What
is Power Coating?
Power
coating is a dry finishing process, using finely ground particles
of pigment and resin, which are electrostatically charged and
sprayed onto a part to be coated. The charged particles adhere
to the parts until melted and fused into a tough, even coating
through the application of heat and energy.
Some woods
and wood products such as MDF have sufficient and consistent moisture
content to provide conductivity and can be coated directly. Wood
parts that require sanding can be cleaned with compressed air
to remove any surface contaminants. To enhance electrostatic attraction,
wood can be pretreated with a spray solution that provides a conductive
surface. The part is then preheated to a desired coating temperature,
which softens or partially melts the powder when it is applied
and helps the powder adhere to the part where it melts a little
on impact. A uniform board surface temperature allows for high
transfer efficiency and a consistent appearance.
Powder coating
is revolutionizing the MDF market because it offers design freedoms
other finishing methods and laminating processes just cannot provide.
Extreme now
has an entire line of Powder Coated Cabinetry and Benchtops available
in three stock colors (White, Spectrum Gray and Black) and is
available in any color under the rainbow for a slight upcharge.
Powder coating protects our Industrial MDF products from chips,
stains, spills and scratches, provides a durable, seamless finish,
as well as being much more moisture resistant than the typical
garage cabinet.
One of the
biggest breakthroughs for powder in the heat sensitive substrate
market is on medium density fiberboard, or MDF, a combination
panel bonding
particles of wood with a synthetic resin.
MDF is very
suitable for powder coating application because of its low porosity
and homogeneous surface. MDF products include garage cabinets,
office furniture, kitchen and bath cabinets, doors, store fixtures
and displays, barbecue trays and ready-to-assemble furniture for
the office and home. |