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Glossary

Powder Coating

An electrostatic finishing process where dry powder paint is applied and cured under heat to create a durable, corrosion-resistant metal finish.

Definition

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is an industrial finishing process where dry, electrostatically charged powder paint particles are sprayed onto a grounded metal substrate. The charged powder adheres uniformly to the surface without runs or sags. The coated part is then transferred to a cure oven where heat melts and cross-links the powder into a hard, continuous film. Powder-coated finishes are 2–4× more durable than conventional liquid paints, with superior impact, scratch, UV, and corrosion resistance. ATS Metal Fabrication operates a full in-house powder coating facility covering the complete RAL colour range and multiple surface textures.

Types & Variants

  • • Thermoset powder (most common — epoxy, polyester, polyurethane)
  • • Thermoplastic powder (remelts — used for specialized applications)
  • • Metallic and textured powders (decorative architectural applications)

Common Applications

  • • Steel and aluminum architectural components
  • • Industrial equipment enclosures
  • • Commercial and retail fixtures
  • • Outdoor structures and furniture
  • • Automotive and transportation components

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is powder coating better than paint?
In most industrial and commercial applications, yes. Powder coating produces a harder, more uniform film than liquid paint, with no VOC emissions, better impact and corrosion resistance, and no running or sagging. The tradeoff is that it requires oven curing — it cannot be applied on-site like liquid paint.
What colours are available in powder coating?
The complete RAL colour system is available in powder coating, providing over 200 standard colours. ATS Metal Fabrication stocks common RAL and custom colour powders, and can match virtually any colour specification. Textures include smooth gloss, satin, matte, textured, and metallic finishes.
What metal prep is required before powder coating?
Proper pre-treatment is critical for adhesion and corrosion resistance. Typical pre-treatment includes media blasting or chemical etching followed by iron phosphate or zinc phosphate conversion coating. ATS Metal Fabrication's in-house powder coating line includes pre-treatment as part of the standard process.

Related Terms

See Also

Metal Fabrication Sheet Metal Fabrication

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