07 Jun Powder vs Paint Coatings for Steel Fabrication

One of the essential tasks that steel fabrication companies complete is applying the correct finish to their products. This last step ensures that the steel beams, columns or channels have a stunning appearance whilst also improving the durability and weather resistance of the metal by reducing the risk of rust developing.

Two popular finishes used in custom steel fabrication are paint and powder coatings. Continue reading this blog post to learn more about how both options compare and how both can enhance your project’s long-term resilience and appeal.

What are Powder Coatings?

This type of steel finish uses free-flowing dry powder, which is typically applied electrostatically to ensure a clean finish. To aid the drying process of this coating technique, wet powder coated steel is cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a ‘skin’. The overall result of this technique is steel products that come with a hard finish that is more resilient than traditional paint.

What is a Paint Coating?

Compared to powder coatings, the main difference is that paint is wet when applied to steel products. This texture is due to the high amount of solvents in the paint, which helps it maintain a liquid form so that you can achieve a smooth finish, even once it dries. Due to this, paint coating steel usually involves the usage of pumps and spray guns.

Comparing Paint and Powder Coatings

Now that you know what these two types of coatings commonly used during metal fabrication involve, the next step is to understand when each should be used. The structural steel fabricators at Baker Steel Trading have compared both options under five key categories. 

Both options efficiently protect steel and come with several advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to decide which are the most crucial to the success of your project.

1. Cost

• Powder – As powder coating steel is more complicated and involves more steps, the startup costs for this option can be high. However, power coating is a very efficient process, with the techniques used leading to a minimal amount of wastage, which saves money on supplies.
• Paint – This simple process means you can expect lower startup costs. However, painting steel comes at a price as you can expect a large amount of paint to be wasted during the process, making this option less efficient than powder coating. However, paint coating is still the less expensive option.

2. Safety

• Powder – You don’t have to worry about toxic fumes when applying powder coatings; the only risk involved is using the oven to solidify the powder, which can lead to burns if not handled properly.
• Paint – As mentioned above, the paint used in steel fabrication can often involve solvents, which leads to toxic fumes. Therefore, you must wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth during the application process to avoid breathing in these fumes.

3. Environment

• Powder – This is a very environmentally friendly option, as any waste can go to the landfill once the powder coating process is complete. You will also not have to worry about any toxic fumes caused by solvents making their way into the atmosphere.
• Paint – As mentioned several times already, paint often contains harmful chemicals, meaning that this substance needs to be disposed of carefully. Professional steel fabrication companies know how to dispose of paint so that the environment is not affected and can complete this task on your behalf.

4. Mechanics

• Powder – The coating created using this process is twice as thick as that produced by paint. It’s also more flexible, meaning that powder coatings are ideal for products you will frequently move. However, it’s much harder to touch up than paint if the coating is chipped away.
• Paint – Deciding to paint a steel product leads to a thinner coating that is less flexible than the powder-coated alternative. However, paint is the ideal choice when regular touch-ups will be required as it is more easily customised to a particular colour.

5. Production

• Powder – Usage of the oven adds time to the steel finishing process, but powder coated products can often be ready quickly once they have dried and cooled.
• Paint – Whilst time is saved by avoiding the need to use an oven, deciding to paint your fabricated steel means that you may have to wait days for the liquid paint to dry correctly.

Speak to Steel Fabrication Experts

Hopefully, this blog post has helped you understand what paint and powder coatings are and the different advantages they can add to your fabricated steel. If you’re looking for professional steel fabrication services, contact Baker Steel Trading today. Our friendly team are on hand to discuss any queries you may have, including the types of steel coatings available.