While this may sound like a fencing buzzword or sales technique, they are two essential words you need to listen out for. But what exactly does this mean, and how important is it to ensure your aluminum fencing is powder coated?
What, exactly, is powder coating?
Powder coating is a painting technique that was first invented in the U.S. in 1945 by Daniel Gustin. It involves the application of a dry powder-type coating, as opposed to a liquid paint alternative. The dry powder coating is usually applied electrostatically (using electrostatic particles to ensure a good and even coating). It is then cured either under high heat or ultraviolet light to ensure it has a hard and tough finish.
Where can powder-coated products be found?
Powder coating is a technique mainly used on metal, although other materials, including plastics, can now be powder coated. It is found in many household appliances and is widely used in the automobile industry as well as in aluminum fences. Aluminum fence panels can either be dipped or sprayed with an electrostatically charged dry powder paint, which clings onto the surface of the metal, before being cured to form a thick and protective layer.
What are the benefits of powder coating for aluminum fences?
Powder coating has both functional and decorative advantages for aluminum fencing.
It makes your aluminum fencing more durable
Aluminum fencing is known and loved for its durability and lack of maintenance. Powder coating plays a huge part in this. A powder-coated layer gives your fence panels ultimate protection and makes sure they will not scratch, fade or chip. It also helps to make your fencing resistant to weather and moisture. This makes aluminum fencing a low-maintenance option. You will not need to spend time and money repainting your aluminum fencing as it will simply not require it.
Instead, maintenance will be limited to simply washing down your aluminum fences once in a while with a hose. This means your aluminum fencing will have great longevity, with experts believing it can last for as long as 50 years, if not longer.
It makes for an attractive finish
We all want our homes to look nice, and the powder coating used on aluminum fencing helps to create a strong and attractive finish. It is available in many colors, including classic white and black, eye-catching bronze or natural khaki green. It can come in a range of finishes, too, so you can choose whether a high-shine gloss or a more muted satin finish will complement your home better. Moreover, powder-coated surfaces do not fade, which means your color will be as bold and strong 20 years down the line as it is on the day you install your new fencing.
A bonus benefit of powder coating is that it is better for the environment than liquid paint can be as no pollutants or solvents are released into the air during the process. Ultimately, powder-coated aluminum is more than simply a buzzword. It is an essential paint technique that actually affords aluminum fencing some of the properties for which it is admired the most: its style, durability, and ease of maintenance.
