Powder Coating is Efficient, Enduring and Eco-friendly

Powder coating is a manufacturing process we use with nearly all products we produce at Black Lab. Aside from being a time and cost efficient process, this more advanced approach to traditional painting provides improved durability, a higher quality finish and a more environmentally friendly option. 

How does it work?

Powder coating is based on polymer resin combined with pigments, curative, flow modifiers, leveling agents, and several other additives. All ingredients are mixed together, then cooled and ground into a powder. Preheating achieves a uniform finish, and cooling helps form a hard coating. Powder coatings are suitable for metal because they repel corrosive materials, such as chemicals and water. Longevity is dependable on the environment in which the product is exposed to.

The powder is available in a wide range of colours, making it suitable for multiple applications.

What can be powder coated ? 

Any metal that can hold the electrostatic charge required for the powder to stick, along with the ability to tolerate high heat of the curing in the oven, is suitable. This includes galvanised steel, mild steel, aluminium, stainless steel and most other steel alloys.

What makes it environmentally friendly?

The powder that does not adhere to the surface being coated is collected and reused, meaning that there is little waste. And since the coating process happens in a sealed environment, there is little to no risk of air pollution. 

Compared to painting, powder coating reduces finishing line emissions, produces far less harmful waste by-product, and doesn’t pose a significant health risk to your employees or neighbors. 

How do you prep the materials for powder coating?

The substrate needs to be cleaned and degreased prior to powder coating. Iron phosphate is the most frequently used pretreatment for powder coating. It can be used with almost any substrate. 

At Black Lab Design we fabricate and powder coat all of our own steel, which allows us to completely control and provide the highest quality in the finished product.