How Does Powder Coating Work?

When you’re adding color to a high-traffic surface like a handrail, you need something that is as durable as it is decorative. Paint might be your first thought, but think again! Even the best coat of paint isn’t invulnerable to the daily wear-and-tear your handrail may encounter. Powder coating is an attractive and durable way to make your handrail look great and last for years to come. But how does powder coating work?

What Is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a material finishing technique that can add color and texture to any prepared surface. It is mostly used with metals, but it can also be used on other surfaces if they’re prepared appropriately. Powder coating consists of a powdered mix of pigments, resins, and other materials that can be applied to many different kinds of surfaces. Unlike paint, it is applied dry. This makes it more ecologically friendly, as it is easier to clean up spills and reclaim unused powder for use with other projects. Powder coating also comes in different textures, such as satin and matte finishes. Designers and artists love powder coating because it is much more durable than paint, but it still allows a stunning variety of shades to be applied to various products. Powder coating offers a decorative finish and a protective finish in one process, and it’s a great way to make your handrail a showpiece you can be proud of!

How Is Powder Coating Applied to a Handrail?

Powder coating is applied to metal surfaces using a process called electrostatic spray disposition (ESD). With this process, a specialized spray gun distributes the powder coating mix evenly across a prepared surface. How does powder coating work once it’s applied to a surface?  The spray gun charges the powder coating with an electrostatic charge, which sticks it to the intended surface and gets it to stay put. Once the intended item is completely coated in powder coating, it will be placed in a curing oven. The heat in the curing oven triggers a chemical reaction that melts down the powder coating and adheres it permanently to the surface, giving it a protective, decorative finish.

How Does Powder Coating Work?

The science is all well and good, but how does powder coating add life to your handrail? The secret is in the process and materials. Powder coating is much more durable than other typical finishes like paint and varnish. This is because when the powder coated item cures in the oven, that process triggers chemical bonds that make powder coating particularly strong. That means that powder coated surfaces are more durable than liquid-covered surfaces. Powder-coated surfaces can be between 6 and 12 mils thick, offering much more protection than the 1 mil provided by a typical coat of paint.

This may not seem important, but think about how we use a handrail every day. Odds are, your handrail will be touched by dozens of hands over the course of its life. An outdoor handrail will also need to stand up to adverse weather conditions and outdoor hazards. When considering a finish for your handrail, durability is just as important as looks. Powder coated handrails are less likely to chip or lose color over time, and if cared for appropriately, they will maintain their rich shades and attractive finish for years to come.

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If you’re looking for an attractive aluminum handrail that will last a long time, look no further than a powder-coated model from Aluminum Handrail Direct. We offer an incredible variety of colors and finishes that fit into any home. Check out the selection on our site, or reach out to our team of experts. We’ll find the ideal handrail for you!

At Aluminum Handrail Direct, our sturdy and stylish powder-coated aluminum handrails will deliver the look that you want and the reliability that you deserve. Our attractive, maintenance-free aluminum handrails are finished with a durable powder coating in a wide range of colors. Are you worried about small nicks or scratches marring your handrail? There’s no need. We also offer suitable touch-up kits: a pen/bottle, a spray paint kit, and a three-part kit. View our amazing selection today in our online store, and explore our full range of products to find the perfect handrail for your project.