5 Reasons to Consider Long Island Powder Coating For Your Metal Surfaces

If you work with metals, you might have heard about Long Island powder coating as a potential finishing option. A number of industries, and even individual consumers, use the process to improve the life of a wide variety of metal-based products. But does it make sense for your business to use the same process? To answer that question, it first makes sense to understand exactly what powder coating actually means, before delving into the reasons why you should choose it over more traditional paint options.

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is specifically designed to enhance any type of metal product, with applications ranging from retail to the automotive industry. The Powder Coating Institute defines the process as

“a dry finishing process that has become extremely popular since its introduction in North America over in the 1960s. Representing over 15% of the total industrial finishing market, powder is used on a wide array of products.”

Rather than simply spray painting metal to finish it, powder coating includes a more complicated process that is based on polymer resin systems, combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers, and other additives. After the coating itself is applied, the metal is cured in an oven and chemically reacts to form a protective barrier designed to enhance the finish of the metal.

The exact procedure of the coating differs on the specific type of application. But generally speaking, when you choose this method, you come away with a variety of benefits. Here are the 5 most compelling reasons to choose a Long Island powder coating for any of your metal products.

1) Improve the Life of Your Metal Surfaces

Perhaps the biggest benefit of powder coating is the durability it provides for any metal on which it is applied. The curing process described above forms protective molecules that go far beyond any type of barrier that liquid paint could provide.

In addition, powder coating builds a protective layer that is twice as thick as that of traditional paint. It does so while remaining flexible, allowing the metal to bend and yield without compromising its protection or cracking the finish.

As a result, the process can protect and increase the life of almost any metal product you could come in contact with today. From rough machinery to everyday household items, these products can all benefit from a longer life and greater resistance to scratches, chips, and corrosion, which is exactly what powder coating will provide.

2) Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Finishes

Any paint finish almost necessarily comes with solvents and Volatile Organic Compounds, which – when released into the atmosphere – can inflict significant damage on the environment. Paint waste can also be hazardous, especially when disposed incorrectly.

Choosing powder coating for your metal finish, on the other hand, does not present the same types of problems. In fact, the method is significantly more eco-friendly, decreasing the negative impact your company has on the environment. In the age of corporate social responsibility, that is a crucial advantage worth highlighting to your stakeholders.

Crucially, this minimized environmental impact also makes it easier for companies to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, which specifically recommends the process as long as the proper regulations are followed. Without the pollution released in the air by other finishing options, you can breathe easy knowing that you have made the right finishing choice for yourself and those around you.

3) Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Metal Finishes

Anyone familiar with spray painting applications knows about the waste this type of process produces. In fact, up to 65% of the paint you use will not end up on the desired piece of metal, meaning that more than half of your budget and finishing materials will go to waste.

Compare that with powder coating, which – thanks to a process that specifically directs the dry coating to the application – does not have nearly the same waste percentage. In fact, active powder recovery provides almost 100% material utilization, meaning that every bit of your budget will go toward the actual finish.

That lack of waste makes a powder coating immensely economic. Given the limited resources generally available in today’s economy, it is crucial to spend your budget wisely, and powder coating allows you to do just that when it comes to your metal finishes.

4) Take Advantage of Recent Powder Coating Trends

Powder coating as a technique first became popular in the United States 50 years ago. That means the process has had enough time to mature and become optimized by those regularly applying it to their metal finishes. At the same time, five decades are also enough time for more recent trends and technology to emerge.

Some of these more recent trends include powder reclaim processes, metallic powder coatings, and wet-chemical surface pretreatment. A close examination of each goes beyond the scope of this article; at the same time, a general understanding of them helps you better understand how to utilize the concept for your own metal products and machinery.

Given these trends designed to optimize the process, it is crucial to work with a powder coating partner that takes advantage of new technology and can help you optimize your application. Vet any potential firm for their knowledge and understanding of what it takes to make your Long Island powder coating successful.

5) Choose From a Variety of Custom Finishes

Finally, do not underestimate the power of a powder coating to provide an effective finish for any metal product. The potential goes far beyond smooth applications; in fact, you can choose anything from gloss, semi-gloss, flat, and textured finishes.

In addition, advanced powder coating applicators can add hammer, wrinkle, sandpaper, candy, and other types of textures to your metal. The result is a custom application specifically designed to work with the individual metal product you are looking to get finish.

This customizability is crucial depending on the application. For machinery, for example, you might need a grip that is not possible to achieve with a smooth finish. Stair rails, on the other hand, can benefit from a smoother finish that allows the hands to glide more easily as needed.

Why TLC Metal Restoration Should Be Your Long Island Powder Coating Partner

Given the above reasons, powder coating should be among your top considerations for finishing any metal surfaces. Commercial, retail, and automotive industries as well as individual consumers can all benefit from the process.

But if you or your business is home in New York, where should you turn for your Long Island powder coating needs? TC Metal Restoration might just be your perfect destination.

Located in Mineola, NY, we believe in the power of the process. Using advanced techniques and equipment, and taking advantage of current trends, we can improve the health and durability of any metal surface using our powder coating application. In addition, we provide pickup and drop off for smaller jobs, helping to make the process more convenient for you as you look for the perfect partner in and around Long Island.

If you need powder coating for any reason, we would love to work with you. Contact TLC Metal Restoration  today to learn more about our services, and to receive a high-quality evaluation of your needs to make sure your expectations match our services.