Powder paint is the newest generation of paint compositions. Possessing many advantages and advantageous differences, both in the technological features of the application and in the final result, it has become an alternative replacement for most paints and coatings. In a short time, it has conquered many areas, from industry and construction to interior design.
The advantages of powder paint confidently include:
- versatility - it is used almost everywhere, from the automotive industry and facade work, to decorating household appliances, furniture and designer jewelry;
- simplicity of technology - the paint is immediately ready for use without preliminary preparation, and the painting procedure does not take much time;
- economical - the dyeing process can be called waste-free, because the crumbled powder particles are suitable for reuse;
- safety - the compositions are absolutely non-toxic and do not harm the environment;
- quality of coloring - lays down in an even layer, does not form bubbles, does not flake or flow, forming a coating of small thickness;
- high adhesion – reliably adheres to all types of surfaces, including metals;
- reliability – the resulting coating is resistant to various types of impact, strength and durability;
- aesthetics - a wide selection of shades, textures and formats.
In terms of its composition, powder paint is a mixture of dry polymers that do not require special preparation or the use of solvents. The principle of painting is to apply a dry paint mixture to the surface with further polymerization. Thanks to this technique, the paint is applied in one layer, forming a durable coating with high protective and performance properties.
Material structure
In its structure, this coloring matter is a dispersive multicomponent mixture of solid particles. It is based on powder polymer and pigment. The constituent elements of dispersion powder vary depending on the functional purpose and area of application of the paint. The composition is varied. This may include various impurities in the form of:
- fillers, for example aluminum oxides or titanium dioxides;
- pigment to obtain varied color depths;
- epoxy resin hardeners;
- film-forming resins;
- additives of various acrylates.
One of the most important advantages of the powder product is that it does not contain solvents that are highly toxic and flammable. That is, it is practically safe for humans and does not have a harmful effect on the natural environment.
All components of the color base are dry, do not stick to each other, and have excellent flowability. The consistency of the powder does not change over time and does not thicken. Therefore, there is no need to dilute it with special solvents, unlike water-dispersion paints, for example, acrylic.
Such indicators of the quality of the coloring matter as adhesion, ability to electrify, and flowability directly depend on the properties of the pigment.
The amount of fillers and pigment can be more than half of the total composition. This is determined by the depth of color and the purpose of the product. The pigment used for this coloring material is no different from the pigment that is added to other liquid paints, such as acrylic paints.
Popular products
Today we offer a large selection of powder dyes. But the most popular products are the following brands:
- Stardust. Powder paints from this manufacturer have many advantages, which come not only from their physical and chemical characteristics, but also from the latest application methods. Stardust paints are of high quality and can be used for all types of surfaces.
- Inver. Powder paints of this brand are intended for painting and protecting metal. They are applied by electrostatic spraying using special installations. Such materials have high adhesion to the surface and perfectly protect the metal from corrosion.
- Limerton. Powder paints from this manufacturer are economical in consumption and easy to use. Used for painting metal, glass and other materials. The resulting coating is environmentally friendly and durable.
- Element. The company offers different types of powder dyes, including polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, and even effect paints. You can paint metal furniture, facade panels, agricultural machinery, automotive components and much more. The resulting coating has anti-corrosion and impact-resistant properties.
Of the options listed above, Stardust products are the most popular. But there are equally high-quality paints from brands such as Teknos and Primatek. Most manufacturers' product catalogs also include antique powder paint, which gives surfaces the appearance of antique copper products.
Powder paints have been known to customers since the last century. But right now they have become increasingly popular, since the technology has been brought to perfection.
How the powder coating process works (2 videos)
Painted products (25 photos)
Physics of the dyeing process
Using an external electric field, the particles of the coloring product are given a charge opposite to the charge of the surface intended for painting. Charged powder particles are forced to settle on the product, forming a thin layer. A special spray chamber catches charged paint dust particles with electric field strengths that are insufficient to adhere to the charged plane of the object, and reuses them for painting.
It is possible to re-spray components that do not stick to the surface being processed. The powder is completely consumed. This determines the high cost-effectiveness of this technology.
Next, baking of the sprayed surface begins. The painted product is transferred inside a special chamber. Inside the oven at high temperature, the coating polymerization process takes place.
Classification of materials
It is customary to classify coloring materials according to the type of polymers included in the composition. Based on the appearance of the main components, the paint can be suitable for outdoor or indoor use. The most popular grouping is by the method of film formation on the surface and by the method of layer hardening.
