Powder Coating Vs Galvanizing- Which One is a Better Option?

Are you confused about whether to choose powder coating or galvanizing finishes? This blog will answer all your questions and help you pick a winner in the powder coating vs galvanizing debate.

Galvanizing Vs Powder Coating: What’s the Difference?

What makes galvanizing and powder coating different? Let’s get started!

What is Powder Coating?

Simply put, powder coating is the electrostatic application of a dry powder to a metal’s surface, followed by curing to make a protective layer. Powder coating has the advantage of being able to build thicker coats than paint or other liquid coatings. The dry application eliminates sagging and running. Powder coating is also a green technique because the coatings contain no solvents and emit no volatile organic compounds into the air.

What Is Galvanizing Coating?

Galvanizing is the process of dipping iron or steel in molten zinc heated to around 840⁰ F. Zinc alloys with the base metal’s surface to generate a protective layer. Zinc oxide is formed when zinc interacts with oxygen in the environment. The most significant advantage of hot-dip galvanization is improved corrosion resistance.

The Difference Between Powder Coating and Galvanized Steel

The core difference between galvanizing and a powder coating is how they protect the workpiece’s surface. Galvanization provides sacrificial protection, which means that corrosive elements are absorbed by the coating before they reach the metal item. Powder coating functions by establishing a protective layer that stops harmful elements from penetrating and reaching the surface.

Because of its capacity to prevent corrosion, hot-dip galvanization is an ideal choice for safeguarding outdoor items that are susceptible to the environment, like iron and steel doors, fences, and guardrails. Powder coating, on the other hand, provides greater versatility for ornamental applications — coatings are available in a variety of colors and textures — making it perfectly adapted for interior items. Various pretreatment procedures are also available to improve the powder coating’s corrosion resistance.

The Price Factor

There’s more to consider here than the traditional galvanizing vs powder coating pricing debate. Galvanizing steel will most likely be less expensive at first. Galvanized metal also requires less upkeep than other options.

However, powder coating provides a durable, protective surface that requires little care, with the exception of a paint touch-up if a chip occurs.

If you want less costly protection and don’t mind the look of galvanization, you may save some money both upfront and in the long run. Powder coating, on the other hand, is probably worth it if you prefer color.

The Aesthetic

There are times when the choice of color cannot be compromised. Powder coating may be the finest choice for ornamental applications due to its almost limitless color palette, but the cost of rare colors may be higher.

Zinc is a grayish metal. Some may find it attractive, and in some cases, it may be the best option. It has a textured look that may be extremely appealing in some situations.

But, when it comes to color, powder coating is the way to go.

Powder Coating vs Galvanizing: Which One is More Durable?

This one has a lot of people talking about it. Is galvanizing or powder coating more effective and lasts longer?

True, galvanizing creates a thicker coating to protect against corrosion. It can even endure for 100 years or more. An excellent powder coat, on the other hand, may not last a long period.

So, as a general rule, if you want to utilize the metal in a location where it will be repeatedly stabbed, poked, or smacked, resulting in dents, scrapes, and cracks, galvanizing may be the best option.

Pros & Cons of Powder Coating vs Galvanising

Pros of Powder Coating

• Due to the lack of solvents in the ingredients used, powder coating is more durable and better for the environment than liquid paint processes.
• There are also an almost infinite amount of colors and textures to choose from, with long-lasting brilliance.
• A powder coat layer may be applied thicker without running or drooping, allowing it to be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
• When employing UV-cured powder coatings or advanced low-bake thermosetting powders, the curing period is faster than that of liquid coatings.
• Powder coatings, when applied appropriately, may rival the durability of galvanization.

Cons of Powder Coating

• Powder coating is generally thick due to the technique used to apply it, which means it is not suited for use on projects that require a thin coating.
• It can also be difficult to apply and require touch up.

Pros of Hot-Dipped Galvanizing

• Galvanized steel or iron is strong and long-lasting, and it resists rust and corrosion.
• It has a smooth surface and requires little care.
• Quick production.
• Galvanized steel is environmentally friendly because it lasts a long time and is rarely replaced.
• Unlike other types of steel operations that need precise conditions, galvanizing may be done under flawed settings.

Cons of Hot-Dipped Galvanizing

• Although long-lasting, it can be more expensive
• All materials cannot be galvanized. The ability to galvanize products depends on the type of material, shape, and size.

Using Galvanization & Powder Coating Together

When utilized effectively, both galvanizing and powder coating provide several advantages. And neither has many disadvantages. So why not combine the two?

If you don’t mind spending a little extra money at first, it’s not a bad alternative. After all, you have the benefits of a strong, thick, slow-corroding layer of zinc and a silver powder coat that further delays the corrosion of the zinc. Your metal will also appear better as a result.

The Bottom Line

If you look at it rationally, the competition between the two is pretty even, and there’s no way to solve the powder coating vs galvanizing debate. Galvanizing is especially appropriate for outdoor areas, whereas powder coating is more suitable for indoors. So, the best option depends on your requirements and budget.

To make a more informed decision, it is advised to contact professionals like Midwest Distribution, where you can count on its powder coating as well as galvanizing services to meet your requirements. The team guarantees that your goods will be more durable and resistant to corrosion while also improving their visual appeal.