Powder coating, by definition, involves the process of applying a coat of paint in the form of powder. Note that typical liquid type paints are simply binders and pigments floated in solvents. Powder coating, in contrast, is solvent free which means you are just using the dry binders and pigments. Metal items or materials are commonly suitable for powder coating because they can withstand the high temperatures they are subjected to during the process. Metal aside, the question that crops up is how do you powder coat a non-metallic item like plastic, wood, glass or composite when it's not electrically conductive? Read on for more insight.

Pre-heating

Your average wood, plastic or glass item isn't electrically conductive. By attempting to apply powder coat on them, you can expect the powder to fall off immediately. So what should you do? The best solution for powder coating such items lies with pre-heating.

Simply take the wood, plastic or glass item and heat it up in the oven. Next, remove it from the oven and apply powder coat prior to the item cooling off. Immediately the powder makes contact with the heated part, it is bound to melt to some extent on contact, making it to stick. Once you've finished coating the whole item like this, put back the item in the oven and begin curing it the normal way.

A notable observation when you choose to powder coat a pre-heated object is that you are more likely to apply too thick of the powder coat. Given that the powder is liquefying immediately it makes contact with the item, it is rather difficult to determine the volume of powder on the part. Bear in mind when the powder coating becomes too thick, it is likely to display craters. In addition, the chip resistance will be dented. The solution is to apply small amounts of powder at a time.  Once it cools off, it creates a consistent, beautiful finish. The expertise to powder coat a variety of materials apart from metal is not well known to many people. However, pre-heating allows you the opportunity to apply unique finishes to other objects like glass, wood or plastic in the same way you do with metal items.

Conclusion

Any time you feel creative, take a glass out of your cabinet, pre-heat it and apply some beautiful designs. The aesthetic function of powder coating allows you to select from an infinite assortment of textures, colours and gloss levels.