Powder Coating Finishes: What Types Are There?

What Is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a finishing process applied to various metals, such as copper, steel and aluminium, as well as other surfaces, and provides both an aesthetic and protective finish. Powder is loaded into a spray gun and exits whilst being positively charged by an electromagnetic coil. The part being coated with the powder is then placed in an oven for the powder to cure and secure itself.

How Do Powder Coating Finishes Affect Performance?

So, why would you powder coat something instead of painting it? The different types of powder coating finishes will not only provide different visuals but also provide enhanced durability, thicknesses and functionality.

Once the powder is cured, it solidifies to the profile’s surface, providing excellent durability, especially compared to traditional liquid coatings. Additionally, powder coating can produce much thicker coatings, with many additional layers able to be added after curing, increasing protection and longevity.

However, it’s important to understand different powder coatings will provide different performance enhancements, but generally all types will benefit a surface from chipping, scratching, corrosion and physical impacts.

What Are the Different Types of Powder Coating Finishes?

There are three types of powder coatings which provide different finishes: epoxy, polyester and a hybrid of the two. Depending on the application will determine which form of powder coating will be used. In this blog, we’re specifically focusing on the different finishes available.

The finishes we’re talking about will feature characteristics including gloss level, which simply means how much light reflects on the surface, as well as all the benefits of powder coating mentioned earlier.

1. Matte Finish Powder Coating

One of the most used and popular, matte finish powder coating acts as a flat finish with a slightly reflective surface, with a gloss level ranging anywhere between 10 and 30%. Matte finishes can come in any colour on the RAL colour chart, making it one of the most versatile powder coating finishes out there.

2. Gloss Powder Coating

Shiny and chrome-like and perfect for defining corners and edges, a gloss powder coating finish is popular for automotive parts and leaves a reflective finish which is easy to clean. A high gloss finish (70 – 90% gloss level), while simple to clean, may show more imperfections but boasts a water-like reflective finish, ideal for electronics and applications requiring a luxurious touch.

Gloss powder coating finishes will range from full gloss, medium gloss (40 – 60%), satin (20 – 40%) and then matte.

3. Sparkle Powder Coating

If it sparkles, it’s been powder coated. For this finish, the powder is combined with small amounts of aluminium and mica, which gives the finish a diamond-like sparkle and rougher texture. Applications are given this finish to present an other-worldly feel, with bike frames and car wheel trims often sporting this look, often combined with multiple colours and rainbow effects.

4. Sand Texture Powder Coating

As the name suggests, sand texture powder coating provides surfaces a much more textured, rougher look and feel and works best for hiding imperfections. As well as the rougher look, the textured surface is ideal for applications requiring a non-slip surface, common for machinery and metal furniture.

5. Hammer Powder Coating

Similar to sand texture powder coating but able to have a gloss shine, hammer powder coating closely resembles the visuals and texture of orange peel. When applications such as lighting fixtures, wall tiles and outdoor equipment require a thicker yet visually pleasing finish, offering great impact resistance and protection.

6. Clear Powder Coating

Clear powder coat finishes are typically a secondary coat applied to further enhance durability and longevity. In turn, the clear coating also can enhance and alter gloss levels, as well as keep the initial finished colour and texture visible.

7. Chrome and Metallic Powder Coating

If you want plastic, concrete or other non-metallic materials to look, well, metallic, this is the powder coating finish to choose. The coating powder is layered with flecks of metal and then sprayed on different profiles, creating a chrome-like appearance which mimics the look of metal. It can be combined with different colours and is often followed by a clear powder coating layer.

Choosing the Right Powder Coating Finish for Your Project: 3 Factors to Consider

With all these powder coated finishes available, which one do you go for? Here are the three most important factors to consider:

Environment

Where will your powder coated project be situated? The environment your project is exposed to will determine the required finish. For outdoor applications and industrial settings, a sand texture or hammer finish provides more durability against harsh weather, while chrome and metallic coatings offer UV resistance.

Clear coatings and matte finishes are great for indoor applications, as they are excellent at resisting oxidisation and corrosion.

Durability

Heavy-use machinery and industrial applications require durable powder coated finishes, with sand and hammer finishes providing enhanced scratch and impact resistance. While gloss and metallic coatings also offer a high-level of durability, they will require more maintenance to retain their pristine appearance.

Aesthetics

Choose matte coatings for a modern, understated look; go for gloss and sparkle finishes to add a vibrant and reflective quality. If you’re looking for an industrial, sleek effect, hammer coatings add a distinct rugged appearance.

Partner With Powder Coating Experts

Powder coating finishes come in a wide variety, offering different aesthetics and functional qualities, but one thing that stays consistent is the expertise Central Profiles provides with our powder coating services.

At Central Profiles, our state-of-the-art powder coating services and technology ensures the type of powder coating finish you choose is always uniform, whether that be for small or large projects. We can accommodate a wide range of materials to coat, all with fast turnaround times thanks to an expert team paired with the latest technology.

For more assistance with your powder coating finishes or to start your project, get in touch with us by calling 01526 744788 or email us at enquiries@central-profiles.co.uk.

Powder Coating Benefits FAQs

We have all your powder coating questions answered, and here are a few common questions answered regarding the types of finishes.

Is powder coating matte or gloss?

Powder coating can be either in a matte or gloss finish, depending on your desired aesthetic and functionality. A matte finish provides a subtle, flat and modern look, while a gloss finish is perfect for showcasing a shiny, reflective appearance.

Does powder coating have a smooth finish?

Gloss, metallic and clear coatings provide a smooth powder coated finish, whereas matte, sand texture and hammer finishes provide a more textured finish.

Do you clear coat after powder coating?

While it is optional, clear coating is usually applied after an initial powder coating, typically a chrome or metallic finish. This is done to both retain the initial appearance and texture and also further enhance UV resistance and gloss retention, preventing fading and chipping over time.