Liquid vs Powder

Powder coatings are considerably more environment-friendly than liquid paints. Their VOC (volatile organic compound) content is evaporated and cured at the factory before a client receives it. There’s also less waste when applying powder coatings, as they can be reclaimed, unlike liquid paint. The most recent innovations in powder coatings compete with the corrosion resistance of multi-layer liquid coatings. This is important to know because single-coat powder layers tend to be more susceptible to corrode in seacoast environments, and can be especially damaging when the single-layer is combined with unproven pretreatments.

A big disadvantage to powder coatings lies in color and texture versatility. Metallic effects are extremely popular in North America, and unfortunately, not entirely compatible with the process of powder coatings. While it’s true that if they are created with mica, they can produce a pearlescent effect, powder coatings are not yet available with the most desired bright aluminum chips. It is also quite difficult to match the color results with powder coatings. If not careful, a paint manufacturer can easily miscalculate the architect’s requested color.

Nevertheless, color is still a great advantage liquid coatings have over powder. These bright metallic finishes, popular and modern, have become an industry standard in the US. Not only that, but if multiple layers of liquid coatings are applied, the product becomes less susceptible to corrosion, making it a long-lasting conventional choice for most clients.

There is, however, a slight disadvantage in cost. Liquid coatings are manufactured and shipped in solvents, unlike powders. While this maintains the quality of the coating, it does adds to the mass and weight that must be transported to the factory. This increases the energy needed to get liquid coatings from the factory to the finished metal. Along with that comes the environmental impact of the coatings. Though they do contain solvents, and do emit VOCs, PTF has reduced this damage by incinerating the emissions created with liquid coatings. Incineration does, however, still release carbon into the atmosphere–but the overall damage is significantly reduced.

You won’t know which type of coating you will need until you address the requirements and specification of your project. Perhaps a hard and durable coating will be better suited to your product. Or perhaps, you need a particular metallic sheen less prone to corrosion. Whatever the case, know that at PTF, we offer you the newest and most innovative measures of coating applications. We’re experts in both liquid and powder coatings, and we’re ready to help you decide which method is the most productive choice for your project.