
Is galvanized steel coating or powder coating better for outdoor furniture?
Galvanized steel versus powder coatings for outdoor environments Thursday, April 13, 2017 Chipping, fading and corrosion are common concerns when deliberating over the use of galvanized steel coating or powder coating for outdoor furnishings, such as handrails and guardrails, bike racks, playground equipment and park benches.
Can powder coated metals be used outdoors?
Thus, having powder coated metals outdoors is a must, even for metals like aluminum and stainless steel (see our complete outdoor materials guide for why these are excellent materials for outdoor use) that can more naturally withstand outdoor conditions.
Does powder coating rust or corrode?
The powder coating itself won’t corrode or rust, but the steel underneath it can if the powder coating becomes damaged or cracked. This can especially be a problem if the steel below the powder coating is exposed to humidity or saltwater. While stainless steel can rust, it can endure more abuse for a longer time.
What are the benefits of powder coating steel stairs?
On the other hand, the benefits of powder coating steel stairs are similar to the advantages of stainless steel stairs at a fraction of the price. In most temperate outdoor environments, powder coated steel will hold up well. For indoor prefabricated steel stairs, powder coat is most often the best choice.

How long will powder-coated steel last outside?
Powder coating finishes can last up to 20 years, but due to the consistent use, exposure to UV light, and outdoor environment may break it down faster. Different coatings also have varying lifespans. For instance, coatings that have fluoropolymers and urethanes can last longer.
Can you use powder-coated steel outdoor?
The colors and finish texture on powder-coated steel provides a beautiful protective layer against the effects of nature on your outdoor furniture.
Is powder coat good for outdoor use?
Unlike epoxy coatings, polyester-based powder coatings have excellent chalk resistance. Their outstanding adhesion, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand heavy sun exposure make polyester powder coatings an effective top coat for outdoor applications.
How do you prevent powder-coated steel from rusting?
If you want to get the best possible corrosion on a blasted surface, use a zinc-rich powder primer. The zinc in the prime layer provides barrier protection against moisture penetration to the steel surface. If you cannot blast or choose not to blast, you can increase the performance by improving the pretreatment.
What are the disadvantages of powder coating?
Although powder coating has many advantages, it also has disadvantages as well, including the following.WILL BREAK DOWN IF EXPOSED TO UV RAYS.COLOR CHANGE DIFFICULTIES.START UP COSTS ARE GENERALLY HIGH.DIFFICULT TO TOUCH UP WHEN MARRED.PART HAS TO BE GROUNDED IN ORDER TO POWDER COAT.
Will powder coating prevent rust?
Moisture and humidity can cause metal frames to rust. When applied to steel, powder coating provides a protective barrier that helps prevent corrosion.
How well does powder coating hold up in weather?
The most common powder coatings can withstand temperatures between ambient to 200°F, although most are on the lower end of the spectrum. These general powders will do the trick for most typical applications, but may be susceptible to significant color change and other issues once you start pushing that 200°F+ range.
Does powder coating fade in sun?
Sun exposure or direct sunlight breaks down the particles within the paint which then makes the coating fade.
How long does powder coat last in the sun?
Even though powder coating finishes can last up to 20 years, exposure to UV light and other outdoor elements may break it down faster. This process is called chalking, and it causes the resin and pigment particles in powder coating to lose adhesion.
What is better galvanized or powder-coated?
For any application, powder coating offers distinct advantages over galvanizing. While galvanizing has a reputation for durability against the elements, today's powder coatings provide a worthy match. Options like Super Durable Powders offer even more protection from the sun and ultraviolet light.
Does powdered steel rust?
Powder-coated steel is highly resistant to rust in most cases, so it won't develop unsightly rust patches or leave red streaks on a patio or building facade. However, if it sustains damage, small cracks in the coating may appear, admit moisture and allow rust to form.
Can you pressure wash powder coating?
One of the most effective methods of cleaning powder-coated metal is via pressure washing. Its power is useful when removing dirt and debris, but it's important that you keep it on a low pressure setting. If it's too high, it can damage the coating. Additionally, always use filtered water with this method.
Is powder coating UV resistant?
From protection against things like corrosion and rust, to the uniformed and impressive aesthetics once your equipment has been coated — powder coating has a lot to offer. However, there's one benefit to powder coating that many often overlook, and that's UV-resistance.
