Bare metal components on the exterior of a home are going to rust – there are no two ways about it. Exposure to oxygen, humidity, and rain will begin the corrosion process, which will only get worse as time wears on. Sunlight (and its harsh UV rays) also breaks down traditional coatings and allows fluctuating seasonal temperatures to weaken joints and attack critical areas. These environmental elements seem to be constantly conspiring to ruin metal structures on the exterior of a home. Thus, protective coatings are a must for your outdoor gates, fence panels, and banisters. Protective (functional) coatings will also reduce maintenance costs over time and increase the value of your home.

The most basic type of coating—the simple paint job—provides some protection but leaves a lot to be desired. Average consumer-grade paint, when applied by a non-professional, is susceptible to uneven finishes, chipping, and cracking that can quickly jumpstart the corrosion process. Furthermore, a couple coats of paint will not build up enough “mils” to protect these pieces over time. Even a commercial grade paint will lose its gloss level over a year or two due to its lack of clearcoat resins.

Powder coating gates, fence panels, and banisters has increased in popularity over the years due to its higher level of protection and elegant look. Compared to traditional wet paint applications, the benefits of powder coating gates, fence panels, and banisters are exponentially greater.

The process of powder coating for industrial, commercial, and even household uses underwent many changes after its inception in the 1940s and 1950s.  Initially, organic polymers or macromolecules were flame sprayed. This process uses high heat to transform the macromolecules into a semi-molten state as it is sprayed directly onto the substrate’s surface. In the 1960s and 1970s, a desire for environmentally friendly coating processes and new application techniques renewed interest in powder coating that resulted in massive growth for the industry. The lack of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the powder coating industry offers a level of environmental and worker safety unseen in liquid coatings. 

Houston is a unique city in that it is home to a myriad of industries that rely on powder coating: petroleum & natural gas, manufacturing, construction, to name a few. However, due to the booming population of Houston and the surrounding areas like River Oaks, West University Place, Memorial, and Sugar Land, powder coating shops need to be diverse enough to cater to these large industrial segments as well as to individuals for smaller one-off projects, like patio furniture and driveway gates.

This wide spectrum of services is accomplished by offering an all-inclusive, full turnkey operation that will make the ‘whole powder coating process’ easier and less expensive (as all the work will be done in-house). Offering “extra services” like media blasting, welding repair, custom packaging, as well as the recovering and re-slinging of patio chairs, ottomans, benches, and chaise lounges allows for a single company to manage the entire process from start to finish. This translates to a much higher level of accountability through internal production reports and daily process updates. With multiple large over-sized ovens, in-house media blasting, and close relationships with over a dozen powder manufacturers in North America, Houston Powder Coaters has developed a process that avoids hiccups and ensures quick and reliable service. In fact, Houston Powder Coaters offers pick-up and delivery of residential powder coating in Houston and the surrounding areas like River Oaks, West University Place, Memorial, and Sugar Land.  Now, that is what you call full turnkey.

Sand blasting is a general term used by those inexperienced with surface preparation to encompass all methods of blast cleaning.  However, the more appropriate phrase should be ‘abrasive media blasting’ as not all methods use sand. In fact, sand is one of the worst medias to blast with and is dangerous to the health of those who use it. During the blasting process, the speed and intensity of the sand’s impact on the metal will cause its particles to break down into a fine silica dust which can infiltrate workers’ lungs (causing health problems such as silicosis and kidney damage). 

Houston Powder Coaters uses steel grit for its abrasive media blasting in Houston, as it does not break down the way other blast media does. Blasting with steel grit is much safer for the environment and the workers that use it. In fact, steel grit is the safest method of abrasive blasting when compared to sand, coal slag, or nickel slag. It is important to mention again that Houston Powder Coaters does not, will not, and has never used sand for any of its blast medias.

Documented in hundreds of articles, powder coating is well known for its environmental friendliness. As steel grit’s reusability means less waste and higher levels of recyclability, this blasting media coincides nicely with the ecological responsibility that the rest of the powder application process employs. While steel grit may cost more upfront than other methods of abrasive media blasting in Houston, TX, the true cost is far less than sand or slag. Sand and slag are single-use medias and must be continually replaced. This translates to additional trucking delivery and removal as well as increased man-hours moving new inventories into place. On the other hand, steel grit can be recycled, filtered, and reused time and time again. Steel grit purchases are significantly less often which eliminates the constant replacement of inventories.

