Polyester

Polyester based powder coats are going to be the most commonly seen/used powders in the industry. They are considered the most well-rounded coatings out there in all different aspects. This type of powder offers the largest color selection, and most flexibility when compared to Polyurethanes, Epoxies, Hybrids, etc.


PROS:
  • TGIC and TGIC-Free both provide good impact resistance and flexibility.
  • Good mechanical and chemical resistance.
  • Capable of being cured at a lower temperature which makes it suitable for sensitive components.
  • Wide variety of color selection available.
  • Tend to offer good overbake resistance to yellowing.
  • UV resistant (This can vary heavily depending on the color and finish of the Polyester powder).
  • User-friendly when double coating or dealing with out-of-the-norm coating situations.


CONS:
  • Less Chemical and Corrosion resistance when compared to Polyurethanes and Epoxies.
  • Orange peel can be prevalent if mil thickness is built-up too much in a single coat. (This will vary depending on the color/finish).
  • Less impact durability and hardness when compared to Polyurethane and Epoxy powders. (This will vary depending on the color/finish). 



Polyurethane

Polyurethane based powders are very similar to Polyester powders in that they offer similar characteristics, however they are technically a 'harder' coating that also offers some other desirable characteristics.


Pros:
  • Offers an incredibly smooth finish as they tend to flow very quickly when compared to the other powder types.
  • UV resistant much like the Polyester based coatings. (This can vary heavily depending on the color and finish of the Polyurethane powder).
  • Excellent chemical and corrosion resistance.
  • Tends to hide fingerprints well in comparison to other coatings.
  • Excellent impact durability and hardness. (This will vary depending on the color/finish).


Cons:
  • At a higher mil thickness, coating can begin to outgas and become brittle.
  • Due to the fact the powder flows out quickly, a build-up of too much powder can cause drips to occur on parts.
  • Less color selection when compared to Polyester powders.



Epoxies

Epoxy based powders are considered the best in terms of chemical and corrosion resistance with exceptional hardness and durability characteristics. Excellent coating for indoor use applications that are susceptible to abuse. Also great as primer coats underneath your Polyester or Polyurethane color coats for added protection.


Pros:
  • Among the best in terms of corrosion and chemical resistance.
  • Excellent impact durability and hardness.
  • Easy to use, adheres to metals very well.
  • Highly suitable for indoor applications.
  • Due to the fact they do not function well when subjected to sunlight, they are generally utilized as a pre-coat underneath other paint types. This covers its inherent weakness and utilizes its strength at the same time.



Cons:
  • Poor UV stability. They will chalk and fade in the sun when subjected to exterior exposure. Tend to degrade after a few months under adverse weather conditions.
  • Even less color selection when compared to Polyester and Polyurethane powders.



Hybrids

Hybrids are considered to be a mix between Epoxy and Polyester based coatings. However, it doesn't necessarily make them the best of both worlds! They are still susceptible to UV damage, just not as poorly as an Epoxy would be if left exposed. Also, they do gain additional chemical and corrosion protection; more so than a standard Polyester would, just less than an Epoxy can provide. These types of coatings really require a specific application to be considered efficient. Due to this reason, they are generally a less common used type of coating.


Pros:
  • Blend of Polyester and Epoxy based coatings.
  • Could be suitable for outdoor applications that are not exposed directly to sunlight. (Under coverings constantly, etc.)
  • Suitable for Indoor applications.



Cons:
  • Limited color selection, much like Epoxy based coatings.
  • May be difficult to find a suitable use for when this coating would work better than simply using an Epoxy or Polyester based products.