First Facts: What is Polyester Powder Coating?

18 December 2024Appears in First Facts

A comprehensive guide that delves into the process of polyester powder coating, highlighting its key features, process, and commonly asked question. Discover why this durable and versatile finish is a popular choice for enhancing and protecting metal surfaces.

What is Polyester Powder Coating?

Polyester Powder Coating is a durable, weather-resistant finish applied to fencing to enhance its longevity and appearance. This coating provides a protective layer that resists rust, corrosion, and fading. It can be used on various fencing solutions, including palisade fencing, mesh fencing, railings, and temporary fencing, to ensure a sleek and long-lasting finish. Available in a wide range of colours, Polyester Powder Coating adds both style and functionality to security fencing.

At a Glance

Salt and pollution resistance: Chemicals and moisture can corrode metals such as steel (known as atmospheric corrosion), but powder coating acts as a protective and decorative barrier, preventing corrosion.
The process: The powder coating process involves applying electrostatically charged powder to a fully cleansed surface and then heating (curing) it to create a smooth, durable finish.
BS EN 13438: The British Standard for Powder Organic Coatings for Hot Dip Galvanised products. Specifics include storage guidance (less than 25°C), application guidance (no less than 60 µm) and inspection techniques (including no scratches visible from 3 metres)
Speed & Durability: Powder coated items are far less labour-intensive compared to painted items, whilst giving a wider range of colours, protection and finishes.

Our Top Tips:

Maintain powder coated finished materials with a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive cleaner such as soap or non-abrasive polish.

Avoid cleaning powder coated products with steel wool or wire brushes.

The Process of Powder Coating

A graphic showing the process of adding PPC to fencing

Proper surface preparation is crucial for optimal paint performance. All paints are susceptible to environmental factors over time. To prevent corrosion and ensure paint adhesion, substrates must undergo chemical pre-treatments like hot-dip galvanising or zinc plating.
Correct hanging is essential for even coverage. Gates, fencing, posts, pales and other metal components enter a spray booth on a conveyor. Powder coating is applied electrostatically using compressed air. The charged powder adheres evenly to the grounded metal workpiece.
The final and most important step is curing. Coated parts are cured in an oven at 180-200°C. After cooling, they are inspected for defects, thickness, colour, and gloss. Approved products are packaged for shipping.

Commonly Asked Questions about Powder Coating

How does powder coating compare to liquid paint?

Liquid coatings stand out for their versatility in achieving a vast array of finishes, textures, and effects. Powder coatings deliver exceptional durability, resist corrosion, and are environmentally friendly due to their solvent-free nature.

What materials can be powder coated?

Metal is the most common material for powder coating, including steel, aluminium, stainless steel, brass and copper. However, glass, wood and composites can also be powder coated

Is powder coating durable?

Powder coatings offer a distinct advantage in terms of their resistance to cracking and peeling. Unlike traditional wet paint systems that rely on solvents for application and drying, powder coatings are applied as a dry powder and then cured through a heat-curing process.

What colours are available?

The RAL colour standard encompasses approximately 2000 shades. However, the subset commonly used in UK powder coating is significantly smaller, consisting of around 200 shades designated as RAL colours.

How long does powder coating last?

Powder coating typically lasts between 15 and 20 years, but its lifespan can be significantly impacted by environmental factors such as humidity, salt exposure, and extreme weather conditions.

How much does powder coating cost?

For customer convenience, First Fence offers powder coating as an option for most steel products, priced based on surface area. This method often proves more cost-effective compared to traditional wet paint applications.