Powder coating has become a huge industry in the few decades since its inception. Used by oil and gas companies, commercial real estate, city sewage systems, and private residents, the needs for powder coating in Houston are vast. Powder coating was invented as a solution to the many problems the liquid finishing industry encountered. From the wet coatings not lasting long enough, harmful release of volatile organic compounds from the liquid solvents, and the high costs of safety and pollution control, liquid coatings have become more problematic in today’s society.

European companies in the 1940s were under pressure to find more environmentally friendly alternatives to liquid finishes, as utilizing flame spraying to melt the coatings onto the metal was immensely dangerous. It was in the 1940s that Dr. Erwin Gemmer came up with a method to fluidize the bed application for thermostatic resins on metal as an alternative to the flame spraying method. This “new” method of powder coating could be applied to new or used parts that were properly cleaned, coated, and then put in a powder coating oven for 2-4 hours. The next 4 decades saw many improvements to Dr. Gemmer’s method and by the 1980’s powder coating in Houston exploded as it was environmentally friendly, produced little waste, and was cost efficient. These days, powder coated items can be cured in as little as 10 minutes (depending on the thickness of the metal), making powder coating pipes, furniture, and other items more efficient than ever.

As stated in many articles before, Houston Powder Coaters abrasively blasts a significant amount of its projects due to its deepest anchor-profiling results. This type of “surface preparation” in addition to the fusion- bonded (heat) interlacing properties of the powder produces the highest-level adhesion. This means that the powder coating in Houston has achieved the highest level of durability with the smallest environmental footprint.

In South Texas, patio furniture is subjected to relentless heat, humidity, and adverse weather. Even furniture built to last can rust and break., and fabric can dry rot. Nothing is more disappointing than planning to spend a day in the beautiful outdoors only to find that the furniture outside is unusable. Professional patio furniture repair can increase the longevity of outdoor seating, tables, and more.

Wrought iron and cast-iron patio furniture are popular options in the south because they are heavy and fade resistant. However, they are susceptible to humidity and can rust. Rust can lead to weak structure which can lead to breakage. Patio furniture repair is an investment in outdoor living, so a company like Houston Powder Coaters that not only repairs your furniture but can protect it from further damage for a long time is essential. Having an experienced welding staff to repair damage, or even replace missing or broken parts will ensure that your furniture is not just repaired but returned to you better than new. HPC is highly experienced in patio furniture repair and will even replace or repair feet caps (and cap with a plastic inserts) so that your furniture is on even footing.

Another popular option in the south is sling patio furniture because it offers the comfort of cushioned seating but is much more breathable.  However, fabric in the south (even fabric meant for the outdoors) will eventually give way to dry rot. Sitting in a dry rotted sling chair is a recipe for a hurt back. Patio furniture repair should be a one stop shop. Have your sling patio furniture powder coated and get the fabric replaced by Houston Powder Coaters in Houston, Texas. Hundreds of sling designs and many-colored coatings make for near infinite options for any design.

FBE internal pipe coating is the preferred coating for many oil & gas companies as well as utility firms for sewage and water transport.  Its superior resistance to corrosion prevents the assault of chemicals onto the conduit thereby reducing the impact of rust from the inside out.  Because FBE coated pipes are abrasion, chemical, and thermal resistant, its suitability for a myriad of applications translates to a popularity that far exceeds other coatings.

The application of fusion bonded epoxy for internal pipe coatings provides long lasting resistance to corrosive materials and distillates.  Furthermore, internally coated pipes provide better flow efficiency due to the reduction in friction between the pipe’s surface and the gas, oil, or water that makes its way through the pipeline.  Moreover, several fusion bonded epoxies offer paraffin wax mitigation to slow down the build-up of the precipitate deposits that hamper these flow rates.

To prep pipes for the internal coating of fusion bonded epoxy, an aggressive media blasting is required so that proper anchor profiles are met to achieve maximum adherence.  A thin layer of phenolic primer is applied and dried before the conduit is placed in the oven to preheat.  Afterwards, the pipe is internally sprayed with the designated FBE to the required millage thickness before going back into the oven to fully cure.