How does humidity affect powder coating?
Powder is hygroscopic and will absorb all the moisture you allow. Humidity, both extreme dry and above the recommended 55% will adversely affect the ability to charge powder and the charged particles ability to retain the charge.
Does powder coated galvanized steel rust?
While the powder coated layer on steel will not rust or corrode, the steel underneath it can if the powder coating is cracked or damaged, especially in humid and moist environments. For this reason, galvanized steel is often the better choice for exterior steel stairs.
How long does powder coating last on rims?
around 20 yearsOn average, powder coated wheels last approximately three times longer than painted wheel finishes. The maximum durability of powder coated wheels is around 20 years if they are properly maintained and cared for.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is an organic process that involves barrier-layer protection. An electrostatically charged coating is applied to the surface – specifically a positive charge to the dry powder (thermoplastic or thermoset polymer). This bonds with the negatively charged surface of the base component, creating a rich protective layer.
What is the ISO 12944 standard for coating steel?
For more guidance, ISO 12944is an international standard on corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems. It consists of several parts.
What are the concerns with galvanized steel?
Moisture, fading and corrosion are common concerns when deliberating over the use of galvanized steel coating or powder coatings for outdoor furnishings. Home. Resource Guide.
How long does galvanized steel last?
This process helps steel-based structures last longer (about 50 to 100 years) at a corrosion rate of 1/30 of bare steel, and is low-cost in terms of maintenance and first-time and lifetime costs.
What is electrostatically charged coating?
An electrostatically charged coating is applied to the surface – specifically a positive charge to the dry powder (thermoplastic or thermoset polymer). This bonds with the negatively charged surface of the base component, creating a rich protective layer. There are copious benefits of this coating.
Can powder coating be used outdoors?
When exposed to outdoor or marine environments, powder coatings can resist corrosion, abrasion and chemicals – but only up to a certain threshold,” adds Holland. “Compared to paint, this type of protection is exponentially more reliable. To ensure protection, powder coatings must be maintained properly by applying paint over ...
Is zinc good for marine equipment?
Yes, I agree with you .Zinc reacts with moisture or oxygen slowly as compared to other elements which helps the machinery or other equipment to be safe from corrosion. Galvanized Steel Coatings is best for marine equipment where there is so much moisture and its maintenance is also not needed .Thanks for the article .
What is the best material for outdoor kitchens?
Stainless steel is an amazing material, and the best material for outdoor kitchens. There is good reason why hospitals, commercial kitchens and food processing plants all use it. Stainless steel is a hygienic, non-porous surface which is coupled with easy cleaning. And the primary choice for applications which require strict hygiene control. Stainless steel has a major advantage over other materials as its high corrosion resistance allows it to be used in rigorous environments. It is also resistant to fire and heat, and retains strength at high temperatures. No other material can hold up to the salt and heat the way stainless steel does.
What is fluoropolymer powder?
Fluoropolymer powders are exterior grade powders that are used on the outside of buildings, fenestration and curtain walls, for example. Fluoropolymer powder coatings is the highest performing powder coat for the outdoors and 4 Life Outdoor Cabinets, exceed the performance requirements of AAMA 2605, as per the American Architectural Manufacturers Association.
Clearcoat Over Metallic Powder
Q. We recently got some parts returned that had been coated with a silver metallic powder that had turned dull and gray-looking in some areas. Our supplier tells us that we may need to apply a clearcoat over the metallic powder for this application. Any suggestions?
Comparing Different Coatings
Q. We manufacture fencing and rails for commercial and residential use. We currently do hot-dipped galvanizing, liquid paint and powder coating. How can we determine the best type of coating? How do we compare these different finishes?
How long does it take to powder coat a cabinet?
The parts are prepared for coating in a seven-tank process, and then powder coating is applied. The powder coating is done within 24 hours of the phosphating process. The powder coating thickness is 85 microns, and the powder type is epoxy. These cabinets are generally kept outdoors (at the customer’s place), and at times the humidity is quite high.
Does powder coating work outside?
R.A. A. Powder coating will work outside in high-humidity conditions, however the surface preparation and powder coating must be done correctly. To avoid rusting in extreme conditions you need to use a zinc phosphate treatment or apply a very thick layer over a very clean surface.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a dry finishing process in which free-flowing, thermoplastic or thermoset powder material, rather than a liquid suspension, is applied to a surface, melted, and then allowed to dry and harden into a protective coating. Typically, the powder is applied via electrostatic spray deposition ...
