PRODUCTS FINISHING — PFonline.com
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POWDER COATING
C L I N I C
AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS
Suppress the
Growth of Bacteria
Antimicrobial Powder Coatings
Curb the growth of
bacteria that causes
odor, mold and mildew.
Alesta
®
AM
» Available in a full range of colors, textures,
and gloss ranges
» Reduces microbial activity on fi nished surfaces
» Eff ective even after repeated washings active
ingredient is EPA registered and FDA compliant
For more information, contact your
sales rep or call 800.247.3886
Comparing
Different Coatings
Q. We manufacture fencing and rails for
commercial and residential use. We
currently do hot-dipped galvanizing,
liquid paint and powder coating.
How can we determine the best type
of coating? How do we compare
these different finishes?
A. Seems like a simple question, but
it actually is not at all that simple.
What is overlooked in the idea of
comparing one coating type to
another is the overall difference in
the processes. Comparison needs to
look at the substrate material, how
it is prepared for coating, the use or
lack of use of a primer, the specific
chemistry of the coating, and the
process measures in place to ensure
that it is done correctly.
Take a comparison of galvanized
railing versus powder coating. How
will the steel rail be prepared for
the powder? Will it only be blasted,
only chemical treated or a combina-
tion? Will a primer be used? Will
the primer be a zinc-containing
epoxy or not? What is the powder
topcoat material? How thick will it
be applied?
Rather than compare the general
technology, you need to compare
a specific approach to coating.
Generally, a single coat of galva-
nized zinc will weather better than
a single coat of powder or liquid
paint. A layer of powder or paint
improves corrosion resistance and
weathering substantially. A proper
preparation technique followed by
a good powder primer and topcoat
will typically outperform galvanizing
in terms of maintaining the original
appearance and performance over
time. The primer provides the corro-
sion protection and edge coverage
and the topcoat provides the resis-
tance to sunlight.
There are different options for
both that can raise the level of perfor-
mance. Of course, powder or paint
can provide a lot more options in
terms of appearance and color when
compared to galvanized steel.