Determining the coating system scope—a consultative approach
When I encounter people who have an opportunity to learn more about powder coating (read customers and prospects), the conversation will often begin around the subject of the price to have their product coated a certain color. Color is the focus 99 percent of the time, at the expense of other details that will affect the performance of the coating and potentially the life of the product. Many people are exposed to powder coating at hobby shows that depict the central character having a piece of a motorbike, hotrod, antique furniture, or other item (insert clichéd-metal-piece-here) improved through powder coating.
There is a belief that powder coating is better. I loosely agree with this—without getting into a detailed conversation about coatings—however, not all powder coatings are equal. This is further complicated by variance in surface preparation, coating chemistry, cure rate, and general handling. Unfortunately, when a powder coater simply provides a customer with a color while ignoring these other aspects of a coating, there’s a chance that the coating will fail prematurely. As custom coating shops, we know better.