Outdoor Patio Furniture Refinishing In Houston

The outdoors can be rough on patio furniture in Houston. The heat, the humidity, the rapidly changing weather, all take part in making your patio furniture dull, rusty, and old looking. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Outdoor patio furniture refinishing in Houston provides a long-lasting barrier between your furniture and the elements. Resistant to fading from the sun, rust from the humidity, and more, powder coating outdoor furniture is simply the best option to prolong the life of your possessions. 

Outdoor patio furniture refinishing in Houston is a multi-step process that starts with surface preparation. The shop will take your old furniture and through burn-off, abrasive blasting (fine particles like sand or ground up walnut shells are blasted at the furniture to remove the previous coatings or rust), or hand-etching prepare the surface for the new finish. This removes any old coatings on the furniture, debris, rust, and dirt and also creates a surface for the powder coating to adhere to. After preparing the surface, the furniture is hung up and cleaned off with compressed air to create a dust-free surface.

When the furniture is fully prepared for refinishing, it is coated in the coating booth and then baked in the oven, going back and forth between the two several times. This creates a unique barrier that will resist Houston’s hot and humid weather and ensure the longevity of your outdoor patio furniture. Another benefit of outdoor patio furniture refinishing in Houston is choosing the color. Powder coating offers many colors both classic and bright. If you want simple and neutral go classic, if you want eclectic and unique go bright!

Houston Powder Coaters

We are thrilled to announce the exciting launch of our brand-new website at Houston Powder Coaters! Designed with a commitment to education and innovation, our website aims to be a comprehensive resource for anyone eager to delve into the world of powder coating.

At Houston Powder Coaters, we believe that knowledge empowers and innovation propels industries forward. That's why we've crafted a website that goes beyond being a mere digital presence—it's a hub of information, a learning center, and a celebration of the transformative power of powder coating.

Why Powder Coating? Powder coating has emerged as a leading finishing technique for various industries, offering durability, versatility, and environmental benefits. Our new website serves as a gateway for individuals and businesses to explore the myriad advantages of powder coating. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious enthusiast, you'll find valuable insights into the benefits, techniques, and technology behind this revolutionary process.

Anodized aluminum is aluminum that has gone through an electro-chemical process that produces a thicker and more corrosion-resistant barrier. Pieces of aluminum are submerged in an acid solution while an electrical current passes through the bath. This causes an aluminum oxide film to develop on the surface of the aluminum substrate. This film is extremely durable and seen as an extra level of protection for aluminum much like the galvanization (zinc) safeguards steel.

Powder Coating Anodized Aluminum is a simple process, as limited surface preparation is required for the aluminum to properly receive the powder. The reason is that anodized surfaces are porous and therefore require only a smaller amount of prep. An acetone wipe-down and light sanding will be more than sufficient in creating the proper anchor profiles. Due to the corrosion-resistant aluminum oxide as well as the super-durable polyester powder coat, these aluminum pieces will retain gloss levels longer, stand up to abrasion and scuffs, and withstand corrosion much better than bare aluminum. Powder Coating Anodized Aluminum is an optimal double coating system that will elongate the lifespan of these time materials.

Anodized Architectural Powder Coating is a method of powder coating aluminum that does not require electro-chemical anodizing of the extruded substrate. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (or AAMA for short) 2603 is an interior application that does not need to meet color retention guidelines of AAMA 2604/2605. It is cost effective, but if used outside does not have good color retention and is likely to chalk. AAMA 2604 is an intermediary coating that contains 50% fluoropolymer resin. This anodized powder coating is great for storefronts, doors and windows, and other high traffic areas. These coatings do not require a clear coat and can be applied in a single pass.  In addition to color and gloss retention, AAMA 2604 coatings are hard and abrasion resistant.

Polyester powder coating technology has been around since the 1970s and accounts for 30-45 percent of powder coating product sales globally. There are two main categories of polyester powder coatings used in the industry today: TGIC (an acronym for the chemical compound curing agent it uses, triglycidyl isocyanurate), and HAA. HAA polyester powder coating uses β-hydroxyalkyl amides as its curing agent and is often called TGIC-free or Primid polyester powder coating after the brand of curative used in most HAA powder coatings. While both categories of polyester powder coatings perform relatively similarly, there are some pros and cons that can tilt a company toward one or the other. 