It is customary to distinguish two large classes of paints based on the type of film-forming substance. Thermoplastic and thermosetting paints are the main types of powder paints based on their film-forming abilities. They also have an extensive classification.
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic powder paints contain coloring components based on substances that form a coating in the form of a film due to the melting of paint elements and their cooling. The formation of a layer is not accompanied by chemical reactions. However, the film may dissolve if the temperature is not maintained. The choice of paint is made depending on the conditions:
- For decorative purposes, thermoplastic paint is used, the base of which is vinylite. This dye is suitable only for painting indoors, while its fairly thin thickness provides good protection against moisture at room temperature.
- For exterior work and covering indoor surfaces, paint based on polyvinyl chloride is suitable. It is characterized by high weather resistance and resistance to chemicals.
- The high physical and mechanical properties of the polyethylene-based layer have led to the fact that this polymer paint is actively used for painting pipelines for various purposes.
- The polyamides that make up polyamide paint have high levels of aesthetic appeal and are used for decorative purposes for painting both indoors and outdoors.
Thermoset
Thermosetting powder paints are a thermosetting film former. Here the constituent particles fuse and a chemical reaction occurs. Their advantage is that the coating does not melt or dissolve, and is characterized by high hardness and resistance to various defects. Therefore, paint is actively used in mechanical engineering. It may contain various epoxy and polyester resins.
Powder paint of this type requires strict adherence to the painting technique. Only in this case can a positive result be achieved that meets all the parameters of color fastness and weather resistance. Paint Features:
- Epoxy substances give it high mechanical strength and durability. However, significant defects can form on the surface under the influence of solar ultraviolet radiation.
- Compared with epoxy paint, polyester paint does not deteriorate outdoors, used for outdoor painting. It has high color stability.
- The acrylate base provides high resistance to a variety of alkaline compounds. The saturation of the color pigment is maintained for a long time.
What is polymer powder paint?
Polymer powder paint is a technological substance that is designed to protect and also impart attractive aesthetic properties to metal surfaces.
After coating with this substance, such surfaces can be used for much longer, even in fairly aggressive environments. This coating is particularly resistant to various mechanical influences.
A short historical note about polymer powder paint
This paint coating was developed in the United States of America in the mid-fifties of the twentieth century.
It was created specifically for automobile production, which, in turn, was also just beginning its development.
Sixty long years have passed and now polymer powder paint is used not only as a paint and varnish product for vehicles, but has also found its application as a household paint and varnish material.
Historically, this paint and varnish material primarily covers various parts and elements that are exposed to temperature.
Surface type
The surface treated with this paint can have a matte or glossy effect. The matte colorant contains scaly particles. The different reaction characteristics of the impurity provide the matte appearance. Mainly used in mechanical engineering.
The glossy paint composition contains various epoxy and polyester film formers. It is also based on the pigment necessary to realize a certain color.
The glossy surface is characterized by high reflective properties and resistance to corrosion processes, which is important for the automotive industry.
Where is it used?
Powder coating technology is actively used in metallurgy, industrial production of various alloy products, as well as in the production of building materials.
Most metal objects with colors uncharacteristic for the material are painted with powder paint. This applies to sports equipment, furniture, household appliances, medical equipment, aluminum profiles, as well as simple sheet metal.
Application in car repair
At the moment, acrylic paints are most often used to mask defects on car wheels. Their practicality lies in the fact that they can be sold in spray cans, which is very convenient for painting. You can get a high-quality result if you carefully spray acrylic paints in a small layer. The attractiveness of these cans is that they can be used to achieve a glossy surface. Buyers are offered a huge selection of colors. A significant disadvantage of acrylic painting materials is that they do not provide chip restoration.
To reliably restore chips, the damaged surface must be primed. Powder paint has good adhesion to the primed coating, that is, it adheres well to it, while efficiently hiding defects. The assortment includes cans that have different concentrations of pigment and allow you to achieve different depths of color. They are able to recreate a glossy surface.
Advantages of use
The main advantageous qualities of powder-based coloring material are as follows:
- creating a durable and high-quality surface;
- harmlessness to humans and nature;
- affordability;
- efficiency;
- even thickness of paint layers;
- high hardening speed;
- high durability of thin paint.
Surfaces painted with high-tech low-temperature paint account for about one sixth of all painting. But now, thanks to the development of technology, there is a tendency for this figure to steadily increase in favor of powder-based paints.
