Looking For the Perfect Finish for Your Sheet Metal Components? Here Are 3 Options to Think Of
ShareThe type of coating used on your sheet metal components can determine how suitable these components are to your needs. This is because there are various types of finishes or coatings used and each of one of them has its own pros and cons. Therefore, if you are undecided on which one you think is the best, here are 3 types of coatings you may want to look at.
Powder Coating
This is one of the finishes you will find on sheet metal components. It simply involves spraying the sheet metal with a protective dry powder. Powder coating finishes are usually ideal for sheet metal projects that require thick coatings, such as in structural work where consistency in thickness is important for lasting protection. In such projects, powder coating will offer a consistent finish. Powder coating also offers a wide range of looks to complement with the areas where your sheet metal pieces will be used. Some of the looks that you may find are satin and matte among others.
Painting
When compared to other finishing options, painting can offer a much thinner coat. It is also cheaper than powder coating, which makes it an ideal choice where budget is a concern. Just like powder coating, painting will offer you a wide range of colour options to blend with other components as well as the environment in which you intend to use your sheet metal components. If you would like to conceal the industrial look of the sheet metal components, for instance, in applications involving domestic products, paint can be your perfect choice.
Plating
Sheet metal products can also be plated. This involves adding another layer of metal to the sheet metal components. There is a wide range of metals and metal alloys that can be used during plating, which is why you need to be as specific as possible in explaining the requirements of your particular project to your sheet metal workers and supplier. For instance, for rust or corrosion protection, zinc plating usually works best. To minimise wear and friction, chrome plating would be a better option. Where cheaper metals such as aluminium have been used in the production of sheet metal components, plating can be used to enhance the strength of the parts of those components without having a considerable effect on the price. Because of the predominant colour of the metals used in plating, this type of coating may have limited options in the looks available.