Not All Coatings are Created Equal – Powder Coating vs. Ceramic Coatings

 

In the world of coatings, things that may sound similar – are in fact very different. Such is the case with Powder Coating and Ceramic Coating. To officially explain the difference, we brought in someone well versed in coatings of all kind, Cody Jones, Sales and Marketing Manager for NitroPlate in Nashville, TN.

“There is terrible confusion in the industry as to the difference between Powder coating and Ceramic coating,” said Jones. “Simply stated, powder coating services offer a harder-than-paint coating that is available in a wide variety of colors. In contrast, ceramic coating is far more resistant to chipping, corrosion and extreme heat environments.”

“Offered in only a few colors and sheens, ceramic coating is far more durable than its often-confused coating cousin,” continued Jones. “In order to meet Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) coating anti-chip requirements, the surface must withstand a pebble shot at the coated surface at 95 mph from a distance of 32 inches away – NitroPlate exceeds that standard for OEM level ceramic coatings.”

Powder coating can be applied to used parts after they have been degreased and then chemically cleaned to provide a proper surface for the electrostatically paint coating to be applied. The part is then placed in an oven for 2-4 hours to complete the process. Typical cure temperature on Powder Coating is 350-425 degrees

Ceramic coating, such as the process offered by NitroPlate, comes in two applications; Dip-Spin and traditional wet spray application. Dip-Spin is most often used with large quantities of small to medium size parts. The parts are surface prepped and placed in a bin with perforated sides and bottom. The bin is then dipped in another larger bin containing the liquid ceramic coating, lifted out of the larger bin and spun to sling excess coating off the parts. This lowers waste of coating and allows large quantities of parts to be evenly coated at a single time. Once this process is done, the parts are run through a very large oven to fully cure them.

The more traditional “wet spray” ceramic coating process is used on larger parts, most commonly components like headers, mufflers and exhaust tubing. However ceramic coating is also great for oil pans, timing covers, water pump housing, hood hinges, braces or brackets and really anything that you can think of. The only requirement is that the part be able to withstand 750 degrees for 3-5 hours. After Surface Preparation, the coating is sprayed on the part and then placed in a large oven for curing– the same style oven as the Dip-Spin process.

With exhaust parts, some customers need extra surface protection. NitroPlate’s special aluminum-based ceramic coating provides a thermal/corrosion barrier that reduces the heat that emanates from exhaust parts during engine operation. That results in lower under hood temperatures and longer engine life. From a corrosion barrier standpoint, NitroPlate coatings will protect your parts from environmental elements and inhibit corrosion and rust. Currently NitroPlate offers ceramic coatings in a variety of finishes including Bright, Satin, Matte Black and Cast Iron.

“For anyone looking for a coating that is corrosion, heat and chip resistant, the only choice is ceramic coating,” notes Jones. “Best of all, NitroPlate backs up those words with a three year warranty – “If you’re not happy, we are not happy” notes Jones. “And Nitroplate ceramic coatings will definitely make you happy!”

Contact:

Servitech Industries Inc.

Nitro Plate Headquarters

550 Brick Church Park Drive

Nashville, TN. 37207

WK (615) 826-4914