Have you ever wondered which type of powder coat paint is best suited for the task at hand? Or debated whether there's something better out there for the part you're prepping? Powder Buy the Pound is here to give you the full report and 411 on all the options you have to choose from when it comes to powder coating.
One of the more common questions we get when it comes to powder coat is "what is the difference between epoxies and polyesters?". Well, an easy way to understand their complexities is to think of them like ketchup and mustard. Think of polyesters like ketchup. It pairs well with a wide array of meals and could even be said to be the most commonly used condiment compared to the rest. Now think of epoxies like mustard. When used right it can elevate something to a whole new level however, when mispaired it can lead to a distasteful connection that just doesn't quite work.
Polyesters are the most commonly used amongst the different types of powder coat. They are very universal and work well with many different types of surfaces, weather elements, etc. They are more flexible than epoxies and have a great weather resistance element that enables them for both indoor and outdoor use.
In comparison, epoxies are very strong and have excellent mar resistance but also have certain elements that prevent them from being used as much as polyesters. One of the biggest elements that defines this is UV exposure. Epoxies can not be in the sun or they will chalk and or yellow due to UV exposure. Although this limits the use of epoxies, there are certain ways around it if someone is really looking to benefit from the durability an epoxy has to offer. One way to work around this is to think of your epoxy as a primer. As long as you put a polyester top coat over your epoxy base it should not yellow or chalk while exposed to the sun.
Believe it or not, there is such a thing as a hybrid between these two types of powder coat. Being true to its name, a hybrid has shared elements from both types of paint discussed above. To sum it up, all this means is that it's a little less intense than an epoxy but a little more intense then a polyester. However, it does still have the same unfortunate UV element weakness as an epoxy and is also not recommended for outdoor use.
Now that you have a some clarity between polyesters and epoxies, let's level up a little bit and decipher the difference between different polys. We'll keep it as simple and straight forward to avoid confusion. Four types; Urethane Polyester, High Yield Polyester, Non-emissive Polyester, and TGIC Polyester. All are very similar in having good chemical resistance, UV exposure resistance, and flexibility. The main difference amongst these polys comes down to its level of hardness. High Yield Polyester and Non-emissive Polyester are ranked as average when it comes to their level of hardness. They'll hold up but not as effectively as the TGIC Polyesters and Urethane Polyesters. These are ranked higher in quality when it comes to this category because they bond much better. This better bonding leaves them having a higher tolerance for impact making it harder to chip, scratch, ding etc.
Having this many different options can be a little overwhelming at times when working on any project, big or small. That is why Powder Buy the Pound is always here to give you all the facts and information you need to make the best decision possible. We take immense pride in our customer service and are always here for you. It's like the old adage you use to hear in school, there is no such thing as a bad question, so never hesitate to give us a call and ask away! Whether you're in need of some tech support, a color specialist, or even just a little guidance, Powder Buy the Pound has got you covered.