You shouldn’t have to be ashamed of old patio furniture, especially when powder coating can breathe new life into your metal pieces. You just need to pick the right process. Powder coating provides a more durable finish than liquid paint, its protective and cosmetic properties can widely vary. That’s why choosing the right powder coat and pairing it with the correct application process is so important. In this blog, we’ll discuss the following factors that determine whether you need a protective or cosmetic powder coating treatment:
- When You Need Cosmetic vs. Protective Powder Coating
- Common Types of Powder Coats
- Sanding vs. Chemical Pre-Treatment
- Applying the Right Number of Layers
- Protective vs. Cosmetic Powder Coating FAQs
Picking the right way to powder coat patio furniture can make all the difference in your outdoor space. It determines if your outdoor furniture is more resistant to the elements or uses more vibrant colors and different textures to elevate the look of your space. So now it’s time to answer the question: which type of powder coating will meet your needs?
When You Need Protective vs. Cosmetic Powder Coating
If you want to choose the right powder coating process, first determine what you need out of your patio furniture. For example, a protective powder coat process may be better if:
- Your patio furniture is used often
- Your patio furniture needs to endure severe weather conditions
- You don’t have proper storage for your furniture during storms or winter
- You don’t need a lot of color or gloss options
On the other hand, a cosmetic approach will work better if:
- You want to enhance your furniture’s color, gloss, and texture
- Your patio furniture is seen by many people every day
- You have a secure place to store furniture during severe weather
- Your furniture is in a dry climate where chances of rust forming are small
These factors will determine which kind of powder coat you pick with your vendor to meet protective or cosmetic needs. While the overall process of powder coating remains the same (prepare the surface, apply powder coat colors, cure, and repeat as needed), certain steps vary depending on your needs. The type of powder you use, how you prepare the surface, and how many layers you apply all depend on if you value functionality over appearance or vice versa.
Common Types of Powder Coats
While all powder coats are durable, they are not made equal. Each one has their own unique characteristics and level of resistance to different elements. That’s why you must know the location and weather conditions your patio furniture is going to be in most of the time. Otherwise, you risk choosing a powder coat color that won’t last and will need to be touched up sooner, costing you more money. To avoid this, you need to ensure you pick the right type of powder coat. And to do that you need to compare your patio furniture’s needs to the materials used in this process.
Polyester
Polyester is the most commonly used material to powder coat patio furniture. This is largely because it is both functional and decorative. Polyester powder is weather resistant, able to withstand UV light, and doesn’t break or crack easily. This material comes in a wide variety of powder coat colors that fit right into your outdoor space. And because of its durability, the color of this powder coat patio furniture won’t fade as quickly. If you’re looking for a powder coat that can stand up against harsh weather and still look good, polyester is a great option. It should be noted though that polyester isn’t as resistant to corrosion as other powder coat types. It also requires several coats to adequately protect your furniture which can be difficult to apply on thinner materials.
Acrylic
If you’re looking for powder coat colors with a smooth, shiny finish, then acrylic powder is a great option. It provides a stunning coat that is UV and chemical resistant. This means your furniture will keep its reflective finish longer even if it’s left out in the sun for long periods of time. Acrylic also comes in a wide variety of powder coat colors so you can pick the perfect shade for your outdoor furniture. Just keep in mind that acrylic powder is much more expensive than polyester and is typically used to coat automotive parts as well as decorative furniture. As a result, it isn’t always easily accessible and requires a professional application.
Fluoropolymer
Powder coating wrought iron furniture in an environment with severe storms, high temperatures, or strong UV rays? Fluoropolymer provides a durable solution. Its industry-leading UV and weather resistance prevents whatever powder coat colors you choose from fading. Due to its strong nature, fluoropolymer is typically used in building exteriors and for outdoor components in industrial locations. It’s also the most expensive of the options listed here because of its high quality.
Once you’ve picked the powder coat that will best fit your protective or cosmetic needs, you’re almost ready for the application process. First, you need to prepare the surface of your patio furniture to receive its new powder coat. This is necessary if you want the powder to adhere to your furniture and last as long as possible.
Sandblasting vs. Chemical Pre-treatment
The application process of powder coat colors doesn’t just require the right materials, it requires the right preparation. Depending on if you’re looking to improve your furniture’s durability or appearance, different pre-treatments can be used to ensure the powder coat is applied correctly. There are two main ways of doing this: sandblasting and chemical pre-treatment.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting is an intense step in preparing your patio furniture for powder coating. This pre-treatment uses compressed air and sand, glass, or metal grit particles to blast away dirt and grime. Not only that, but the pre-treatment actually changes the surface of your outdoor furniture so the powder coat can more easily adhere to it. This ensures a smooth finish that will elevate the look of your outdoor space.
