Why Powder

Powder coating was developed in response to environmental problems associated with the solvent based coatings. Federal and state regulations will severely restrict the use of solvent borne paints in the future. The cost of meeting these regulations, the increasing cost of petrochemical based products, and their waste factor will greatly increase the cost of wet spray painting.

The process of finishing metal surfaces with dry powder coatings in not new. It has been used is this country since the mid 1950's. It began with the coating of pipe, for corrosion protection, and electric motors, for insulation. Today, powder applications have been implemented in almost every industry requiring metal finishing, including automotive, appliance, sporting goods, construction, electronic, lawn and garden, point of purchase displays, corporate displays, furniture and marine.

There are a variety of reasons powder coating is so popular today:

	There are distinct cost advantages to powder coating when compared to solvent laden liquid coatings. Powder coating material is received by the applicator in a ready to use state, thus eliminating any variable in mixing.
	A .001"-.003" average thickness will be obtained in one powder application. Wet spray may require 2-3 coats to attain this thickness, greatly increasing the processing time and expense when higher film thickness is required.
	A large variety of speciality surfaces, including textures, wrinkles and hammertones, can be obtained in one powder application.
	Powder coatings are cured at elevated temperatures (300ºF - 425ºF) as compared to wet coatings. The thermosetting generally results in a tougher, chip resistant coating.
	Since powder coated parts are fully cured when they leave the oven, unlike many wet coatings which have post cure aging requirements, the total processing time is shorter with powder coating. This results in shorter turn-around time.
	Spray booths can be cleaned with a simple air jet as opposed to harmful solvents.
	With the use of a powder recovery system overspray can be collected for reuse. Liquid paints cannot be reclaimed.
	Absolutely no solvents are used, eliminating the need for expensive air pollution control equipment. The absence of solvents virtually eliminates the fire hazard associated with paint shops.
	The powder environment is much safer due to the elimination of solvents from the process. This increased employee and environmental safety reduces insurance and permit costs compared to those of the wet paint industry.