Before you even begin to figure out the pros and cons of any process, you should first know the basics regarding the product. Powder coating is a mixture of curatives and pigments that are cooled and then ground together to form a powdery substance that is much like baking flour. This powder is then spray blasted to a surface with a system called electrostatic spray deposition. This means an electrostatic charge is added to the powder when it is blasted from the spray gun, making the powder stick to the surface and form a stronger, protective bond. The object that has been blasted with the electrostatic charged powder then enters a curing oven. This causes the coating to form a molecular chain that is stronger than a normal coatings and protects the surface better.
It Helps the Environment - Pro Today's society pushes for everything to be environmentally friendly in order to stop the abuse of our resources. The fact that powder coating is a green process, means that it is environmentally friendly; making it a better choice when compared to tradition liquid coating. The process emits almost no volatile organic compounds. It also does not produce any paint sludge like many liquid coatings. It also does not produce any waste material that would be hazardous to the environment; thus reducing the amount of harmful material polluting much of today's water sources.
The Application - Pro/Con Powder coating generally looks great no matter how it is applied but the learning curve that comes with learning how to apply powder coating properly can cause problems. It allows for more mistakes when compared to liquid coating applications but can still be difficult. One can apply a thicker coating for better protection without worrying about running or sagging like a liquid coating which is a huge benefit. The electrostatic charge also provides better coverage to irregular shapes, assuring that every nook and cranny is protected. Powder coating also has several finish options such as clear, plain color, metallic, or textured so it allows for the creativity like a liquid coating but gives a uniform finish without runs that can exist after a liquid coating. The only problem with these options are becoming too overwhelmed with your options; but experts can help you figure out the best combination for your project.
Better Protection - Major Pro
Powder coating provides a stronger and more protective covering that is resistant to corrosion or damage that could be caused by debris, acids, or solvents. It also provides protection from any electoral currents. This is a great benefit to keep in mind if you're applying your coating to any metals such as steel, zinc, brass, or aluminum.
The Final Cost - Either Cost is the biggest consideration to keep in mind when taking on any task. The cost of powder coating is minimized in many ways. For example, paint overspray can be recycled and used on the current project meaning that almost 100% of the coating is used. This means no spay is wasted and your money is not wasted either. The problem with cost can arise depending on the brand and company you choose and the amount you need. Cost is where major consideration between the pros and cons are taken into consideration. Take your time and do your research well to find the best combination of powder coating options for you!
Resources: http://www.propowdersupply.com http://ezinearticles.com/?Powder-Coating--Pros-and-Cons&id=8612256
Thank you for reading!