Powder coating is a resin-based coating system that combines pigments, curatives, flow modifiers, levelling agents and other additives. All these ingredients are mixed, melted, cooled and ground into a fine powder with a smooth feel comparable. Thereafter, the powder is applied to a metal surface through electrostatic spray deposition (ESD). ESD injects electrostatic charges to the particles, which helps to bind the powder to the metal surface. One of the significant benefits of powder coatings is the fact that they are friendly to the environment. When buying fittings like windows and staircase rails for your home, a great way of ensuring sustainable construction is by choosing powder coated ones. It is friendly to the environment in the following ways:

There are No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds refer to chemical substances with a high vapour pressure at normal room temperature. Technically, the high vapour pressure is a result of a low boiling point that facilitates the sublimation or evaporation of molecules from the compound. These molecules, which are present in chemicals such as paint, enter and stay suspended in the air, an attribute referred to as volatility.

In small amounts, VOCs are not acutely toxic. However, large amounts of molecules suspended in the air pollute the air and jeopardise the quality of indoor air. They are notorious for causing allergic reactions among people or even pets. Thankfully, powder coating does not contain VOCs, meaning that there is no atmospheric contamination.

Doesn't Require Solvents

Other coating alternatives such as paint and wax often require solvents to derive an ideal fluid density before being applied to fittings. A good example of such solvents is turpentine. Once you are done using them, there is a high likelihood that these solvents will find their way to the environment in land or water through accidental spillages or voluntary disposal. Besides that, solvents are often packaged in plastic containers that form landfills if they are not disposed of properly. With powder coating, there is no need for such harmful solvents as the process uses heat and electrostatic charges.

Powder Can be Reused

Recyclable materials are an important part of sustainable construction projects. Powder coating facilitates this by enabling reuse, many years after their application. During future renovations, you can use extraction systems to gather most of the powder from your old fittings. This powder can then be refurbished and sprayed onto a new set of fittings. Such versatility is not attainable with ordinary paint.