Featured in Powder Coating Magazine. Written by: Craig Martin, President BTD Wood Powder Coating
The quality of a powder coated finish varies across manufacturers and can be manifested visually or beneath the surface. A quality powder coated MDF finish is beautiful, durable, and consistent. The good news for end users is that the quality traits can easily be identified through visual examination, testing, or simply by asking the right questions. This installment of the column is meant to describe a quality powder coated wood finish, to help prospective buyers identify the differences, and to explain why these quality differences matter.
Consistency


Mil Thickness


Fatty Edges
Cure
Tolerance
Powder Formulation
Powder formulation is a non-obvious variation that can be examined through research and testing. Knowledgeable wood powder coaters work with a variety of powder manufacturers and have established relationships to vary formulation based upon application and customer need. Powder can be formulated specifically for ultraviolet (UV) resistance, chemical resistance, or resistance to cracking. Performance characteristics of a coated part are directly affected by the powder formulation used; the best wood powder coaters will be able to understand the application (lab benches, drawer fronts, etc.) and recommend the most suitable formulation.