Since its inception in the 1940s, powder coating services have become the industry standard when it comes to painting (or colouring) metal and other surfaces, such as fencing. A powder in a certain colour is sprayed onto the metal surface, which holds an electrical charge. This charge causes the powder to adhere to the surface, and it’s then baked on to ensure its secure.
Powder coating offers a number of benefits over other painting methods, including:
Powder coating offers the ability for smoother, thicker coatings when compared with dipping and other painting processes. This results in a more uniform thickness and appearance, leaving the fence with a more professional look upon completion. The powder can be any colour of the rainbow and can even include special effects (like matte, translucent, and even glittery finishes) depending on the look you’re going for.
If your fence has been powder coated, it’ll be incredibly durable and will stand the test of time with ease. The coating is highly resistant to wear and tear, like chipping, fading, and scratching. This makes it well suited for metal that encounters sunlight and other environmental factors. The coating will also protect the metal underneath from damage, such as rust (which occurs because of exposure to air and moisture).
Believe it or not, powder coating is actually an environmentally friendly way of colouring a metal fence. The powder itself doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, and no solvents are used in the sticking process because it adheres to the surface via an electrical charge. It also doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can linger and potentially expose people to high levels of pollutants.
(Image contributed by Doogood™ Australia)
Fences that have been powder coated are also incredibly easy to maintain, so you can rest assured that they will continue to look their best for as long as possible. The thermal bonding process that ensures the powder is secure is resistant to most weathering and environmental factors. This doesn’t mean, however, that your fence won’t get dirty from time to time. You will need to clean them off occasionally with the hose and a light scrub.
Many people are surprised to learn that powder coating is actually very affordable and often proves to be cheaper than other painting options. This is because the powder is applied in a single application with no need to allow for drying between coats, and it’s less expensive than liquid paint. It’s also more long-lasting, so the manufacturer will be able to leave left over powder on the shelf for use on another project – no wastage.
Following on from the point above about longevity, powder coated fences require very little maintenance to keep them looking their best. You won’t need any specialty cleaners or solvents and, as the coating is already resistant to weathering and corrosion, there’s no concern that cleaning products will cause damage. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is give the fence an occasional wipe down with soapy water to keep it clean.
One of the best things about powder coating a fence is that it will take less time to cure, process, and dry than other painting methods. After application, the powder takes around 10 minutes to fully cure. Once the metal component is cool enough to handle, it’s ready to be packaged and shipped – no other waiting necessary. Conventional paint, on the other hand, takes several hours to cure (without heat) and often needs to dry overnight.
With all the benefits that you’ll receive with powder coating metal components over using conventional liquid paints, is it any wonder that it’s still so popular today? It also provides users with a variety of finish and colour options, ensuring that your finished fence will be everything you wanted and more. So, what are you waiting for? Order your powder coating services today!
