What is powder coating, and why do we use it?

Powder coating is a cutting-edge technique used to apply a protective and decorative finish to various metal surfaces. This method is particularly beneficial for handrails, providing enhanced durability, customisability, and safety features.

The Powder Coating Process

Applying powder coating to any product is a highly specialised and skilful process that uses a controlled and clean environment to achieve the highest standard. Due to the nature of powder coating, it can not be undertaken on-site. Below we have broken down the process into three simple steps:

1. Preparation

Proper preparing of the surface is crucial for a successful powder coating application. The metal surface is cleaned to remove dirt, grease, or previous coatings. Techniques such as sandblasting or chemical treatments are employed to create a pristine surface that ensures optimal powder adhesion.

2. Application

The powder coating is applied using an electrostatic-charged spray gun, which imparts a positive electric charge to the powder particles. These charged particles adhere evenly to the grounded metal surface, allowing for uniform coverage even on complex shapes and contours of our handrails.

3. Curing

Once the powder is applied, the coated handrails are placed in a curing oven. The heat causes the powder to melt and form a smooth, continuous film that chemically reacts to create a hard, durable finish. The curing temperature and time vary depending on the specific powder formulation used.

Applications of powder coating

There are a huge number of applications of powder coating from the automotive industry to items in your own home, like the humble radiator; here at Ezi Klamp, we offer powder coating on a number of our core products, allowing our customers to customise and protect their purchase for years to come.

DDA Handrails

DDA handrails are compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and are essential for providing safe and accessible access to public spaces for all. All DDA handrails are required to be not cold to touch, and enhanced visibility against their surrounding area, powder coating is a great solution to both of these as well as providing protection against the harshest of environments, ensuring your DDA handrails are safe for years to come. 

Key clamp Handrails

Known for their ease of installation, Keyclamp handrails greatly benefit from powder coating. This protective finish ensures they withstand harsh conditions, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. It also allows them to integrate seamlessly into various design schemes.

Pedestrian Guardrails

Pedestrian guardrails serve as crucial safety barriers in public spaces. Powder coating enhances their durability and visual appeal, ensuring they remain effective and aesthetically pleasing over time. The variety of colour options also improves visibility, contributing to overall safety.

What are the advantages of powder coating?

1. Durability and Longevity

Just like galvanising, powder coating significantly enhances the durability of our products. The finish is resistant to chipping, scratching, corrosion and fading, making it ideal for outdoor and high-traffic areas. Powder-coated DDA handrails, Key Clamp handrails, and pedestrian guardrails can withstand the rigours of daily use while maintaining their appearance and structural integrity.

2. Environmental Benefits

Powder coating is an environmentally friendly process that does not involve solvents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in processes such as spray painting. This reduces the environmental impact and enhances workplace safety during application. Additionally, the overspray from powder coating can be collected and reused, minimising waste.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

While the initial cost of powder coating may be higher than traditional painting methods, the long-term savings are substantial. The improved durability reduces the need for frequent repainting or maintenance, leading to lower overall costs. The efficiency of the application process also means less material waste and reduced labour expenses.

4. Aesthetic Versatility

Powder coating is available in a huge range of colours, finishes, and textures. This allows us to provide handrails in any colour the customer desires, ensuring that they match the aesthetic requirements of their project. Whether a glossy, matte, or textured finish is needed, powder coating delivers a high-quality appearance.

5. Safety Features

Powder-coated handrails from Ezi Klamp are not cold to the touch, providing a more comfortable and safer experience for users, particularly in colder climates. This feature is especially important for DDA handrails, which are designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Powder coating is an invaluable process that enhances our handrails’ durability, aesthetics, and safety. At Ezi Klamp, we are committed to providing high-quality products that meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our powder-coated DDA handrails, Key Clamp handrails, and pedestrian guardrails offer superior performance and longevity, making them an excellent choice for any project.

For more information about our products and services, please visit Ezi Klamp or speak to a member of our specialist team at 0117 970 2420 or via email at sales@eziklampsystems.com.