A trend that continues to shine in the facade industry.
Metallic Powder coating is a design trend that is increasing in use, Jotun, the region’s leading powder coating supplier explained the demand for metallic products has steadily increased during the past 5 years.
Metallic powder coatings have a metallic or sparkle effect added to them. These metallic pigments are usually aluminium flake or mica in a range of different colours and sizes. Some are very obviously sparkly or glittery, others shimmery, and some will have more subtle sparkle effects. The effect is relevant to the volume of the added particle, as well as the size of the particles used.
Metallic and special effect powder coatings are generally produced in 2 ways. One, through a simple dry blend process and the other, through a bonding process. Whilst dry blending process involves simple adding and mixing the metallic and special effect material/s into the base powder coating. The bonding process involves a more complicated process that requires strong control. Bonding in simple terms is the fastening of the metallic or special effect pigment onto the base powder particles using a precisely controlled temperature mixer by way of mechanical fusion technology, to ensure the stable and uniform performance of the final bonded powder.
Both metallics are capable of a sparkling effect, however BONDED metallics is highly recommended for Aluminium Window facades.
Khalid Shamlawi, the Specifications Manager for Jotun Powder Coatings (GCC & Egypt) explained, “bonded metallics are coatings produced to ensure the metallic or mica flakes adhere to the powder coating particles. Doing this creates a more consistent batch to batch application, as opposed to the dry blend coating process.
"This enables much better performance and coating adhesion.”
Jotun Powder Coatings provide technical support to their approved applicators, and detailed advice for correct powder application to ensure the integrity of the coating is not compromised.
Metallic powder coatings offer a truly unique appearance. Generally, it’s easier to apply bonded metallics than dry blend, as the spray dispersion is much smoother than the dry blend metallics. The result is a smoother application, and a cleaner and more consistent finish.
However, due to the extra process and the equipment required to bond the metallic to the pigment, bonded metallics are typically more expensive than dry blend metallics and it’s just not feasible to make a batch any smaller than a certain size.
Khalid Shamlawi said, “it’s very important architects specify Bonded Metallic coatings, yes, it is more expensive, but the quality of the finished coating is far superior and in the long run bonded metallics are very well worth the extra cost.
"Bonded Metallic powder can be recycled, which means you can reuse the powder that falls after spraying. The lower cost for dry blend metallic powder application is a reason some may try to substitute for a lessor quality end product.”
Metallic powder coating is a design trend that provides an aesthetic alternative to PVDF and anodised finish for the Facade industry. Correct specification and application of metallic coating will ensure your windows are supplied with the highest quality.