How to Enhance Your Retail Operations With Powder Coating for Retail

Have you considered the benefits of powder coating for retail? In the retail industry, costs and reliability go hand in hand. Given increasingly small margins, any investment you make in your store has to be justified as a way to save costs long-term and be durable enough not to need constant fixes. Powder coating for retail is becoming increasingly popular. The benefits of powder coating for retail, from increased durability to low maintenance, are a perfect fit for applications ranging from clothing stores looking to keep their clothing racks from chipping to restaurants looking to create a particular interior or exterior design.

It might be natural to think of paint as you enhance your metal fixtures. Retail powder coating, though, tends to be the better choice, for a variety of reasons. Once you understand the benefits of the concept, you can apply the same technique in a variety of settings within the retail industry.

What is Powder Coating?

Before going into the details of applications in retail environments, it makes sense to get a clear understanding of what powder coating actually entails. The Powder Coating Institute describes the process as follows:

Powder coatings are based on polymer resin systems, combined with curatives, pigments, leveling agents, flow modifiers, and other additives. These ingredients are melt mixed, cooled, and ground into a uniform powder similar to baking flour. A process called electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is typically used to achieve the application of the powder coating to a metal substrate.

This application method uses a spray gun, which applies an electrostatic charge to the powder particles, which are then attracted to the grounded part. After application of the powder coating, the parts enter a curing oven where, with the addition of heat, the coating chemically reacts to produce long molecular chains, resulting in high cross-link density.

5 Benefits of Powder Coating for Retail

That different substance, of course, is the core reason why powder coating can be so beneficial for your business. In a retail environment specifically, the process and material use can provide significant advantages that pay off and improve your ROI potentially years down the road. As you consider whether or not you should leverage the process, consider these 5 powder coating for retail benefits.

1) Durability

First, and perhaps most importantly, powder coating makes any metal it’s applied to more durable than paint would. You no longer have to worry about chips or any other type of damage down the road. Instead, you get a protective coat that helps you keep metals from clothing rack to shelving in better shape, for a longer amount of time.

2) Low Maintenance

Durability, of course, only matters when coupled with low maintenance needs. Especially larger retail buildings don’t have time to frequently repaint or make sure that the paint is not chipping. The curing stage in the powder coating process ensures that the coating becomes a part of the metal, instead of simply sitting on top of it. The result is more durable, lower-maintenance material.

3) Environmentally Friendly

Opting for powder coating over paint is also a sound environmental choice. Industrial wet painting generates VOCs like formaldehyde, which are released in the air over time and can cause serious health issues. That is not the case with powder coating, which features minimal VOCs and no air pollution. It also produces minimal waste, and can easily be recycled. In other words, choosing this option means making a sound decision that fits within your corporate social responsibility efforts.

4) Versatility

We have mentioned metal above, which is the most common surface for powder coating. That doesn’t mean you cannot use it for any other surfaces. In fact, a variety of popular building materials, from wood to fiberboard, can benefit from the same coat. This versatility makes it an ideal fit for retail and restaurant environments wanting to increase the durability and decrease the maintenance of their surfaces.

5) Long-Term Cost Savings

Don’t underestimate the potentially significant cost savings of retail powder coatings over time. In essence, this combines the other benefits above. Because you need to replace (or repaint) less often, you don’t run into ongoing costs. Less maintenance further underlines that point. And of course, not having to actively fight against VOCs through constant resealing of your painted surfaces can further result in cost savings that could be significant.

5 Retail Environments That Call For Powder Coating

Given the above benefits, one thing is clear: the right powder coating can significantly enhance almost any commercial space, be it a retail building or a restaurant. But of course, that doesn’t mean some environments cannot especially benefit from this process. Consider the below 5 perfect examples of why it makes sense to consider this option.

1) Clothing Racks

Clothing retailers are in constant worry about their clothing racks. They constantly get spun around, stepped over, and scratched. And yet, replacement tends to cost too much to worry about them too often. As a result, you end up with racks that don’t look great but still serve their purpose.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Clothing racks tend to be made of aluminum or other metals, and powder coatings can help to enhance their durability. You can even achieve a long-lasting version of that shining mirrored effect that so many retailers crave but move away from because of durability concerns.

2) POP Displays

Retailers know about the importance of point-of-purchase (POP) displays. They’re the perfect opportunity to get your products in front of your customers, at the checkout or in front of the customer service desk. Of course, they also have to leverage structures that actually hold these products.

3) Industrial/B2B Retail

Retail doesn’t have to be consumer-based. In industrial markets, for wholesalers and business retailers, function matters much more than style. Shelving units, hangers, and other accessories have to support the equipment and products showcased to an expert audience that will focus on features much more than its support.

Imagine the power of powder coating for this type of retail environment. Almost any surface used to display product can benefit from this type of treatment. Heavy items will become much less likely to scratch it, and you don’t have to worry about maintenance nearly as much while customers browse your store or warehouse.

4) Restaurant Environments

Switching gears for a bit, retail is not the only industry that can benefit from powder coating. In fact, it can be just as beneficial in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Here, you need to make sure that functionality is the foundation of a positive customer experience.

Railings near your hallways and entrance, for instance, can support accessibility. But they can only do so if they actually function well, and are easily usable for those with difficulty moving. Powder coating, especially when using the right surface powder, can accomplish that feat. In addition, you can even use the various color and surface options for your restaurant design to achieve a distinct atmosphere and environment.

5) Exterior Shelving Space

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of powder coating as it applies to any type of exterior shelving. You might display your products in a tourist-heavy area, or simply offer plants and other garden equipment close to the parking lot. No matter why you need shelving outside, powder coating should be a serious possibility.

Again, durability plays into the equation. Exposed to the elements, you have to make sure that the coating holds up even under heavy rains or even snow. Paint cannot always accomplish that and will need to be refinished frequently. With powder coating, you simply don’t have that issue.

Ready to Enhance Your Business With Powder Coating for Retail?

No matter which exact industry you’re in, retail is a complex business. So many considerations go into planning and building your environment that the finishing touches may not be part of your initial consideration. But what if those finishing touches actually play a core role in making sure everything functions as expected?

At its best, that’s what powder coating can accomplish. Whether you like this option for its cost savings or durability, and whether you need it for restaurant railings or clothing racks, the options are plentiful. Used in the right environment, and through the right professionals, it can significantly enhance your retail business. Contact TLC Metal to learn more about how you can leverage powder coating for retail.