Powder coating forms a protective barrier around materials while enhancing the aesthetic. Powder coating serves the same purpose as paint; however, it’s applied differently. But since powder coating doesn’t work for every material, does it work on stainless steel?
You can powder coat stainless steel. Powder coating stainless steel can give the metal a new color and texture. Powder coating may also be added to stainless steel to improve its functionality and corrosion resistance and protect the surface against scratches and wear.
Keep reading for more detailed information about applying powder coating to stainless steel, the advantages of using powder coating on stainless steel, and how powder coating is applied to this metal. By the end of this piece, you’ll gain better insight into powder coating and its benefits for stainless steel.
Does Powder Coat Stick to Stainless Steel?
Powder coat works by covering a surface in powder and then setting this powder using heat or ultraviolet rays. However, powder coating doesn’t stick to every surface and is prone to falling off some materials. So will powder coating stick to stainless steel in your home?
A powder coat does stick to stainless steel. The powder coating can be applied to stainless steel, then it’ll either be heat or UV-treated to make the powder form a solid surface. Powder coating works for nearly every form of steel and steel alloy.
The powder coat has no issue sticking to stainless steel. However, a certain degree of roughness on the stainless steel surface facilitates a strong bind and adhesion. Therefore, it’s probably best to avoid applying polish to the stainless steel before powder coating.
You could even use a piece of sandpaper to roughen the surface and allow the powder coat to stick better. Don’t use rough sandpaper as it might leave deep marks on the steel, though.
Should Stainless Steel Be Powder Coated?
You already know that powder coating is suitable to use on stainless steel. However, just before you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. So is it wise to powder coat stainless steel, or is this step completely unnecessary and just a waste of money?
Stainless steel doesn’t need to be powder coated; however, powder coating adds color and a smooth, aesthetically appealing finish. Unless you want to color your stainless steel, you should save your money and not powder coat the surface.
Stainless steel is a robust and durable material. Therefore stainless steel doesn’t require the added protection that powder coating offers. However, powder coating is a long-lasting and robust finish that won’t fade or chip like paint. Therefore powder coating is worthwhile for stainless steel that everyone can see.
However, stainless steel that you can’t see doesn’t require a powder coat.
Does Powder Coated Stainless Steel Rust?
Powder coating offers some metals a secure layer of protection against rust and corrosion. However, not all powder coatings provide sufficient protection against rusting. So will powder coating your stainless steel prevent rust from forming?
Powder coating will prevent stainless steel from rusting. The powder coating keeps oxygen away from the surface, preventing rust. However, stainless steel contains at least 10.5% chromium, which forms a protective layer that stops rust in its tracks.
Stainless steel without powder coating is resilient to rust. The chromium within the stainless steel forms a protective layer around the metal when it comes into contact with the air. However, stainless steel isn’t entirely rustproof. However, stainless steel with higher chromium content is more resilient against rusting.
As stainless steel isn’t entirely rust-proof, applying a powder coat could effectively provide the surface with additional protection against rust. For rust to form, iron needs to come into contact with water and air. A powder coating forms a barrier over the metal surface that keeps out moisture and air, ensuring no rust forms.
What Metals Can Be Powder Coated?
Powder coating is an excellent way of enhancing the aesthetic of a material with a durable protective layer. You already know that stainless steel is suitable for powder coating, but what about other metals? Are all metals suitable for powder coating?
Any metal that can withstand high temperatures and handle the electrostatic charge used to install powder coating is suitable. Most metals and their alloys are ideal for powder coating, including steel alloys, mild steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, brass, titanium, and iron.
What Can Materials Not Be Powder Coated?
Powder coating is such a durable and aesthetically-pleasing coating. It’s typically used for metals as most of them can have a powder coating. This begs the question, are there any materials that aren’t well suited to powder coating installation?
Wood, rubber, plastics, and anything that melts or burns when exposed to high temperatures aren’t well suited for powder coating. At the same time, materials like resin are unsuitable for powder coating as they’re not electrostatically charged.
How Long Will Powder Coating Last on Stainless Steel?
Powder coating is a robust and durable layer of protection. Powder coating can withstand a lot of damage, and it doesn’t crack or chip easily. However, we haven’t explored how long you can expect a powder coating to last without needing repair or replacement.
Powder coatings will typically last up to 20 years on stainless steel. However, several factors can shorten the lifespan of a powder coat. Usage, poor maintenance, and environmental exposure might cause a powder coating to deteriorate faster.
There are a variety of powder coatings available to use on various surfaces. Choosing a powder coating that works well with stainless steel will help to secure the bond between the surface and the powder coating. This allows the powder coating to last longer and withstand more wear before deteriorating.
The quality of your powder coating will also dictate how long you can expect the coating to last. Some of the more robust powder coatings, designed for outdoor items or industrial purposes, are more resilient to wear, which means they can last for over 20 years.
Is Paint or Powder Coating Better for Stainless Steel?
Now that you know all about powder coating and how it protects stainless steel against the elements, it’s time to examine some of the alternatives and how they stack up against powder coating. So is powder coating more effective than an alternative like paint?
Powder coating is better for stainless steel than paint. Powder coating is more durable, longer-lasting, and will provide a better aesthetic. Stainless steel is hard to paint as it’s not porous, which is required for paint to form a strong bond with the surface.
Paint works best when it’s applied to porous materials like wood. Stainless steel is a very smooth surface without any small holes. This makes painting stainless steel a challenging job that often results poorly. However, hiring a professional to apply a powder coating will produce excellent results that could last for decades with the proper care.
Final Thoughts
Powder coating is an excellent way of protecting surfaces against wear while enhancing the aesthetic. Powder coating can be used to color metals and other suitable materials. Stainless steel can be powder coated to great success as it can withstand the high temperatures required to install powder coatings.
Powder coating can last for more than 20 years on stainless steel with proper maintenance. Powder coating is better suited for stainless steel than paint. Paint isn’t easy to apply to stainless steel as it has no porous surface. Powder coating can also protect stainless steel against rusting.