Powder coating has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. This process can give any steel product an attractive finish that’s much more scratch and chip resistant than standard paint jobs—but only if you use the right materials. 

The 5 materials listed below are some of the most popular choices for powder coating, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on your specific project.

1) Aluminium

Aluminium is the most commonly used metal in powder coating. It is a great option if you are looking for a durable and long lasting finish with minimal preparation. Aluminium can be polished to a very high shine, and it can also be dyed to match any color of your choosing. 

Aluminium is one of the more expensive metals when it comes to powder coating, but it’s important to note that this material can come in many different thicknesses from 1mm up to 10mm. The thicker the aluminium, the higher quality finish you will get out of your finished product.

Aluminium will be best suited for large items where you want durability and longevity – think bathtubs, furniture pieces, window frames, etc.

2) Mild steel

Mild steel is the second best option for powder coating. It has a low carbon content, which means it won’t corrode as easily. 

It also has a higher corrosion resistance when compared to stainless steel. Mild steel can be used for powder coating with no additional preparation, but some pre-treatment might be necessary for certain types of mild steel such as galvanized or degreased mild steel.

3) 4130 Chromoly

4130 chromoly is a type of steel that is ideal to use in powder coating. This material is durable and has excellent corrosion resistance. It can be used in a variety of different applications, including powder coating. 

Plus, 4130 chromoly does not react with the coating when it’s in the oven during its curing process, which means that the coating will be uniform on all sides of the metal without any bubbling or blistering.

4) Zinc

Zinc is one of the most popular materials in powder coating. It’s a great metal because it is available in large quantities and is cheaper than other metals like aluminium. 

Zinc also has some innate qualities that make it desirable as a powder coating material – it can act as an anti-corrosion agent and protect the underlying surface from oxidization. When you combine all of these properties with the fact that zinc is more affordable and environmentally friendly than aluminium, there’s no wonder why zinc is a popular choice for powder coating.

5) 316 Stainless Steel

316 stainless steel is an excellent choice for powder coating, and can offer a smooth finish with very little porosity. The 316L grade of stainless steel is most common in the powder coating industry because it offers excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. 

Any of the grades of 316 stainless steel can be used in powder coating, as long as they are specifically designed to work with this process. Another benefit of 316 stainless steel is its ability to withstand high temperatures, which means that it can be used on materials that are difficult to coat using other methods.

Benefits of powder coating

Powder coating can provide a seamless finish, and is a durable option. It also offers the opportunity to apply color as desired, which can make your project unique. Some of the benefits of powder coating are: 

• It provides a seamless finish, so you don’t have to worry about the paint chipping off or rusting over time. 
• It’s durable and scratch-resistant.
• You can add color any way you want, so it will look like your own personal creation.
• It is great for metal, plastic, and more.

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed this list of the top five materials you need to start powder coating. Remember that if you’re looking for a professional power coating service, we offer our expertise at the best possible price. Contact us today with any questions or concerns!