As plant and facility management, it is part of your responsibility to decide when and how to maintain, care for, and enhance the appearance and functionality of the properties you are in charge of. Sometimes that involves painting or coating. Then what differentiates them?
The question, “What is the difference between paint and coating?” is actually a very old one. Okay, it’s possible that this is not a problem of eras. However, the truth is that there is a difference, and as industry professionals, with our TheAnees’s blog, I would like to assist you in fully comprehending that distinction so that you can choose the best course of action for your properties.
Simply said, coatings are for efficiency and paint is for looks.
Is There a Difference Between Painting and Coating?
Yes, there are many differences between painting and coating. First of all, try to understand both in different ways. Below is the differentiation.
Painting
Painting something is mostly done to enhance its appearance (the look or beauty of something). Various surfaces can have paint applied to them using a number of application methods. Painting something has some protective benefits, but it is not the fundamental function of paint. Any surface that has paint added to it may temporarily appear better, more colorful, smoother, or seem newer than it did before the application of paint.
Coating
Coatings can accomplish functions that paint cannot. “Coating” is paint with a purpose. The chosen coating system will determine the overall result. Coatings are applied to various surfaces using a wide variety of application procedures, just like paint.
Here are some examples of the functionality that a coating system can offer that paint cannot:
- flexible and adaptive color retention.
- waterproofing and breathability while shedding water (permeable).
- control and prevention of rust and corrosion.
- self-cleaning
- anti-microbial
Paint cannot be a coating, but coatings can be paint. Performance makes a difference.
Paint might be a better short-term and cost-effective solution if you only want to improve the “appearance” of your property for a short period of time (perhaps while getting it ready to sell). A coating might be a preferable option, though, if you’re hoping to keep the asset protected for a long time.
The Science Behind Coating and Painting by Each Aspect
Process
Painting entails applying liquid paint to a product’s surface. It is made up of just one element, which dries when exposed to UV or air. Dry, freely flowing powder is used in the powder coating process. The powder is electrostatically spread across the surface by a spray gun. Then it is heated to a high temperature, baking the surface and melting the powder to form a solid, even coating.
Durability
Painting gives a surface a pleasant shade and creates a shiny, smooth finish. When damaged by a sharp object, it can come off without much effort. It rusts the product because it chips and fades more quickly. Powder coating shields the outside against corrosion and other deterioration because it is seamless on the surface. It resists fading, chipping, and peeling. It can last up to 20 years and is less expensive than spray paint.
Curing
Chemical cross-linking in liquid paints causes them to cure at a higher temperature. Paints with catalysts require moisture or room temperature for curing. Solvents evaporate during the curing process regardless of the curing technique. About 15 to 20 minutes of baking at 170 to 180 degrees Celsius is needed for high-temperature curing. The powder surface and the powder have an impact on the powder coating’s cure time. When exposed to high temperatures, the powder starts to melt and spread. Powders cure for about 10 to 15 minutes at temperatures of about 200 degrees Celsius.
Environment
Volatile organic chemicals are released by liquid paints, damaging the environment. Compared to powder coating, they generate more waste. Unlike liquid painting, which has an effect on the environment, powder coating uses no solvents. Reusing and recycling extra powder makes it completely usable. Powder coating doesn’t release toxins like liquid paint does.
Usage of Painting and Coating
When working with products that have narrow tolerances, liquid paints are helpful. Liquid paint is offered in specialized gloss and metallic colors that are challenging to match with powder. When producing smaller batches of products, liquid paints are practical to employ. Plastic is painted with liquid paint because it melts at high temperatures. Thicker finishes are produced by powder coating.