TGIC coatings typically offer better chemical resistance and corrosion resistance than their TGIC-free counterpart. The HAA curing mechanism can release water, which makes the coating slightly more water soluble than TGIC-polyester. Because of its slight water-solubility, HAA coatings are more susceptible to acidic and alkaline chemicals. All of this makes HAA-polyester less corrosion resistant than TGIC-polyester.  However, with different formulations, a Primid polyester coating can perform on par with TGIC. When it comes to impact and abrasion resistance, flexibility, and hardness, TGIC and TGIC-free polyester powder coatings are the same. 

For application and curing, TGIC-polyester cures at a lower temperature than HAA-polyester (roughly 290 degrees Fahrenheit and 330 degrees Fahrenheit respectively). Many companies find HAA-polyester applies more easily and sticks to nooks and crannies better than TGIC-polyester. Thickness of application varies greatly between the two, with TGIC-polyester coating able to reach about 10 mils (250 microns) thickness and HAA-polyester coating reaching 3.5 – 4.0 mils (90-100 microns) thickness. When it comes to color stability, TGIC-polyester comes out ahead. HAA-polyester can yellow in color in overbake conditions, while TGIC-polyester has very little color drift over a wide range of cure times and temperatures. 

With the increase of environmental regulations making solvent-based corrosion protection expensive and complicated to apply and dispose of, protective powder coatings such as zinc-rich primers offer premium corrosion protection without harming the environment. Zinc-rich primers are considered sacrificial coatings, a subset of protective powder coatings meant to dramatically slow down the process of corrosion if the top layer is damaged. This makes them the perfect coating for steel in highly corrosive environments. Zinc-rich primers are great for use in marine, tanker, or underground environments, all of which are considered immersive environments.

There are two types of zinc-rich primers: inorganic and organic. Organic zinc-rich primers are primers that use binders such as epoxy, polyurethane, or alkyd, etc. More commonly used for highly corrosive environments on oil rig platforms, chemical plants, and more, organic zinc-rich primers require a top-coat to be long-lasting.   

Inorganic zinc-rich primers do not require top-coats in more mild atmospheric environments and provide better galvanic protection overall.  Inorganic zinc-rich primers usually use only silicate as a binder and is applied as a powder using the blast method on “white” metal, metals that are light-colored alloys. This is the type of zinc-rich primer Houston Powder Coaters uses.

Negligible VOCs

When it comes to environmentally friendly coatings, powder coating is at the top of the list.  The largest difference between powder and industrial wet paint is the presence of volatile organic compounds (or VOCs for short).  VOCs, like one found in wet paint applications, are harmful to the environment as they dry and as they age.  Furthermore, they can create health problems for people who are exposed to them on a repetitive basis. Eco-friendly coatings such as powder and FBE coatings do not require an extensive exhaust system to the outdoors like their wet paint counterparts and are generally considered non-toxic and breathable. The application of powder coatings produces negligible VOCs and does not contribute to air pollution.

Less Hazardous Waste

The oil and gas industry of Houston quite literally powers the world. Houston’s geographical location on the Gulf of Mexico makes the city an ideal operational base for oil and gas exploration and production.  From the regional mineral-rich shale in the Permian Basin to the deep-sea reserves off Africa’s coasts, Houston’s domestic and international reach is expansive. A vast array of technologies and equipment contribute to the successful extraction, processing, and transportation of those hydrocarbons that power our lives. In particular, the metal piping and equipment that carry and process these fuels must be protected to ensure operational efficiency and environmental safety, and fusion bonded epoxy coatings are a key contributor to this process.

“3M™ Scotchkote™ Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coating 134” might not mean much to the average individual, but to those who work with protective coatings for the oil and gas industry of Houston, it means much more. Manufactured by 3M, Scotchkote 134 is a thermosetting epoxy coating applied to pipe and equipment through an electrostatic powder coating process. The coating is hardened or “cured” using large ovens to fusion bond the protective coating to the metal substrate.

Such protection is of utmost importance in the oil and gas industry, with the inside of a pipe being regularly exposed to corrosive hydrocarbons or heavily brine conditions. In fact, applied after Scotchkote 345 Liquid Phenolic Primer, Scotchkote 134 FBE offers excellent resistance to C0₂, H₂S, CH₄, and other petroleum distillates at elevated temperatures and pressures. Without proper protection, pipes require more frequent maintenance or replacement, and could even leak or burst—which is clearly a serious environmental and safety hazard.

