Metallic effects in powder coatings
Metallic powder coatings are continually gaining in popularity. This article explains the manufacture of aluminum pigments used in metallic powder coatings and explains the difference between leafing and nonleafing grades. The article also discusses four particular methods of producing metallic effects.
By far the majority of powder coatings are applied onto metal substrates, such as steel and aluminum alloys that can withstand a regimen of curing temperatures ranging from 284°F to 392°F [140°C to 200°C]. More recent developments in low-temperature-cure systems and ultraviolet-curable [UV-curable] systems have allowed markets to be opened for less heat-tolerant substrates such as wood, medium-density-fiberboard [MDF] composites, and plastics.