Powder Coated Resins from Nuplex Construction Products

The next time you are standing next to a major skyscraper, take a closer look at the finish of window frames and metal panels. What you may not have realised is that most buildings are coated with a finish made of powder, not the traditional liquid paint.

The exterior metal parts of buildings are coated by paint in a fine powder form applied by electrostatic spray. The paint is then cured by baking at high temperatures. The result is a tough, durable finish able to withstand the harsh sunlight, strong winds and soaring temperatures that skyscrapers are subjected to.

One advantage of this type of coating over conventional solvent-borne paints is that it is completely free of solvents that have the potential to be environmentally unsafe. No volatile emissions also means less replacement hot air is required for ovens and no 'flash off' period is needed. Because there is no over spraying, thinning or mixing, wastage is kept to a minimum. This saves energy and reduces greenhouse gases. It is also easy to apply a uniform thick coat and achieve a consistent appearance.

It is often packaged in recyclable paper sacks which makes transport, storage and usage easy - and non-hazardous.

The powder is applied with a special spray gun that gives it an electrostatic charge. The metal being sprayed has an opposite charge, so the powder is attracted to the metal.

Thanks to its adaptability, high-class finish and eco-friendly properties, this type of coating is now being more widely used for other applications such as metal outdoor and office furniture, where a fine glossy spray is administered to achieve a durable, sparkling finish.

Some automotive parts and white-goods are also coated with powder, particularly when they are expected to be exposed to tough treatment. In fact, all kinds of products produced from metal are candidates for this new technology. And it doesn't finish there. New technology and processes are enabling the use of powder resins on other substrates - including wood - to provide coatings with high resistance properties and long-life performance.

Nuplex powder resins are key players in the quest for high-performance coatings with low environmental impact. Production from plants in Britain and Thailand service the European and Asian markets.