Although powder coating performs great on some kinds of metal sheet surfaces, there are exceptions. What metals can you powder coat, and why? Understanding the best (or worst) choices makes the project more successful and less stressful. Because of the electrostatic charge, the powder coating process isn't ideal for some metals.

Powder coating is an affordable, long-term process that makes your products a smooth and appealing finish; however, you must apply it on the correct surfaces to guarantee easy maintenance and maximum longevity. If you do it wrong or use it on an imperfect surface, you might pay much more than you wanted to and have to cope with more peeling paint! 

Good for you; you’ll not have to fret about that as this article explains the metals you shouldn’t powder coat.

Materials to Powder Coat

First, it's worth knowing that the powder processes employ a dry technique, not the wet paint method.  Remember that the process is still the same regardless of the metal you use.  Moreso, every metal must go via a suitable pretreatment and cleaning process to guarantee excellent polyester powder adhesion. A great pretreatment outcome in a smooth external surface finish ensures you achieve the best.

The metals below are suitable for coloring using any of the reputable polyester powder brands:

• Aluminum

• Bronze

• Steel

• Titanium

• Brass

The rule of thumb is that metals can hold an electric charge during powder application.

In addition, that metal should withstand heat used in the curing oven.  If you meet those two criteria, there’s no reason you shouldn’t powder coat any other metal.  However, it's advisable to contact experts with your needs.

So, Which Metals Can't Be Powder Coated

Metals that aren’t electrically charged, like the ones that use certain fillers, are not powder coated. Also, such materials might pose a problem.

Lead

It's a chemical element with an atomic number 82 and the symbol Pb.  The soft, pliable metal has a relatively low melting point that is denser than many other heavy metals. When first cut, lead is silvery with a blue tint, but when exposed to air, it tarnishes to a drab gray appearance.

Bismuth

It is another challenging material to utilize during powder coating, especially with high temperatures that can create a significant issue. This brittle, white, crystalline metal with a pinkish touch. Bismuth is the most diamagnetic metal with the least metal heat conductivity. Once electricity surges, it melts and breaks your circuit.

Titanium

Experts occasionally get inquiries about powder coating titanium. Sadly, the response is no.  This metal doesn’t carry electricity very well. Its percentage of conductivity is  3.1. Therefore, titanium doesn’t perform well in areas that need strong conductivity.

Items with no charge

If you attempt to powder-coat something that doesn't have a charge, it usually won't stick to the item and will instead fall to the ground. Some products, however, you can preheat before powder coating them. When the powder coating comes into contact with the hot object, it'll melt, allowing you to coat the item thoroughly. The paint's integrity may be jeopardized if too much powder coating is applied using this technique.

Note: Metal is the most popular material for powder coating since it can carry an electric charge. It makes it simpler for the powder to adhere to grounded metal because of the electrostatic affinity to one another. In addition to metal, you can use a powder coat to finish various materials. 

There are materials like wood, glass, and carbon fiber that one can powder coat, but for the powder to adhere correctly, you must first heat them to a precise curing temperature. 

Also, plastics such as polyphenylene, polyetherimide, and glass-filled nylon are a few materials that could withstand the powder coating process successfully. However, there are still some that still need to be done.

Take away

With a compatible metal surface, powder coating is an eco-friendly and economical alternative to liquid-based paints. The advantages of powder coating are durable surfaces, creating a hard surface, providing solid resistance to chemicals and heat, and protection from extreme weather and corrosion.

If you doubt you could powder coat your preferred item; it’s always clever to reach out to an expert, and good for you; a friendly team Ramseier Koatings is the best!