Whether it’s an antique piece that has been in the family for decades or a recent purchase that has fallen victim to some less-than-ideal climate conditions, outdoor patio furniture refinishing in Houston becomes necessary when an important or cherished furniture piece loses that special shine. Harsh climates with heavy rains, unrelenting heat, and salty Gulf Coast air can significantly lessen the life of a piece of outdoor furniture. High-humidity areas are also hard on a furniture piece’s protective coatings. It’s no surprise then that outdoor patio furniture in Houston can take a beating. Refinishing the protective coating on the piece is a good way to extend its life and to ensure it stays in the family for years.

Outdoor patio furniture refinishing in Houston can certainly be attempted as a DIY project. But if a piece has fond memories and its own history attached, it’s usually a better option to choose a professional refinishing service. The price point of a DIY project might be more attractive, but ask yourself if it’s worth the time, effort, and potential poor quality of handling the job yourself. It would be a shame to lose a family heirloom to poor workmanship.

For several reasons, a professional powder coating shop in Houston is much more equipped to handle this potentially delicate job. First, DIYers simply can’t compete with the attention to surface preparation standards and methods that a professional shop offers. These industry experts have the knowledge and tools to use the appropriate burn-off, abrasive blast, or hand-etching techniques to­ prepare the surface to a cleanliness standard that can’t be approached by a DIYer. The process of abrasive blasting with industrial equipment also produces by-product that is simply not feasible for the DIYer to manage. A professional powder coating shop can ensure that the surface is as clean as possible prior to the application of the new finish. This is important since an unclean surface could lead to irregularities that result in a less effective and less attractive finish.

Powder coating has been around for several decades—specifically since the 1940s. For most of its history, the technology and materials used in the process are widely utilized in industrial applications that require specialized protective coatings. However, multiple fusion-bonded systems are now available to the average consumer who find simple kits for surprisingly cheap prices.  Since powder coatings are more effective at protecting surfaces than simple paint, using it for the purposes of outdoor furniture refinishing (or other hobbyist projects) can be very attractive to the DIY-minded.  However, there are several reasons why professional powder coating services are worth a little extra investment.

Whether you’re looking to powder coat something yourself or send it to a small shop that promises big results, be aware that there are many factors that can and will affect the final quality of the finish. Commercial/industrial powder coaters operate under strict regulations, work with high-end and expensive commercial equipment, and bring decades of experience with them.  A DIY home powder coating kit might claim to offer safe application, but it’s naive to overlook the many protections that professional powder coaters put into place.  Proper ventilation, respiration, and handling/disposal of the powder & media all require careful consideration.

Also, professional coaters follow surface preparation and quality control standards that far exceed the capabilities of amateurs.  The removal of rust, grease, and other contaminants ensure a clean surface for which the powder will adhere to.  Furthermore, deep anchor patterns created by these processes allow for the powder to sink further into the metal to better protect against dings, chips, and abrasions.  As you can guess, these services cannot be offered by anyone other than a professional powder coating facility.

Fusion bonded epoxy coatings have been in use since the 1960s. Continuous improvements on the technology have made fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) a popular choice in coating technology across a wide variety of applications. Most commonly, FBE coatings are used to protect pipelines that carry petroleum and natural gas. Fusion bonded epoxy coatings, like all pipeline coatings, have a common purpose: protecting the pipeline material from corrosion, which is accelerated in these types of warm, wet, and abrasive environments.

The process behind the actual application of a fusion bonded epoxy coating may not be universally understood, but it does provide an interesting insight into the coating technology that benefits us every day – protecting the pipelines that deliver our energy resources and clean water.

The application process of a fusion bonded epoxy coating is multi-faceted. Before any coating is applied, the pipeline surface must be “prepared” by abrasive blasting techniques to remove all rust, grease, and other surface contaminants.  Not only will this create a clean surface for which the powder is applied, but also it will also create varying anchor patterns which will interlock the cured powder to the metal.

The powder coating process has steadily gained in popularity since its introduction in the 1960s, with coating distributors and manufacturers popping up along with service shops that perform the actual coating process. It’s clear that powder coating in Houston is an effective process, and a popular one given the presence of heavy industry nearby that can always find a use for the technology. But what exactly happens in the powder coating process?

