When it comes to home improvement, there are a lot of factors to consider – not the least of which is how long your renovation will last AND if it’s a sustainable improvement to your property.
These days, more and more homeowners and contractors are looking for sustainable, eco-friendly building materials that minimize the carbon footprint of their projects.
If you’re like most people, when you think about coating materials for your home, traditional paint probably comes to mind. But did you know that there’s another option that offers some major environmental benefits?
If you haven’t heard of powder coating, chances are you’ve either seen or currently own products that have a powder coat on them.
It’s important to note that it can only be applied to metals, but if you happen to be in the market for a metal product that needs a paint job or a new look, this may be a great option for you.
Before we dive deeper, if you’re unsure about what powder coating or its purpose is, it’s explained in this past post.
Powder coatings are usually applied electrostatically and then cured under heat to allow the bonding of the powder particles to the surface being coated. The process of powder coating starts with the cleanup of the metal surface. Any oils, dirt, or other contaminants must be removed from the surface in order for the coat to adhere properly.
Next, a primer may be applied to improve the adhesion of the coat to the metal surface. After the primer has been applied and dried, the coat is then sprayed onto the metal surface using an electrostatic charge.
Once the powder has been evenly applied to the surface, it is cured under heat in order for it to bond properly with the surface. Curing temperatures typically range from 150°F to 400°F depending on the type of powder being used.
After curing, the powder will have formed a hard and durable finish on the metal surface that is resistant to chipping, cracking, fading, and corrosion.
Powder Coating is a VOC-free Process
Powder coating is widely considered to be one of the most sustainable types of finishes available on the market today due to its VOC-free formulation and reduced waste output.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that become gases or vapors at room temperature. When released, they can have harmful effects on both the environment and human health. Some VOCs are linked to respiratory problems, while others contribute to smog formation and climate change.
The advantage of powder coating along with its superior quality finish is that it does not release VOCs into the air we breathe, making it a much better option for both you and the environment.
Powder Coating Produces Minimal Waste
Powder coating produces fewer hazardous waste products than the traditional liquid paint process. In conventional painting operations, solvents are used to carry the paint pigments from the bucket to the surface being coated. Once the pigments are deposited onto the surface, the solvents evaporate, leaving behind VOCs. Any unused paint must then be properly disposed of as hazardous waste.
Because powder coating doesn’t use any solvents, there is very little hazardous waste produced during the coating process. And any unused powder can be recycled and reused, further reducing waste.
Durable and Long-Lasting
This means fewer products end up in landfills prematurely. One of the most important environmental benefits of powder coating is its ability to prolong the lifespan of products by protecting them from wear and tear, corrosion, UV damage, and other factors that can cause deterioration over time. By helping products last longer, we can reduce our reliance on landfills and ultimately help preserve valuable resources like water, timber, and minerals.
Overall, powder coating is a great alternative to traditional paint for giving metal products a new look and is superior in terms of environmental friendliness. It has a high-quality finish that lasts for years.
If you are looking for a way to give your metal products a new lease on life, powder coating may be the perfect solution!