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 "Powder Coated Wood - The Freedom Of Design Offering
Both Form And Function"
The design industry has always had to compromise with the
trade-off between form vs. function. Advancements in powder
coated wood finishes make it possible to have the best of form
and function. It is now possible to use more shapes and
contoured profile edges in designs, blending this with the
functional benefits of a very durable powder coated finish.
Powder coated wood has the look and shape that designers and
architects can use to create unique designs without the
limitations of many other surfaces. An added benefit which has
catapulted a huge
increase in demand is the environmental benefits associated
with powder coated wood.
Powder coated wood finishes have improved greatly in the past
year since smooth high quality finishes are now possible when
combining the highest quality materials, using sophisticated
technology in he powder application process, craftsmanship
expertise of the technologically advanced powder application
systems and CNC machining processes. The only drawback is that
this high quality finish is not easily done, so it takes
considerable investment and years of experience to achieve
this level of quality.
A sophisticated and technologically advanced wood powder
coater can produce the highest quality finish. Often it is
hard to see the difference between a powder coated finish vs.
a four coat liquid finish. Powder coated wood finish is far
more durable than a liquid finish- and the powder coated wood
finish is like a liquid finish on steroids. The coating is
very strong and durable. In addition, powder coated wood
finishes are usually 6-7 mils thick which makes it a much
thicker and tougher alternative to a liquid finish.
The Process
The powder coating process requires an electrostatic charge
for the powder to attract to the wood while using a premium
grade MDF. This electrostatic charge is created by heating the
wood to bring the moisture content to the surface, since it is
this moisture that serves as the electrostatic conductor. The
adhesion of the powder to the board is so strong that to
remove the powder finish from the board it is likely the MDF
board substrate will chip off before the powder will chip away
from the MDF.
This process requires technical expertise, highest quality MDF
and powders, and powder application equipment that is often
custom designed specifically for wood powder coating. One of
the challenges for powder coating wood is the lack of natural
electrical conductivity. Controlling the moisture content in
the MDF is critical; the process of heating up the board to
bring the moisture to the surface has to be a very exacting
science. Using too much heat will dry out the moisture and too
little will not bring enough moisture to the surface. There
are several variables which determine the best way to bring
the moisture to the surface yet there is no one size fits all
recipe for achieving this. This is where the expertise
acquired from experience and research becomes critical to
achieve the highest quality coating, consistently. It is also
important to keep your scrap ratio minimal so the expertise
also helps the bottom line.
Freedom of Design– Elegant
Curvilinear Shapes and Profiles Elegant edge profiles, raised
panel shapes, intricate detailing, cut-outs, embossed logos,
or contoured surfaces are some of the many design options of
powder coated wood. One of the great features of being able to
use custom shapes is a very upscale appearance at very little
cost compared to other alternative finishes. Powder coated
wood does not have the restriction in shapes and profiles that
some laminates have since there is no edge banding.
Powder coated wood offers the same benefits unlimited design
and shapes of liquid paints at a lower cost and much more
durable which laminates and melamine’s can not offer due to
the limitations of shapes required for edge banding.
The seamless finish also provides for a more upscale
appearance while providing a solid surface appearance. Plus
this seamless finish does not have the warranty or defect
issues that can occur from chipped edge banding or the peeling
or separation at the seams with thermofoils.
Powder Colors and Textures are Unlimited
Rich elegant colors are unlimited, for example it is possible
to have any shade of white in glosses ranging from 5° - 70°,
from very smooth finishes to a wide range of textures. Or if
you like bright, brilliant colors like the rainbow, then
powder coated wood is just right for you. If its RAL or PMS
colors you want, then just spec it out and it can be custom
formulated. If you have a sample laminate, wall paper, or
fabric swatch that you want to match, most likely it can be
exactly matched to give you a color coordinated look that can
be carried throughout your project.
Metallic colors can be very brilliant or mattesilver, black
chrome, gold, or copper, platinum, brass, or many other hues.
There are many multi-component colors using metallic’s, such
as silver veined or bronze veined which provide a combination
of metallic color with a second color such as silver veined
which uses both silver and black finish appearance.
Stains can offer a warm and attractive finish, such as cherry,
mahogany, or maple. Or just make up a stain that you like and
most likely powder coated wood can give you that look in a
finish that is more durable than liquid.
Multi-colors allow for a combination of powder colors, such as
a spackled looked of black, white and grey or any other
combination of colors to give you a multi colored appearance.
Perhaps you like the look of solid surface granite, well you
can have it and better yet you can get it in a smooth or
textured finish depending upon the look you want to achieve.
How about the look of slate, do you want it in blue, black,
grey or just make up a finish that can truly be customized to
your brand or preference.
There is a wide range of gloss levels from a matte finish tot
a high gloss, such as a high gloss black that looks like a
baby grand piano. As far as finishes, you can get it in
smooth, microtexture which comes in a variety of texture
depths, wrinkled, veined, or just make up a finish.
Green Friendly and Healthy Lifestyle
The powder coating wood process is environmentally responsible
since the powder coating wood process has no VOC’s or
dangerous chemicals, as a matter of fact there are no
environmental permits required for powder coating wood so the
application process is very environmentally responsible.
The materials are very green friendly. Sierra Pine Permacore
MDF is designed specifically for powder coating using 100%
recycled wood fiber. PermaCore has LEED credit support: MR
4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2 with Third party certification – SCS with
no added formaldehyde.
Also, powder coated wood can offer a healthy lifestyle benefit
using antimicrobial additives from DuPont which will can
remove 99.9% of the surface bacteria, plus since this finish
is seamless there are no crevices for bacteria to hide and
foster. This is a great product for health care, day care,
schools or any environment where bacteria can be a threat.
Decorating Trend of the Future
Sleekly designed painted finishes are becoming vogue as one of
designers most recent fashion trends. Architects, designers,
and decorators are using powder coated wood to create this
painted finish a popular fashion trend. Powder coated wood is
projected to grow rapidly over the next five years and this
growth will largely be due to the dramatic improvement in the
finish appearance, finish performance and the rapidly growing
interest in being Green responsible. So now it is possible to
have form and function. So now you can have sleek and be
durable, so now it is possible to have form and function.
Powder coated wood is Elegant, seamless and durable to
withstand hot, cold and humidity, Plus it is great for both
residential and commercial applications. Sleek, elegant design
is a growing trend that is well suited for wood powder
coating.
Editors Note: Craig Martin is
President of BTD Wood Powder Coating, contract manufacturer
of powder coated wood components. For more information on
BTW Wood Powder Coating, please visit the company’s website
at
www.btdwoodpowdercoating.com or phone (218) 828-4144.
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