A Detailed Look at Powder Coated Gates

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.