How PVDF Coatings Differ From Powder Coatings
Some people may not know whether they should opt for PVDF or powder coating when they would like some metal products to be protected from the elements. This article discusses some of the key differences between those methods. Use this information to select the option that is best suited to your needs.
Finishes and Colours
Powder coatings are available in a huge variety of finishes and colours. One can adjust the parameters of the powder-coating process in order to produce a rough or smooth surface finish and then choose a color.
However, the surface finishes available for PVDF coatings are limited. For example, the matte finish is the most readily available option. Glossy finishes are more costly because the fabricator has to add several layers of the coating in order to transform the matte finish into the desired glossy finish.
You should, therefore, think about your desired surface finish and colour preferences so that you select the method that will give you that desired outcome.
Strength
PVDF coatings are thin layers of a resin-based liquid. They add very little in terms of increasing the strength of the component onto which they have been applied. Powder-coating increases the strength of the products onto which it has been applied. This is because the powder forms a thick layer on the surface of the metal. This thick layer helps to absorb any forces, such as abrasion, to which the metallic surface is exposed. It may therefore be better for you to opt for powder-coating in case strength is a factor in the coating that you want.
The Cost
Powder-coating also tends to be more affordable compared to PVDF coatings. This affordability may arise from the fewer ingredients that go into making the different products. For example, the resin that is used in the PVDF coating has to be added to a liquid base before application. This extra material imposes an additional cost that has to be incurred by you.
The powdered resin that is used during powder-coating is simply blasted onto the metal surface so that it adheres electrostatically. Thus, the added cost of a liquid medium is avoided, so you pay a lower cost for this process.
Each of the processes above is best suited for different situations. For instance, PVDF performs better outdoors due to its non-reactivity with the elements. You should, therefore, avoid making your choice based on cost considerations alone. Talk to a powder-coating expert so that you receive technical help in selecting the best option for your project.