Powder Coating

Powder coating is a cost-effective way to add an unlimited range of colours and textures to metals. Powder coating uses an electrostatic charge to attract a fluidised pigmented powder evenly across all surfaces of the metal panel.  The panel then passes through an oven where it melts and is “baked” permanently to the metal. After curing, the metal has a bright and durable coating with the gloss level required.

Appropriate products and materials

• Woven Mesh (Mild Steel, Pre Galvanised, Aluminium, Stainless Steel
• Expanded Mesh (Mild Steel, Pre Galvanised, Aluminium)
• Perforated Sheet (Mild Steel, Pre Galvanised, Aluminium)
• Welltec® Profiled Sheet (Mild Steel, Pre Galvanised, Aluminium)

Corrosion resistance
Provided the materials receive the correct pre-treatment and the material is given a 100% coverage, powder coating alone can provide adequate corrosion protection. This is relatively straight forward with most of our products and on the whole is not an issue, however, with some woven metal meshes, the intersection points of the wires may not not be coated by the powder so the material may not be completely protected against corrosion.  For interior applications powder coating over bare steel may be acceptable as the mesh is unlikely to encounter environmental situations that would promote corrosion.  If conditions exist where corrosion is a concern (Interior or Exterior) then the metal mesh base material specified becomes very important.  The most cost-effective solution would be to use pre-galvanized steel or aluminium; both provide good corrosion protection at the metal where powder does not reach.

Framed assemblies

For exterior applications using  fully fabricated steel assemblies where parts are close-fitting with small gaps between surfaces a primer application is highly recommended prior to the final powder coat finish. Etch prime is an electrically charged wet primer paint process where the entire assembly is submerged. The positive and negative currents drive the wet prime into all of the small nooks of the frame assembly to ensures complete coverage. Powder can be applied over the primer to give the final colour knowing that the material is fully protected. Correct pre-treatment is the most important stage in any metal finishing, and we are able to offer design support to ensure that your material is the best protected that it can be.

Special Considerations
When it comes to powder coating, not all powders are created equal, we work with an array of different types and brands of powders and will always recommend the correct one for the project, based on environmental considerations, life span needs and the metal that we are using.