At its heart, powder coating is a process for applying a finish that protects a wide variety of surfaces from damage, whether chemical, radioactive, or physical. In Houston and surrounding areas like the Woodlands, Katy, and Baytown, powder coating enjoys popularity due to the needs of the ever-present oil and gas industry, but it can also be used to apply a protective coating to something as basic as household appliances.

The material applied to a surface in powder coating consists of a polymer resin base combined with additional materials such as curatives, pigments, and flow modifiers. These ingredients are ground into a uniform powder before being applied to the surface to be coated with the use of a specially-made spray gun, sometimes called a corona gun. These guns use an electrostatic process to actually apply the coating, which differs significantly from other coatings, like the wet coating of a traditional paint. Since the electrostatic process eliminates the need for wet coating, powder coating in the Woodlands, TX can be helpful in protecting everything from large machinery to the miles and miles of piping used in the oil and gas industry.

When it comes to powder coat repair, the simple answer is that it isn’t that simple.

Powder coating inherently involves an oven that allows for polymers and resins to melt, cross-link, and harden to become an integrated shell for a metal component. Therefore, unless the damaged pieces can be put through this fusion-bonded process again, any other “repair” will have limited protective qualities. Houston Powder Coaters has an experienced team capable of performing multiple services related to powder coating in Houston, including powder coat repair. Although there are a few exceptions to this rule (like ones that involve thermoplastic polymers), most powder coat repair falls within the following techniques.

• Wet Paint Touch-Up – Like it sounds, wet paint can be applied by spray, brush, or roll-on methods to touch-up damaged areas. HOWEVER, it is important to note that proper surface preparation and masking are mandatory for any true level of success in the powder coat repair All damaged areas need to be sanded down and smoothed over to ensure a clean surface from which to paint.  After masking pieces to prevent any overspray or drips, a double coating of a liquid epoxy (with drying and sanding in between) will assist with sealing the damaged areas.

• Blast / Hand-Etch and Reapply – If the damage of the powder coat is limited or over a small area, the pieces can be rerun. This involves bringing the piece back to the facility where it can be ground smooth, re-blasted, and re-shot. As the anchor pattern of the previous coating is strong, the additional blast creates a new anchor pattern for the new powder to adhere to. Again, these pieces will be placed in an oven to cure. Due to the extraordinary properties of the powder polymers, enhanced “bake windows” allow for previously cured powders to be reheated without incurring damage.

• Burn-Off and Start Over – If the damage to the coating is significant, it is recommended to start from scratch. Pieces will need to be “thermal-stripped,” which means that the coating must be burnt off.  Whereas wet coatings can be removed simply with abrasive blasting techniques, powder coating must be heated up to break its physical and chemical bonds.  Afterwards, the pieces are blasted and coated as if they were untreated.

If you have any additional questions regarding powder coating in Houston or powder coat repair in general, please give Houston Powder Coaters a call.  We are happy to educate and assist.

When it comes to protecting surfaces against corrosion and enhancing durability, fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) coating has emerged as a popular choice in the city of Houston. Fusion bonded epoxy is a thermosetting powder coating that is commonly used as a protective coating for steel and other metal objects. It is applied to the surface of the material in a powder form and then heated, causing the powder to melt and fuse with the metal substrate, creating a strong and corrosion-resistant barrier.

Applications of Fusion Bonded Epoxy

The versatility of fusion bonded epoxy makes it suitable for a wide range of applications in Houston. Here are some of the key uses of FBE coating:

Powder coating is well known for its durability, attractiveness, and unmatched corrosion and environmental protection.  What it is less known for, but perhaps its greatest asset, is its eco-friendliness. Powder coating in Houston boasts many environmental impact advantages when compared with other types of coating processes.

No Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOC for short) are chemicals found in the air from a variety of industries. These can include but are not limited to liquid paint and paint strippers, adhesives, cleaners, pesticides, air fresheners, and gasoline fumes. Powder coating and liquid paint coating industries are closely related but vastly different when it comes to environmental impact. All coatings need time to cure to reach maximum durability. Liquid coatings release VOCs as they cure and also as they are applied. While some liquid paints are classified as low-VOC, they still emit hazardous fumes as they are applied and as they cure over time. Choosing powder coating over liquid coating means not only will you get a more durable, attractive finish, but you can rest easy knowing your order won’t contribute to air pollution.