Powder Coating vs. Other Methods

A powder coating is applied as a dry, free-flowing powder. The decorative coating is electrostatically applied and cured under heat to flow and form a "skin".

Powder coatings are utilized to coat aluminum extrusions, as well as automobile and bicycle parts. Newer technologies allow additional materials, including MDF and metal decoration, to be powder coated through other means.  Decoral Systems unique method of decorative powder coating works great on wheels, engine accessories, or custom billet aluminum parts that must be durable and withstand constant wear.

Powder coatings create a hard finish that is tougher than other methods.

Powder Coatings vs. Liquid Coating

The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form.

• Powder coatings are more environment-friendly, emitting zero or near zero volatile organic compounds (VOC).
• Compared to conventional liquid coatings, powder coatings produce thicker coatings that won't run or sag.
• Powder coating overspray is recyclable, ensuring that 100% of the coating is used.
• Powder coating production lines yield significantly less waste than conventional liquid coatings.
• Compared to a liquid coating, powder coatings cover substantially better on fabricated sharp edges.
• Powder Coatings can be applied to any shape or form.
• Generally, capital equipwment and operating costs are less than conventional liquid lines.
• Powder coated items have fewer differences in appearance between horizontally and vertically coated surfaces compared to liquid coated items.
• A wide array of specialty effects, textures, colors and designs are accomplished through powder coating with ease, including effects that would otherwise be impossible to achieve through conventional liquid coating.

Powder Coating vs. Lamination

Decorative powder coating offers a plethora of designs and uses, while offering lower costs, higher efficiency and quality end products. Your imagination is your only limit. In comparison, standard lamination (profile wrapping) is extremely limited in its use and end product finish.

• Powder coatings are about 30-40% lower in price.
• Powder coating production lines produce less waste than the lamination process.
• Powder coating production is more automated and less labor intensive.
• Whereas lamination is only for interior purposes, powder coating has no limit in regards to its use being interior or exterior.
• Unlike laminated products that chip/peel easily, powder coated surfaces are thoroughly covered.  Furthermore, powder coatings are scratch resistant and can sustain exposure to harsh chemicals.
• Powder coating is extremely durable and resistant to humidity and UV rays.  While lamination cannot sustain humidity (i.e. furniture), powder coating can be applied to exterior furniture, awnings, etc.
• Unlike lamination that always has corner seams, powder coating is seamless - even around sharp corners.
• Powder Coatings offer an unlimited range of colors, textures and specialty effects,  otherwise impossible to achieve with lamination.

Powder Coating vs. Hydrographic Water Dipping

Hydrographic Water Transfer Printing is a surface decoration technology that uses a specialized film printed with designs to decorate various components and materials through the medium of water.

A primary difference of powder coating versus hydrographic water dipping is that the hydrographic method is 5 to 10 times more expensive.  Hydrographic film is about $1.50-$2 psf, whereas Decoral powder coating film is about $.15-.90 psf.  This is a major cost difference.

Powder coating is the youngest of the surface finishing techniques in common use today, used first in the 1960’s. It has evolved into the most advanced, practical and cost effective method of effectively decorating surfaces.  For example, wood grain powder coating uses an automatic powder coating machine and offers the ability to embed the wood finish design on any material.

Check out Decoral Systems powder coating turnkey plants for turnkey solutions to all your custom powder coating needs.