What is Powder Coat and why do we use it?
At Cottage Industry Shop, all of our products come standard in a powder coat finish. This type of finishing has been around since the 1940’s. While the process has been modified as technology updates, powder coating is still an excellent finishing technique.
- What is powder coat? It is a dry, fine powder that comes in many colors and is the finish applied to our metal legs.
- How do you apply it? You begin by electrically charging or pre-heating the metal leg and then spray the powder onto the leg. This causes the dry powder to fuse to the surface of the metal. The leg is then baked in a curing oven, which results in a smooth coating.
- Why do we use powder coat? Although this process is more intensive than typical painting, the end product is far superior, and here is why:
Durability: Powder coat is harder and tougher than conventional paint, but very similar in look and feel. It provides a durable finish that is more resistant to scratches, chipping, wear, and fading compared to paint.
Environmentally friendly: Our kids are in and around the shop, and we don’t want them (or ourselves!) exposed to solvents or harmful chemicals, which are not used in the powder coating process. The excess powder is easily swept up and properly disposed of. We have peace of mind knowing that the environment of our shop and surrounding land is safer and far cleaner. This matters to us because we are called to care for this beautiful world created for us, and we take that mandate seriously.
Ready to go: After baking in the oven and minimal cooling time, the finished metal legs are ready immediately. There is no waiting period for soft paint to dry and cure. The powder coated legs can enter the packaging and shipping process because the durable finish provides a hardened, protective layer.