High durability powder coatings MT-800 AM

Surface Finish Options Overview

Product Description

MT-800 AM is a series of high durability powder coatings designed for exterior exposure. Tested against the most severe specifications MT-800 gives significantly improved gloss retention and resistance to colour change. MT-800 AM powders are available in a wide range of colours and gloss levels and can be custom matched to the user’s requirements.MT-800 AM is a high-quality powder coating designed to meet decorative and functional demands of your specifications. Test results have proven reduction of bacteria and mold up to 99.9%.

Powder Properties

Mechanical Tests

Pre-treatment

For maximum protection it is essential to pretreat components for exterior use prior to the application of MT-800. Aluminium components should receive a full multi-stage chromate conversion coating to clean and condition the substrate. Detailed advice should be sought from the pretreatment supplier. Galvanised steel also requires multi-stage pretreatment using either zinc phosphate or chromate conversion. Degassing of galvanised steel prior to powder application is considered mandatory – follow the procedural advice of the pretreatment supplier. MT-800 products may also be used on other substrates (eg. mild steel fabrications) for internal applications; nevertheless zinc phosphate pretreatment is regarded as essential.

Application

MT-800 AM powders can be applied by manual or automatic electrostatic spray equipment. Unused powder can be reclaimed using suitable equipment and recycled through the coating system.

FAQ

1. What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a dry finishing process used to apply a protective and decorative coating on metal or other surfaces. Instead of using liquid paint, fine powder particles (usually made of polyester, epoxy, or hybrid resins) are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto a conductive surface. The coated object is then baked in an oven, where the powder melts, flows, and cures into a smooth, durable finish.

Key features:

Durable, hard finish

Resistant to scratches, corrosion, and UV

Environmentally friendly (no VOCs)

2. Benefits of Powder Coating

Powder coating offers several advantages over traditional liquid painting:

Durability: Resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wear.

Corrosion Protection: Provides excellent protection against rust and chemicals.

Environmentally Friendly: No volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and minimal waste.

Efficiency: Overspray can be collected and reused, up to 99% material utilization.

Uniform Finish: Smooth, even coating without runs or drips.

Cost-Effective: Single-coat systems can achieve high film thickness, reducing labor and energy.

Aesthetic Variety: Wide range of colors, textures, and effects.

3. What Temperature to Cure Powder Coating

The curing temperature depends on the type of powder used:

Epoxy powder: ~160–200°C (320–392°F)

Polyester powder: ~180–210°C (356–410°F)

Hybrid (Epoxy-Polyester) powder: ~180–200°C (356–392°F)

Typical curing time: 10–20 minutes depending on thickness and oven type.

Always follow the powder manufacturer’s specifications for best results.

4. Process for Powder Coating

The powder coating process usually follows these steps:

Surface Preparation:

Clean the surface thoroughly (remove oil, grease, rust, or dirt)

Methods: chemical cleaning, sandblasting, or phosphating

Pre-Treatment:

Apply a conversion coating or primer if needed to improve adhesion

Powder Application:

Spray the powder using an electrostatic spray gun or fluidized bed

Curing:

Bake the coated object in an oven at the recommended temperature for the powder type

The powder melts and forms a continuous, smooth film

Cooling & Inspection:

Let the coated item cool

Inspect for defects, uniform coverage, and desired thickness

5. How to Spray Powder Coat

Equipment Needed:

Electrostatic spray gun

Compressed air supply

Powder feed hopper or container

Grounding of the object

Steps:

Ground the object: Ensures the charged powder is attracted to the surface.

Spray evenly: Hold the gun 6–12 inches from the surface, moving in smooth, overlapping strokes.

Apply sufficient powder: Ensure full coverage without excessive buildup.

Cure immediately: Transfer the sprayed item to the curing oven to fuse the powder into a solid coating.

Tips:

Maintain consistent speed and distance while spraying.

Use proper ventilation to reduce airborne powder accumulation.

Test a small area to check film thickness and color before full application.