Metal surface finishing comes in a variety of techniques and materials to meet a wide range of different needs. Paint and powder coat are two popular, cost-effective options to put a finishing coat on a metal product.
We heard a growing need from clients for paint and powder coating. At AOTCO, we listen, we respond and we go above and beyond to deliver quality. We are thrilled to announce the launch of new mil-spec paint and powder coating services, further solidifying our position as a leader in surface finishing.
Our new high-volume, dedicated capacity facility in Billerica, MA boasts 50,000 square feet of additional production space, including new paint and powder coat booths, to support clients across industries from aerospace and aviation to medical to electrical.
At AOTCO, we pride ourselves on surpassing client expectations in everything we do. Partnering with AOTCO means meeting all your needs in one place, with our team of in-house specialists who can help take your project across the finish line.
Here’s what you need to know about paint and powder coating.
The Importance of Quality Coatings
For any product where precision and performance matter, the right coating makes all the difference.
Both paint and powder coating improve metal surface durability by increasing its resistance to environmental factors like heat and corrosion, while also enhancing the product's appearance. While similar, there are a few important differences between painting, powder coating and other finishing options.
Powder Coating: Durability and Environmental Benefits
Powder coating is a dry finishing process that involves applying a powdered material to the metal surface, which is then cured under high temperature to form a hard, protective layer. It’s a method that is renowned for its durability and resistance to corrosion, impact and other forms of wear.
One of the key benefits of powerful coating is the ability to create a thick, uniform finish without any running or sagging, which can occur with traditional paint. Powder coating is also environmentally friendly as it produces minimal waste and doesn’t require solvents.
A sizable range of metals can be powder coated, including steels (both stainless steel and regular steel), aluminum, copper and many others, as well as non-metallic materials like some plastics.
Wet Paint: Versatility and Aesthetic Flexibility
Paint finishing, sometimes known as wet paint application, involves spraying a liquid paint onto the surface of the metal. The paint layer then either dries over a short period of time or is cured under heat.
Paint offers greater aesthetic flexibility compared to other types of metal finishing because of the huge range of colors and styles available. The possibilities are endless – matte, gloss, semi-gloss, saint, pearl, and every color imaginable – and can help bring the look of your product to life.
While paint doesn’t offer the same level of robust durability as power coating, it’s often the go-to for applications that require a specific color or finish like in many commercial applications. An added advantage of paint coatings is that they can be applied in thinner layers than powder coating, making it the right choice for applications with intricate details or tight tolerances.
Paint and Powder Coat vs Other Finishes
When it comes to creating a durable, corrosion-resistant protective layer on a metal surface, there are several options including paint, powder coating, anodizing, hard anodizing, electroplating and others.
Painting and powder coating are distinct from the other metal finishing services we provide at AOTCO in a number of important ways. Plating, for instance, involves depositing a thin layer of metal which has implications for electrical conductivity among other factors. Anodizing is an electrolytic process in which an oxide (anodic) layer is chemically built on the surface of the metal. These layers are often much thicker than paint or powder coats.
These options can provide a more robust layer of protection, but at a higher cost and with less flexibility in terms of the final appearance. For many applications, paint and powder coating provides more than enough protection and is the preferred choice.
The Paint and Powder Coat Process
Quality isn’t just the final results, it’s built into every step of the process. At AOTCO, all our services including paint and powder coating are the result of meticulous attention to detail at every stage from preparation to final inspection.
The paint and powder coating process includes:
- Preparation: Before any coating is applied, whether it’s wet paint or a powder, the metal surface and parts are thoroughly cleaned to remove any contaminants that might interfere with the adherence of the finish.
- Application: Depending on the requirements and specifications of the job, either a powder coat or wet paint coat is applied. In powder coating, the powder is electrostatically applied and then cured in an oven to create a durable, smooth finish. For wet paint, the coating is typically sprayed onto the surface and allowed to dry in a smooth, even layer.
- Curing: Heating the powder coated parts in a specialized oven during the curing process ensures that the coating adheres strongly to the surface and forms a hard, resilient layer.
- Inspection and Quality Control: Every part is subject to rigorous quality control checks including inspections of coating thickness, finish quality and adherence to third-party standards like MIL-Spec.
MIL-Spec and Paint and Powder Coating
When it comes to surface finishing, especially in industries like aerospace, defense and satellite manufacturing, quality is a necessity. That’s why we offer paint and powder coating services that meet religious standards including MIL-SPEC compliance.
MIL-SPEC, or military specification, are standards established by the U.S. Department of Defense to make sure the materials and processes meet the exacting requirements needed for military applications. MIL-SPEC compliant coatings are designed and tested to withstand extreme conditions like harsh weather conditions, high temperatures or corrosive environments.
Complete Coating Capability With a Trusted Partner
We understand the importance of quality and precision in every project we undertake. Our paint and powder coating services, as well as all other metal finishing solutions, reflect our dedication to meeting the highest standards of excellence. We bring peace of mind that your products are finished to perfection and ready to perform in any environment.
Need more information about our powder coating and paint services? Contact us today for a quote.
