Applying the proper finish to their goods is one of the crucial responsibilities that steel fabrication businesses do. This final stage minimizes the possibility of rust developing while ensuring the steel beams, columns, or channels have a gorgeous appearance. It also increases the metal’s endurance and weather resistance.
What are Powder Coatings?
To achieve a clean surface, this kind of steel finish involves free-flowing dry powder that is often applied electrostatically. Wet powder-coated steel is heatedly cured to allow it to flow and form a “skin,” which speeds up the coating technique’s drying process. Overall, this method produces steel goods with a hard finish that is more durable than conventional paint.
What is a Paint Coating?
The primary distinction between paint and powder coatings is that when applied to steel items, paint is wet. Due to the high concentration of solvents in colour, which aids in keeping it in a liquid state so that you can obtain a smooth finish even after it dries, this texture is the result. Because of this, pumps and spray guns are frequently used when painting steel.
Comparing Paint and Powder Coatings
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Cost
Powder-
coating steel requires more processes and is complicated. Thus, the initial expenses for this alternative can be expensive. Powder coating is a very effective process, though; the techniques used result in very little loss, reducing the cost of materials.
Paint –
You should expect lower initial expenses because painting is such a straightforward procedure. However, painting steel has a cost because a lot of paint will likely be wasted in the process, making it less effective than powder coating. The least expensive choice is still paint coating, though.
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Safety
Powder-
The main risk associated with applying powder coatings is using the oven to solidify the powder, which can result in burns if not handled properly. Powder – Toxic fumes are not a concern.
Paint –
As was already established, the colour used in steel manufacture frequently contains solvents, which result in harmful fumes. To prevent breathing in toxic fumes while applying, you must wear a mask covering your mouth and nose.
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Environment
Powder-
When the powder coating process is over, any leftover material can be disposed of in a landfill, making powder a very environmentally responsible choice. You won’t need to be concerned about solvents emitting harmful vapours into the air.
Paint –
As has been highlighted numerous times, paint frequently contains hazardous substances, necessitating careful disposal of this material. Professional steel fabrication firms can handle this operation on your behalf and know how to properly dispose of paint so as not to harm the environment.
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Mechanics
Powder-
This procedure results in a covering that is twice as thick as one made with paint. Powder coatings are appropriate for objects that you will regularly relocate because they are more flexible. However, if the layer is broken away, it is far more difficult to repair than paint.
Paint –
Choosing to paint a steel object results in a less flexible, thinner coating than the powder-coated option. However, since paint is more easily tailored to a particular colour, it is the best option when frequent touch-ups are necessary.
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Production
Powder-
Although using an oven extends the time it takes to finish steel, once the powder coating has dried and cooled, finished products can frequently be produced quickly.
Paint –
Choosing to paint your fabricated steel means you may have to wait days for the liquid paint to dry properly, even though you will save time by not using an oven.
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