Can You Powder Coat Wood?
Powder coating is a protective and decorative finish for automotive parts, appliances, sporting goods, and other metallic products. This process involves electrostatic application with automatic or manual spray guns and heating all parts to the recommended temperature and for the recommended duration to cure the powder coating.
Powder coating achieves high-quality, durable finishes for maximized production, improved efficiency, and environmental compliance. The coating also protects products from fading due to impact, moisture, chemicals, ultraviolet light, and other weather conditions. It reduces the risk of abrasions, chipping, corrosion, and scratches.
How Powder Coating Wood Works
Wood-based products, such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), high-density fiberboard (HDF), ash, plywood, oak, and hardwood, can be powder coated, though not using the standard procedure. Generally, any item that can be electrostatically charged and endure the extreme temperatures of the curing oven can hold a powder coating. That high heat is one of the challenges of wood powder coating.
The development of ultralow temperature cure (ULC) powder coatings, such as epoxies, polyesters, and polyurethanes, has allowed a wide array of nontraditional substrates to receive powder coating. The most common is MDF, which is used in kitchen cabinets, ready-to-assemble furniture, doors, and shelves. Powder coating offers design freedom and an attractive and durable finish in all colors.
The Process of Wood Powder Coating
The other main challenge of powder coating wood is the retained moisture in the wood. Some wood products like MDF have a high enough consistent moisture content for direct coating. For other wood products, the coating process involves:
- Compressed air prepares the surface by removing contaminants prior to preheating, which brings moisture to the surface.
- A spray solution coats the wood, providing a conductive surface before it is heated to a coating temperature of 250°F to 325°F for five to 15 minutes.
- The powder is also preheated to the powder coating temperature to expedite the process by partially melting it for flow and adhesion.
- Electrostatically charged powder should be applied within two to four minutes of preheating.
- The product goes into a UV, infrared, or convection oven at temperatures of 280°F to 330°F for five to 10 minutes.
- The thermal energy melts the powder so it flows into a level film and cures into a finish.
- The wood cools naturally or in a cooling tunnel before unloading.
Benefits of Powder Coating Wood
Powder coating produces a long-lasting, vibrant finish that delivers high-quality products that meet various applications. The advantages of using powder coating on wood include:
- Improved durability: The powder coating curing process forms a tough and resilient protective layer that resists chipping, fading, and scratching. Powder coated wood products have a uniform finish that maintains their appearance with minimal wear.
- Cost-efficiency: The durable finish reduces maintenance costs and the need for frequent replacement of products. In addition, irregularly shaped objects, edges, and borders can receive a quality coating at a significantly reduced production cost.
- Eco-friendliness: Powder coatings have no or negligible volatile organic content (VOC), resulting in a more sustainable coating.
- Enhanced safety: Powder coating releases very few harmful emissions during application, leading to better air quality for a safer and healthier workplace.
- Quick application: Application and curing are fast, allowing you to finish a high number of parts and surfaces efficiently.
- Finish variety: Depending on the product, powder coating is suitable for various finishes, including high gloss, matte, smooth, and textured patterns.
Applications of Powder Coated Wood
The furniture-making industry is the biggest benefactor of powder coating on wood. Facilities interested in implementing wood coating should invest in UV or infrared ovens, electrically charged spray guns, and fluidized bed feeding systems to feed the powders to the guns. Wooden products that commonly feature powder coating include:
- Office and home furniture
- Kitchen and bath cabinets
- Children’s furniture
- Doors
- Store fixtures and displays
- Barbecue trays
- Grill tables
- Ready-to-assemble furniture
- Modular outdoor furniture
- Decor
Remove Wood Powder Coating With EpiX MP
Powder coating provides long-lasting protection to various wood structures but can chip over time. Sandblasting or abrasive blasting is a fast and effective method to remove the powder coating to produce a clean surface for reapplication. 10X Engineered Materials offers EpiX, a safe and effective abrasive media that lets you remove powder coating and clean the surface at the same time. Our blasting solutions result in a higher-quality surface finish, greater surface area, and better adhesion.
Talk to our experts today about your blasting needs, and they will recommend the right solution. Order the right blasting product from 10X Engineered Materials to remove powder coating effectively.