Big difference between bonded and non-bonded powders

Bonded and non-bonded are terms usually used when referring to metallic powder coating.  All metallics used to be non-bonded, which meant that a powder base coat was manufactured and then the metal flake was mixed with the powder to create a metallic.

In bonded powders, the base coat is still manufactured separately, then the powder base coat and the metallic pigment are placed in a heated mixer and heated just enough to soften the powder. As the powder is mixed the metallic pigment “bonds” to the powder particle, hence the phrase bonded.

Here is the big difference between bonded and non-bonded powders:  imagine the metal flake as a corn flake shaped object.  In non-bonded, the electrostatics of the gun make the metal flake either stand on it’s side (as opposed to laying flat) or it makes the metal flakes “bunch” together.  You part will end up with alot of different shades (some flakes on edge and some flat), or with alot of metallic in one area and none in another area.  Bonded metallics don’t allow this to happen.