Resin coating is made of a synthetic material called resin that is ground into a powder before application. Also called powder coating, resin coating can be made of many different materials that are divided into three basic categories: thermosetting powders, thermoplastic powders, and radiation cured powders. Common materials used in resin coating include polyester, epoxy, and nylon. Powder coating comes in a wide variety of colors, and its texture can be matte or shiny.
Thermosetting powders are also called thermoset coating powders. Types of resin coating material used in thermoset coating powders include epoxy, acrylic, and polyester. This powder coating can be sprayed on in thin layers, which allow for the delicate applications needed for attractive high-end powder coatings like those seen on custom automobiles. Epoxy powder coatings are popular for protective flooring applications.
As thermoplastic powders do not perform as well when ground into the fine textures needed for the thin layers used for a classy aesthetic appearance, this type of powder coating is usually not used when the coating needs to have a smooth appearance. Thermoplastic resin coating is more durable and more expensive than thermoset resin coating. Materials that can be used for thermoplastic powders include polyester, polyolefins, and nylon.
Generally, resin is defined as a hard substance that melts when heated. One example of a natural resin is the dried tree sap that emerges when the bark is scored. The plastic resin found in milk jugs is one example of a synthetic resin people use every day.
Resin coating is a finishing technique often used in place of paint to protect and decorate the surface of metal objects. To create resin coating, resin is ground into a fine powder. The powder is then applied using either a liquid solution into which the metal object is lowered to coat it or by sticking the powder to the metal object using electrostatic spray.
To stick the electrostatic powder to a metal object using an electric charge, the metal object is connected to a weak electrical source that gives the metal object a positive charge. The resin powder is sprayed from a gun that gives the powder particles a negative charge, and the oppositely charged particles of resin stick to the metal object. Whether the coating was applied using liquid or spray, after the powder is in place the coated object is then heated to seal the coating to the metal object.