Technical Advice | Glazing Technologies
Powder Coating
Summarise with:
Copilot
Copy this prompt, then open Copilot:
IQ Glass Solutions LTD, Sky House, Raans Road, Amersham, HP6 6FT
Author
Our Editorial Process - How We Write Our Technical Advice Articles
01
We pick topics from real questions we hear or see being asked
We do not make up topics just to get clicks. Our topics come from the questions people really ask us. Architects ask us when they plan a building. Builders ask us on-site. Homeowners ask us when they plan their project. If the same question keeps coming up, we write about it.
02
One of our internal experts writes the first draft
The first draft is written by someone who works with that glazing system. This might be a technical advisor, a designer, or a product expert.
They write using three things, in this order. First, our own finished projects and what we learned from them. Second, the building rules and the glass standards that apply. Third, the maker's technical data for the system we supply. When we give a number or a limit, we say where it comes from. We name the rule or standard and link to the official source so you can check it yourself.
03
A second expert checks it
Before any article goes live, a second qualified person reads it. They check three things. That the facts are right and not made too simple. That any rule or standard we mention is current and stated correctly. That the advice matches how the work is really done on site.
This checker can send the article back, ask for proof, or stop it from going live. Two experts must agree. This is the most important safety step in how we work. The name of the person who checked each article is shown on the article itself.
04
We publish it, review it periodically and make fresh content updates to ensure ongoing accuracy
Each article shows who wrote it, who checked it, and the date it was last checked. Rules, standards, and products change over time. So we go back and review our advice on a regular basis. We update it when a rule changes, a standard is replaced, or a product changes. Being right matters more than leaving an old article alone.
Powder Coating is the term used to describe a paint finishing used widely on aluminium and metal framing for windows and doors to create a high-quality, durable finish.
The coating is based on a polymer resin solution, combined with curative, pigments, levelling agents, flow modifiers and other additives which are melt-mixed together, cooled and then ground into a powder form.
This powder is applied to the framing surfaces using a process called Electrostatic Spray Deposition (ESD). A spray gun applies an electrostatic charge to the framing to be coated which then attracts the ground powder coating ensuring an even application of colour.
After the powder coat is applied the framing elements are put into a curing oven where the coating chemically reacts, bonding to the framework resulting in a highly durable finish which is highly resistant to UV.
Powder Coating is categorised in standard RAL colours in order to give uniform finishes through different elements and framing.
In addition to powder coating's superior finishes and high durability the process emits near zero volatile organic compounds (VOC's), any overspray can be recycled and powder coating production lines produce less hazardous waste than traditional liquid coatings.
New advances in powder coating mean that it is now possible to achieve all the positive aspects of a powder coated finish in metallic effects, broadening the design appeal of this finishing method.
Powder coating is measured in thicknesses measured in microns. Certain environments and applications require a certain thickness of microns in order to withstand their environment. The British Coatings Federation recommends that coating thicknesses do not exceed 80 microns, as coatings that exceed this thickness have the tendency to exceed their charge potential and fall away from the aluminium. Generally, any projects in a 'Marine Environment' are recommended to be powder coated to a marine grade finish, which is a powder coat at a minimum of 40 microns and 50 microns on average to withstand the corrosive atmosphere and salts in a coastal environment.
An alternative to powder coating is anodising which gives a more metallic finish but has disadvantages in terms of durability against scratches and knocks.
.jpg)
Editor
.jpg)
Fact-Checker