affordable. Also, there is no need for large rooms - equipment can be placed in a small workshop.

Work speed

The technology allows to significantly reduce the time for solidification of the treated coatings. So, the film is formed very, very quickly, so you only need to dry the layer once, rather than repeatedly, as is the case with conventional paint materials. Powder painting of metal, for example, car parts today is a very relevant service.

Ease of use

The dyeing process is very simple. There is no need for constant control of the viscosity of paints and constant finishing to the desired consistency. This provides not only savings, but also high stability of the treated surfaces. It is much easier to remove powder from spray devices.

Variety of colors and shades

Powder painting - what is it? It is an opportunity to use more than 5000 different colors, their shades, as well as a variety of textures. Any surface can acquire such properties that, with traditional painting technologies, are simply impossible or very expensive.

For example, powder painting of metal in silver or aluminum metallic, fluorescent type paint , with the effect of "antisika", imitating moiré or granite - all this is available. In addition, you can make the surface more glossy, or, conversely, more matte.

Durability and surface strength

Powder paint coating differs from traditional paint coatings with increased chemical resistance, as well as excellent physical and mechanical characteristics. So, in a blow to damage the layer, you need to apply a force of more than 500 Nm, and the bending strength is 1 mm.

The resulting coating is quite shockproof. This is already appreciated by cyclists, motorcyclists, car owners. Powder painting of a bicycle is a popular service for those who prefer to ride in extreme disciplines and at the same time want the frame to be constantly in a new state.

High ecological compatibility

This way of coloring different surfaces helps to get rid of various environmental problems. So, there is no need for flammable and sufficiently toxic solvents. The process is completely non-waste. Powder that does not settle on the surface can be reused. In addition, the working conditions of personnel who work in such a site are much better than if they used ordinary materials.

Powder Technology Advantages

This is an opportunity to get a fairly thick single-layer coating. In the case of paint and varnish materials, several layers would have to be applied.

Powder coating of metal products, glass and others is fully automated. The film practically does not sit down after painting works. No adverse effects due to the absence of any solvents in the formulation.

It is possible to completely exclude any staining and wrinkling. Powder paint has good resistance to temperatures.

How do they apply it?

There are several methods for applying such coatings. The most popular of them is electrostatic, and also tribostatic. If you want to see what a powder painting is, there is a photo of it in this article.

Staining with electrostatic spraying

This method involves charging with a crown charge. This is an industrial technology. It is quite popular due to its high efficiency. The charge is amenable to many powder paints. The method is quite productive - it is used to work on large surfaces.

Together with the pluses, this electrostatic spraying has some drawbacks. A strong electric field is created between the atomizer and the part. This can slightly complicate the process of staining in the corners and in deep grooves. In addition, improper adjustment can sometimes degrade the quality of the surface.

Tribostatic spraying method

What is such a powder paint? What is a tribostatic spraying? This is charging with friction. Unlike electrostatics, there is no high-voltage generator, which is necessary for the nebulizer.

Teflon is used for this method. This material allows you to perfectly charge many powder paints. In nozzles for this technology, there is no need for strong electric fields. Charged particles can penetrate even the most inaccessible places. You can apply the paint in several layers.

Paint at home

Powder painting, prepared by hand, requires a complete set of equipment. As for the preparation of the surface, it is the same as in the case of paint and varnish materials.

At home, something to paint on this technology - the task is expensive and difficult If you need to paint one or two details, it's easier to contact the companies where they offer this service.