Whilst painting new gates yourself using a standard exterior
gloss and having them powder coated during production may end up with an
identical finish, this is where the similarity ends when comparing the 2
processes.
Wet Painting
Applied with a brush, this method of painting relies on
evaporation of the liquid contained within the paint. As the paint dries, the
surface will begin to harden that will eventually result in a hard wearing finish
that is pleasing to the eye.
Powder Coating
Rather than be applied wet, as the name suggest, a powder
coated finish is applied dry in a powder form as detailed below. As such this
form of finishing is far more complex than simply applying it with a brush and
waiting for it to dry.
How the Paint Sticks to the surface;
The two main methods of applying the paint are as follows
· The gate is placed onto a bed of specialist
powder and an electrostatic charge is passed through causing the powder to
adhere to the surface.
·
The paint is sprayed onto the surface of the
gate using an electrostatically charged spray.
After one of the above 2 methods of applying the powder has
been completed, the paint then needs to be placed into an industrial oven to melt
the powder and bake it to the surface for a really hard wearing finish.
Preparation is the
Key to a Quality Finish
In order to create a hard wearing and durable finish, it is
important that the surface of the gate`s are prepared properly and will involve:
Cleaning
Rinsing any residual surface contaminants
Etching the surface to remove zinc corrosion
Rinsing
Application of grain refiner
Rinse
Application of Zinc Phosphate
Acidulated Rinse
Protecting the
Gates during Installation
In order to prevent damage occurring to the paint, it is
essential that careful installation is carried out. Under no circumstance
should the gates be allowed to come into contact with an abrasive surface such
as brickwork or render.
Marinating the
Finish
In order to keep the surface from being broken down by the
elements, it is important to regularly remove grime and contaminants from the
surface because failure to do so will cause the paint to break down over time.
As such we strongly recommend that every 3-6 months you
thoroughly wash down the entire surface of the gates using hot soapy water and
then rise down the surface to ensure no residual soap is left on the could lead
to further problems with the finish.
Are you Looking
To Purchase New Gates?
After taking into account the above information, should you
be looking to purchase new gates for your garden that are available in
a pre-painted powder coated finish that will take the mess and hassle out of
having to regularly paint them, you can find great styles such as the Verona,
Henley, Warwick or Weston styles on the Garden Gate Sale website.
Verona Metal Gate – Designed in an art deco style, this stunning model
is ideal for modern homes looking for an individual design that will impress
the neighbors.
Henley Metal Gate – More traditional in appearance, this design is more
suited to period properties
Warwick Metal Gate – Add a regal splendor with these stunning gates
that feature spear top finial
Weston Metal Gate – Simple yet stylish, this design features ball top
finials for added safety.
Available in a choice of sizes to suit side entrances and driveways,
the addition of one of the above gates in a powder coated finish will prove an
affordable and worthwhile investment that will provide years of trouble free
use and will undoubtedly help to increase privacy and security levels around
your home.