What do you need for a powder coating workshop?
For powder coating, however, a workshop needs at least a spray gun, spray booth, and curing oven in order to complete the powder coating process. The addition of the curing oven adds significantly to the initial start-up costs for powder coating.
How long does it take for powder coating to dry?
Compared to liquid coatings, powder coatings require much shorter curing, processing, and drying times. Liquid coatings generally require several hours without heat, and forty-five minutes to an hour with the use of heat, before they are sufficiently cured to be handled in assembly operations. Once assembled, the coated parts are usually left to dry completely overnight before being packaged for shipment. Powder coatings, on the other hand, can be fully cured, on average, in ten minutes. Once cooled enough to handle, the part can be assembled and then packaged immediately. This further decreases the production time for a completed product or assembly, as well as reduces the number of parts that are left in staging areas to be assembled, packaged, or shipped.
How much VOC is in a gallon of liquid coating?
In liquid coatings, the average VOC content is between 3.5 to 5.5 pounds per gallon, which translates to approximately one-third to one-half of each gallon of the liquid coating being emitted into the environment and atmosphere during the application process. Since powder coatings do not contain any solvents, they emit little to no VOCs ...
How is powder coating color determined?
The powder coating color is determined by the plastics that are ground to create the powder material , and the materials are usually produced in minimum consignments, which may not prove to be cost-effective for custom, small batch coating needs. Additionally, powder coating material cannot be mixed together to create different colors, as each formulation is custom-made to exhibit specific physical and mechanical characteristics. This fact will affect lead time and turnaround time for a completed part or product.
Is powder coating a liquid coating?
In powder coating applications, nearly all coating material is utilized. Unlike with the application of liquid coatings where the oversprayed coating material is immediately lost and wasted, undamaged and uncontaminated powder overspray can be reclaimed and recycled for future coating applications. Additionally, as powder coatings do not contain solvents, the material is not lost to the atmosphere during application, leading to a powder coating material utilization rate of close to 100%.
Do powder coatings have VOCs?
Since powder coatings do not contain any solvents, they emit little to no VOCs throughout the finishing process. Some other environmental advantages of powder coatings include less carbon dioxide emissions, no hazardous waste requiring disposal, and no need for the use of a primer before the coating application.
What is powder coated steel?
Powder coated steel is typically made up of iron, carbon and other materials which can rust. To prevent corrosion, the base material steel can be powder coated with finely ground particles of pigment and resin. Powder coating is applied as a dry powder on the steel.
What is the difference between powder coated steel and stainless steel?
The difference between stainless steel and powder coated steel lies in the metals and processes used to create them. Powder coating adds a durable, protective epoxy or polymer layer over the steel, while stainless steel includes metal additives into the composition of the steel to improve durability and corrosion resistance.
What is the process of making stainless steel?
Stainless steel is made through the same process as carbon steel. However, chromium, nickel, nitrogen and molybdenum are added to the iron and carbon to enable the steel to naturally resist corrosion. Chromium is essential to making stainless steel, which must contain at least 10.5% for the steel to qualify as stainless. Chromium reacts with oxygen in the environment to create a thin oxide film which protects stainless steel from rust. No additional coating is needed to protect stainless steel from corrosion.
What is stainless steel made of?
Stainless steel is made through the same process as carbon steel. However, chromium, nickel, nitrogen and molybdenum are added to the iron and carbon to enable the steel to naturally resist corrosion. Chromium is essential to making stainless steel, which must contain at least 10.5% for the steel to qualify as stainless.
How long does powder coating last?
Powder coating also stops discoloration from the sun. However, powder coating typically lasts only 15-20 years, depending on the pre-treatment of the metal and the type of powder coating materials used. The chromium in stainless steel makes it extremely resistant to damage from constant use.
What is the amount of chromium needed to make stainless steel?
Chromium is essential to making stainless steel, which must contain at least 10.5% for the steel to qualify as stainless. Chromium reacts with oxygen in the environment to create a thin oxide film which protects stainless steel from rust. No additional coating is needed to protect stainless steel from corrosion.
How long does stainless steel last?
In fact, stainless steel is so resilient that it can last in almost any environment well over a hundred years.
