Polyester powder coating, or PPC, is a fast-acting, cost-effective alternative to liquid paint.
It is a dry powder coating that creates a hard, smooth, even finish that is corrosion-resistant.
PPC has a broad range of applications, including architectural projects, windows, doors, metal furniture and home appliances.
What Types of Polyester Coatings Are There?
The two most common types of polyester powder coating are TGIC (triglycidyl isocyanurate) and non-TGIC, also known as TGIC-free. TGIC acts as a curing agent in some powder coatings, blending with polymers and pigments.
Polyester powder coatings combine flexibility with mechanical and impact resistance, making them suitable for different internal and external applications.
Standard PPC finishes have up to three years of good UV resistance.
There are also super-durable polyester powder coatings available, which will give longer-lasting colour and gloss finishes, and provide greater resistance to corrosion and humidity.
Reasons for Applying a Polyester Powder Coating
There are several reasons to apply an external finish to metal surfaces, such as protection from corrosion or graffiti and to make them look good.
PPC has both a protective and decorative function.
There are also certain benefits polyester coatings offer in comparison with liquid paint finishes:
- They provide attractive but resilient coatings
- They give an even, uniform finish that can be hard to achieve with liquid paint, including coverage of awkward angles and corners and curved surfaces
- Once cured, they have a tough, outer shell, helping maintain their appearance.
How Economical is PPC?
Polyester powder coatings are a cost-effective solution to applying attractive, protective coatings to surfaces and objects.
There are several reasons why choosing a PPC makes good economic sense.
Firstly, because of the quality of the finish you can achieve, you are unlikely to need to spend extra rectifying imperfections.
Secondly, using a PPC you minimise wastage. Any powder you overspray, you can recover and re-use, and any you have not applied, you can use at a later date.
Thirdly, it is low-cost in terms of adaptation and compliance. You will not need to spend large amounts on air-flow systems or ventilation. And when it comes to transportation and safe disposal, PPC is environmentally friendly.
What are its Environmental Benefits?
Polyester powder coating contains virtually no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is because it does not use solvents.
Compared to liquid paint, it is a clean technology, enabling you to minimise waste, and keep your waste disposal simple, clean and economic.
How Versatile is Polyester Powder Coating?
As both an application process and a coating material, polyester powder coating is highly versatile.
It is thicker than traditional liquid paint coatings, and will provide a uniformity of finish, where you will not have to worry about runs or drips.
You can expect this type of high quality of finish regardless of the expanse of the surface or the dimensions of the fabrication you wish to coat.
It has a proven effectiveness for coating metal parts due to its long-life and strength, and its resistance to abrasion, fading and wear.
Polyester powder coatings come in a range of colours and work with different colour matching systems and charts, including RAL, NCS, BS4800 and BS381C. PPC is also available in metallic colours.
There is also a range of finishes for PPC, including gloss, semi-gloss, matt and textured.
Why Choose a Polyester Powder Coating?
The main reasons why people choose PPC as a coating for metal substrates, fabrications and other items are:
- Its longevity and low maintenance
- Its appearance, as a decorative finish
- The protection it offers.
Because it is so versatile, with a broad range of applications, it is worth seeking professional advice when selecting a polyester powder coating, to maximise its effectiveness.
