Powder coating is a type of dry coating, which is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin." The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals.
The application of powder is very simple. Filtered, compressed air, usually at 20-30 psi (137-207 kPa) pushes the powder out of the gun past the electrode which gives the powder a positive charge. The part being coated is grounded so the positive powder particles are attracted to it. When the part is completely covered, the ground is removed and the part is put into the oven.
Powder Coating is a great low cost high durability option, Gayston Corporation currently powder coats both stored gas cylinders and some weapon systems.
