Whether you prefer liquid painting service for metal finishes or powder coating work, both these types of paint applications have their own benefits for industrial processes. For some metal surfaces, liquid paint may work better than powder coating and vice versa.
Here are the key differences between powder coating and liquid paint.
Application and Consistency
Powder coating is the paint application where a polymer is electrostatically sprayed on a metal surface. The powder is then cured with heat to spread and coat the paint properly. Powder coating results in a thick layer of paint. Liquid paint is application of wet paint on metal surfaces. Liquid paint results in a thin coat on metals.
Powder coating doesn’t require addition of any thinning agents unlike liquid paints. Powder coating is sprayed in its dry form. So, it takes a shorter time for the coating to dry. By the time the curing process for powder coating is complete, the paint is dry and the products are ready with a consistent and quality finish. Liquid paint on the other hand requires more time to dry due to the addition of the solvents.
Durability
Powder coating offers excellent durability to products in terms of protection from harsh weather, UV exposure, chemicals, or even moisture. It doesn’t peel or strip easily. The thickness and the curing process of powder coating results in a more durable finish on metals.
Liquid paint can also last for a long time if applied properly. But it cannot match up to the durability of powder coating. Not only powder coating is more resistant to chipping and scratching, it also offers greater color retention. Even some amount of peeling can make the coating less effective as a protective barrier for metal surfaces.
Costs
The initial costs for powder coating works can be more than liquid painting services in terms of setting up the equipments and the processes. But powder coating can offer several long-term cost benefits. It is possible to collect and reuse the powder that doesn’t adhere to the metal surface. It is not possible with liquid paint.
Labor costs for powder coating is usually less than liquid paint. Powder coating processes can be automated or even completed without too many personnel. The environment safety regulation costs also are lower for powder coating. Powder coating requires less investment on setting up proper measures to dispose the waste materials. The wastage from powder coating is less than liquid paint. Powder coating is also less toxic than liquid paint due to the absence of VOCs or volatile organic compounds in its composition unlike liquid paint. Powder coatings release minimal or no amount of VOCs and do not require undertaking of safety measures that become necessary with liquid paint.
Availability of Colors
Powder coating offers many color options. But it cannot match the availability of colors in liquid paints. Powder coating is mostly available in a range of standard colors. If you need a specific color for powder coating, the customization process can be expensive and even time-consuming. But it is easier to develop custom color combinations when you opt for liquid paints. For liquid painting services, it is possible to mix colors on-site for the purpose of customization.
Textures
It is possible to achieve different textures with powder coating. But some textures like extremely glossy finishes are simply easier to achieve with liquid paints. You can get both textured and smoother finishes with powder coating by varying the thickness of the paint. But the results may vary depending on the metal surface where it is used.
When it comes to attaining specific textures, only an expert can guide you if you should opt for liquid painting service or powder coating. Some textures can be achieved by either paint application. But you need to consider other factors as well such as costs, colors, and consistency you need on the final product.
The Bottom Line –
Both powder coating and liquid paint have their distinct advantages as the final protective barrier for metal products. The best paint for your requirements may depend on the industrial application as well.