However, sandblasting isn’t always the right pre-treatment. For example, sandblasting newer furniture with metal parts that are lightly oiled pushes this grime deeper into the piece. This reduces the metal’s ability to adhere to the powder coating. Sandblasting can also further damage corroded patio furniture since the metal is weakened, and this process is so strong. The bottom line? If your patio furniture is healthy and you’re just looking for a cosmetic upgrade, sandblasting is a good pre-treatment option.
Chemical Pre-Treatment
Chemical pre-treatment prepares your patio furniture for decorative powder coating and protects the metal it’s applied to so that the entire piece lasts longer. This step in powder coating wrought iron furniture and other metal components works by gently removing oils and debris from the surface. It also coats the metal in an extra layer that will better bond the powder to metal. As a result, the powder coat will last longer, become more resistant to corrosion, and reduce the risk of oxidization. To ensure this though, you need to use the right chemicals for your pre-treatment. There are two main kinds of chemicals used in this process that allow the powder coat to stick to your metal patio furniture: iron phosphate and zinc phosphate.
- Iron phosphate: This pre-treatment is easier to maintain and adheres well to various powder types. However, it doesn’t make the metal in your furniture more resistant to corrosion or severe weather.
- Zinc phosphate: This pre-treatment improves the metal’s resistance to corrosion, moisture, and UV rays. It is a longer process, but results in a stronger piece of furniture that is ready to be powder coated.
Once your pre-treatment is complete, it’s time to powder coat your patio furniture. How long this process takes depends on whether you’re focusing on protection or appearance.
Applying the Right Number of Layers
Applying a smooth layer of powder coating takes a steady hand and professional experience. When done correctly, one layer is typically enough to create a pristine finish. But if you’re looking for a protective powder coating job, one layer isn’t enough. At least two layers of powder coating is recommended. They provide multiple barriers to your metal patio furniture, protecting it from moisture, UV rays, and regular wear and tear. And so long as the application is done carefully and correctly, the finish will remain smooth.
Protective vs. Cosmetic Powder Coating FAQs
What is the main difference between protective and cosmetic powder coating?
Protective powder coating is designed to guard metal surfaces against corrosion, UV rays, scratches, and weather damage. Cosmetic powder coating focuses more on appearance, prioritizing smooth finishes, textures, and vibrant colors.
Which powder coating material should I choose for my outdoor patio furniture?
Polyester, acrylic, and fluoropolymer all offer varying levels of metal protection and different colors. However, polyester-based powder coating is the most common and can handle normal levels of corrosion, UV rays, and other weather conditions.
Is cosmetic powder coating less durable than protective powder coating?
Cosmetic coatings provide some durability but are not optimized for harsh environments with large amounts of moisture or storms. Protective coatings include additives and processes the extend their lifespan in demanding conditions.
Do I need special pre-treatment for protective powder coating?
Yes, protective powder coating requires stronger chemical pre-treatments that use iron phosphate or zinc phosphate to ensure maximum adhesion and corrosion resistance.
How long does protective powder coating last compared to cosmetic powder coating?
Protective powder coating can last up to 20 years depending on exposure and maintenance. Cosmetic coatings may need reapplication sooner if exposed to heavy wear or harsh weather conditions.
What type of powder coating resists rust the best?
Protective coatings using polyester are most effective at preventing rust, especially when paired with proper pre-treatment.
Do protective powder coatings come in a wide variety of colors too?
Yes, there are many powder coat colors available, though they may be more limited than cosmetic ones. Color options also depend on the patio furniture powder coating service your choose.
How do I know if my project needs a protective coating?
If your patio furniture will be exposed to UV rays, humidity, severe storms, or used in a high-traffic environment, protective powder coating is a better choice to maintain its appearance and structure.
Are protective coatings thicker than cosmetic ones?
Not always, but protective applications do require multiple layers to maximize durability, while cosmetic finishes focus on a uniform appearance.
Which types of powder coating is cheaper?
Cosmetic powder coating typically costs less since polyester powder coat colors are the most affordable and applying one coat is less time and money intensive than applying multiple protective layers.
Renew Your Patio Furniture with Powder Coat Colors
Don’t let worn-out patio furniture drive customers away. With the right powder coating process, you can transform the way your outdoor furniture looks and even improve its durability so it lasts longer. Before you pick your new powder coat colors though, you need to decide which material is best suited for your needs and which preparation method will get your pieces ready. Not sure which process will work best for your outdoor furniture? Contact us today to speak to one of our experts to ensure your patio furniture is restored to meet your needs.