Metals have a range of uses in domestic and industrial applications. You need them for ordinary fixtures and fittings such as windows, doorknobs and staircase rails among others. Even though metals are strong, they are prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture, sunlight and rain. You must protect them from these elements to guarantee the durability of your fittings. Here, you can opt for powder coating or wet paint. Here is a look at both protective coating techniques to help you make the right choice:

What is the Difference between Powder Coating and Wet Painting?

Powder coating is one of the popular coating techniques used to protect surface today. The coating mechanism relies on the combination of pigments, curatives, flow modifiers, levelling agents and other relevant additives ground into fine powder and mixed thoroughly before being applied to the metal surface. Electrostatic spray deposition is then used to get coat the fine powder all over the metal. Here, a spray gun charges the powder particle electrostatically such that they can be attracted to the metal surface. The powder coating is then taken through a heating chamber where the powder forms long molecular chains that create a strong bond between the metal and the coating

On the other hand, wet painting refers to a coating technique where an oil-based or water-based pigment is carefully applied on a surface, coating it. A good example of wet painting in an industrial context is the protective coating applied to vehicles.

Why Should You Choose Powder Coating Over Wet Painting?

•    Safety – during and after application, wet paint poses a greater safety compared to powder coating. Both water-based and oil-based paints contain volatile and carcinogenic compounds that can cause a fire outbreak when exposed to a live flame. You are at risk until the paint dries up properly. Additionally, these compounds also pose health hazards to the people carrying out the coating. Since powder coating elements do not contain any of these volatile compounds, they are relatively safer to use.

•    Durability – powder coating is more durable than wet painting. The molecular chains formed by the heated powder hold the metal surface firmly with no room for chipping. This is unlike wet painting, which can chip after it has been in place for many years.

•    Aesthetic Appeal – it is easy to achieve aesthetic appeal with powder coating. The heating and curing process gives a smooth, flawless finish. On the other hand, wet painting can have some dripping that creates small bumps on the surface you are coating. You might have to buff it or re-do the job all over again.