Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Consumer Guides

Electrostatic Painting is the Way to Go

Electrostatic painting, also known as “powder coating,” uses the principal of “opposites attract” to create a uniform and durable finish on metal and some plastics without the sags, runs, drips and bubbles which can occur with traditional liquid paints. It’s used on many plastics and every kind of metal.

Electrostatic painting process is simple in concept and operation. Dry powder comprised of resins and pigments is pneumatically fed from a supply reservoir to a spray gun where a low amperage, high voltage charge is imparted to the powder. The part to be finished is electrically grounded. When sprayed, the charged powder articles are firmly attracted to the grounded part’s surface and held there until melted and fused into a smooth coating in the curing ovens.

It’s much more durable than liquid paint and it’s an environmentally friendly process because there are no solvents to evaporate into the air or go down the drain.

Different formulations (epoxy, urethane, polyester or a hybrid) are determined by the intended use of the item. For example, urethane and polyester offer the best exterior durability while epoxy is best for corrosion protection and chemical and solvent resistance. 

A range of literally thousands of color glosses, metallics and antique effects are available and local companies offers hundreds of “stock” colors all for same price.

Consumers may also look through sample books and pick other colors to be ordered from the manufacturer at an additional cost (Powders must be mixed at the factory, you can’t mix two together or stir in a pigment as with liquid paint.)

It is also possible to have something matched perfectly by sending to the manufacturer for computer analysis. Computerized matching requires extra time and adds a considerably higher extra service charge, as well. (A builder might need metal doors to match anodized window frames perfectly).

Because the surface of parts must be free of oil, dirt and rust prior to powder-coating, companies offer sandblasting, chemical and acid pre-treatments.

The customary turn-around tiime is 7-10 days, and often job can be done sooner for an extra “rush” fee.

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Stylish Basement Remodels
Checklist: Recommended Questions to Ask a Contractor
Home Improvement Trends

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

Townhouses
The Final Walk Through
Bringing it all Home—the Closing

Appliances

Garbage Disposals
Tip: Dishwasher
Tip: Instant Hot Water Dispenser Problems

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Small Feng Shui Tips
Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Architect
Tip: Water Seepage

Carpentry & Cabinets

Tip: Built-In Desks
Different Sized Cabinets
Cost and Quality of Kitchen Cabinets

Cleaning Services

Cleaning Asphalt Shingle Roof
Checklist: Get Your Home Ready for Spring
Musty Smell in Attic

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Tuck-pointing
Concrete Sawing
Retaining Walls

Consumer Guides

Townhouses
The Final Walk Through
Bringing it all Home—the Closing

Design Ideas

Herb Gardens
Illuminate Your Kitchen
Building a New Home

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Illuminate Your Kitchen
Checklist: Electrical Wiring Project
Upgrade for the Future

Expert Advice

Refinishing a Peeling Porch
Cleaning Asphalt Shingle Roof
Frozen Pipes

Flooring

Choosing the Best Carpet for Your Home
Steam Cleaning Grout
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay

Handyman Services

Checklist: Biyearly Maintenance
Checklist: Fall Maintenance
Do-It-Yourself Compared to Hiring a Pro

Heating & Cooling

Tip: Ceiling Fan Solutions
Air Quality
Checklist: Cold Weather Survival Tips

Home Construction

Do Homework Before Building a New Home
Tip: Panelized Homes
Building a New Home

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Checklist: Spring Maintenance
Refinishing a Peeling Porch
Herb Gardens

Moving & Storage

Remodeling Increases Value
Preparing Your House for Sale
Checklist: Increase the Potential Sale Price of Your Home

Other Services

Radon Testing and Abatement
Disability Elevators
Tip: Mildew on Wood

Painting & Staining

Fun Painting Techniques
Interior/Exterior Painting
Peeling Paint

Plumbing

Frozen Pipes
Water Damage
Loss of Pressure

Quick Tips

Checklist: Spring Maintenance
Checklist: Biyearly Maintenance
Checklist: Fall Maintenance

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Helpful Roofing Terms
Roof Treatments
Comparing Aluminum to Vinyl Siding

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

Paint Over Paneling
Nicotine Stains on Walls and Ceilings
Repair Small Hole

Windows & Doors

Tip: Door Problems Solved
Awnings
Checklist: Home Safety

copyright 2008 Realty.com