Are all powder coatings created equal? The simple answer is no.
Fiona Levin SmithPowder coatings are used on so many different products, from facades to furniture, cookers to computers, wheels to windows, bikes to buildings and refrigerators to railings.
Even though it’s all called ‘powder coating,’ that’s really quite a generic term, as there are many different types of powder coating, hence it can be used on so many different things. The formulation chemistry behind each different type of powder is designed to deliver very different types of performance, so within the term “powder coating” there are many different product types.
It’s like comparing a kids first bike with training wheels to a world class Tour de France winning bicycle. They’re both bikes but both refrigerators and curtain wall are ‘powder coated’. But we’re not going to put the same type of powder coating on a fridge, as we are on the exterior of a building and give it a 20 year color and gloss warranty. Both products use powder coatings, but they’re powders that are designed to do very different things.
In terms of the powder itself, regardless of chemistry or product type, it pretty much looks the same in its raw form.
The application process is basically the same – at least the theory behind it is – and in architectural applications it delivers a tough, thermosetting finish that is way better for the environment than any form of liquid paint.
There are many different powder product types, based on different chemistries – polyesters, fluoropolymers, hybrids, acrylics, epoxies, urethanes and more – and performance is where they differ. Powder coatings for architectural applications are usually created in 3 different product types:
High Performance, Fluoropolymer Powders
111 57th, NYC. This beautiful skyscraper’s façade is coated with IFS 500FP, the high performance Fluoropolymer powder from IFS.Fluoropolymer powders are exterior grade powders that are used on curtain wall, building façade, fenestration, etc.
Fluoropolymer powder coatings will meet and exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2605, usually come with a 20 year color and gloss warranty on aluminum when applied by a registered applicator, and deliver the same or better performance as a 70% PVDF liquid paint. The IFS 100% FEVE Fluoropolymer is called IFS 500FP.
Super Durable Powders
These powders are used as the exterior coating on commercial storefront, low-rise buildings, windows, doors, etc. and often on monumental or high value buildings as a very high quality interior coating.
Super Durable powder coatings will meet and exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2604, usually come with a 10 year color and gloss warranty on aluminum when applied by a registered applicator and come in an enormous range of colors and effects. The IFS Super Durable powder is called IFS 400SD.
Standard Polyester Powders
Standard polyesters are generally used on interior applications that do not require extensive weathering capability or low value exterior applications like railing.
Polyester powder coatings will meet and exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2603 and are perfect for interiors especially where unusual colors and effects may be required. They are great value for money and can also have additional functionality, like improved scratch resistance, added. The IFS Standard Polyester is called IFS 300SP.
IFS 400SD, the high quality super durable powder from IFS is used on commercial storefront.As you can see, all of these architectural grade powders meet and exceed the AAMA coating specifications that liquid paints, including 70% PVDF liquid paints, have also designed to meet. There are examples of these beautiful, high quality finishes all over the world in the Americas, Europe (in fact 80% of all high performance coatings in Europe are powder coatings due to strict environmental regulations), Asia and the Middle East.
Powder coatings always deliver an excellent environmental punch and when you choose the right product type for your architectural application, they also deliver the highest levels of exterior performance, color consistency and protection available.
Fiona Levin-Smith is Vice president of Marketing and Specification for IFS Coatings. For further questions or inquiries, visit www.ifscoatings.com
