Some of the newest color innovations in powder coatings

Color variety is almost limitless these days, with many coatings suppliers offering a pallet of off-the-shelf colors, as well as custom color-match services to better meet the needs of small-volume powder users.

There are also tints that can add highlight color to a substrate or base coat, such as a brass look over polished aluminum.

A range from flat to high gloss is generally available. Smooth, high-gloss coatings can offer high distinctiveness of image, creating an illusion of depth or a wet look. Matte finishes can hide surface defects or imperfections such as spot welds, nicks and scratches on a variety of substrates.

Following are some of the newest innovations in powder coatings.

Multi-Color

Hammer tones or veins result in antique or distressed looks created by a black base with metallic pigments of gold, silver, or copper contrasting against the black. This weathered look is popular in the furniture and display industries, which demand a range of multi-color looks including granite, confetti, rusty, and weathered appearances.

Clear coats

Clear powder coating is often used as an external protective layer on many brass products such as door knobs, hinges, railings, lamps and plumbing fixtures. There are also powders available that can substitute for chrome and brass plating in certain applications. Auto manufacturers such as BMW and Volvo are now using powder clear topcoat over automotive exterior basecoats, a technology that is also being tested in a historic collaboration of Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler at a facility in Wixom, MI.

Fluorescent/Pearl-Like

Powder coated finishes can now offer an icy or fluorescent appearance, or the lustrous look of a pearl that may appear to change color depending on the angle of observation. Bicycles, wheel rims, garden tools, light fixtures and some glass products benefit from this look.