Powder Coating vs. Galvanizing
Galvanization or hot-dip galvanization is a commonly used industrial metal finishing process in which fabricated steel or iron is dipped into a vat or kettle of molten zinc in order to form a tightly bonded alloy coating. Hot-dip galvanizing with the zinc coatings provides excellent sacrificial protection against the harmful effects of corrosion and abrasion, which can prolong the service life of the galvanized steel.
Although the process does offer effective and long-lasting surface protection, the Lane Coatings powder coating solution can be a more suitable alternative to hot-dip galvanizing for a number of important reasons.
Aesthetic Advantages of Powder Coating Over Galvanizing
Powder coating can provide surface protection comparable to that of hot-dip galvanizing with the added advantage of being more pleasing to the eye. Powder coating gives the customer the flexibility to choose a finish in virtually any color under the sun, and many have the capability to be finished in a wide variety of glosses. Hot-dip galvanizing cannot be customized the way powder coating can. This customization is a key benefit when the aesthetic appeal of the finished product is essential for marketing, branding or other purposes.
Benefits of Powder Coating
The Environmental Powder Coating Advantages Over Galvanizing
For the ever-growing number of companies committed to “going green,” powder coating is a more environmentally friendly solution to hot-dip galvanizing. The heavy zinc usage that galvanizing requires can be toxic and may lead to health issues in areas surrounding the production facility due to zinc contamination in the drinking water.
On the other hand, the typical powder coating process emits zero chemical solvents and contains no heavy metals. Any powder coating overspray can be recycled, which eliminates waste. There is no wastewater that must be discharged into a public sewer or groundwater supply. In general, no hazardous waste is created as a by-product of the protective coating process.
The Budget-Friendly Cost of Powder Coating Over Galvanizing
Hot-dip galvanization tends to be more costly than powder coating. Due to its zinc-rich primer, the cost of zinc impacts the price of hot-tip galvanizing. Other cost factors include its thickness, the material application pretreatment processes and the types of materials used. Powder coating is more cost-effective both upfront and over time while offering durable protection.
Powder Coating on Hot-Dip Galvanizing: The Best of Both Worlds
Lane Coatings possesses the capability to powder coat surfaces that have already undergone a hot-dip galvanization process. Powder coating over galvanizing can extend the durability of the galvanized surface due to the synergistic relationship between the powder coating and zinc.
The powder coating provides an additional barrier of corrosion protection for the zinc, resulting in enhanced overall corrosion resistance. Some industrial facilities use powder coating on galvanized surfaces for color-coding of piping systems, important for proper identification and safety. Lane Coatings can handle most projects requiring powder coating over galvanizing, regardless of size or scope.
Contact Lane Coatings Today
If you’re ready to apply powder coating surface protection to your metal, we’re ready to help. Since 1979, Lane Coatings has been the leading name in the powder coating industry for our innovative and long-lasting solutions. We have experience in a variety of projects, so we will meet your needs.
Visit our website to learn more information about our services, including the hot-dip galvanizing process, or request a free quote for your project today.
