Plasti-Sol Armor Black Powder Coating

Surface Finish Options Overview

PLASTI-SOL ARMOR - BLACK (80 - 90% GLOSS)

This is a rubberized coating, with the look and feel of glossy rubber.

PLASTI-SOL ARMOR is a multi-purpose thermoplastic powder coating that utilizes polyethylene copolymer chemistry to meet and exceed a wide range of performance attributes including ultra high adhesion, impact and corrosion resistance, ultra violet (UV) protection, and graffiti resistance.

PLASTI-SOL ARMOR thermoplastic powder coatings contain no phthalates and heavy metal compliant, making PLASTI-SOL ARMOR the best choice for exceptional performance and environmental safety.

PLASTI-SOL ARMOR is an ideal choice when an all-purpose, high performance coating, with exceptional aesthetics is required. The abrasion, impact, and corrosion resistance is unsurpassed, with over 2000 hours of salt spray testing. Outdoor furniture, fencing, trailer frames, helmet facemasks, and bike racks are just a few of the typical applications that can benefit from the superior protection and durability of PLASTI-SOL ARMOR thermoplastic powder coatings.

The PLASTI-SOL ARMOR family includes several products formulated to meet a range of finishing and protection needs. Both fluid bed dip and spray grade products are available.

 ADVANTAGES

• Immediate cure time • UV protected • excellent durability and chemical resistance

POWDER PROPERTIES

Cure Time - (Powder is cured until desired flow out)

PLASTI-SOL ARMOR can be applied via electrostatic deposition with or without pre-heat.

When not using pre-heat, the powder should be applied to achieve a thickness of 8 – 10mils (203 - 254µm).

Recommended voltage setting when using Corona equipment is 40 – 60 kv.

Post-baking at 350 - 425°F (175 - 220°C) for 5 to 10 minutes depending on metal thickness, or until desired flow out is achieved.

For preheated parts, the recommended preheat temperature is 400°F (205°C).

And recommended Mil thickness for is PLASTI-SOL ARMOR® 8-12mils (203 – 300µm) or higher if desired.

For improved surface finish, parts may be post-baked for a short period of time if necessary. Times and temperatures in the oven will depend on configuration and thickness of the part.

Thermoplastic powder coatings need only be heated enough to flow out the coating, nothing more.

Coverage (100% efficiency) 25.65 ft² per pound @ 8mils (5.24 m² per kg @ 203µm)

VOC Content ZERO

Thickness (Recommended) 8 – 10mils (203 – 254µm)  

PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES

Melting Point 221°F (105°C)

Specific Gravity ASTM D 792 0.9414g/cm3

Adhesion ASTM D 4541 >1,000psi (7MPa)

Hardness Shore D ASTM D 2240 55

Impact Resistance ASTM B 2794 >384 in-lbs. (43 Joules)

Softening Point ASTM D 1525 162°F (72°C)

Tensile Strength ASTM D 638 3482psi (24MPa)

Elongation (%) ASTM D 638 498%

Humidity Resistance ASTM D 2247 No blistering or loss of gloss after 1000 hours

Salt Spray ASTM B 117 2,000 hrs. No significant change in color or gloss

QUV ASTM G 53 2,000 hrs. No significant change in color or gloss

Taber Abrasion ASTM D 4060 70-90mg loss, CS 17 wheel, 100mg loss, CS 17 wheel

Flexibility (Conical Mandrel Bend) ASTM D 522 1/8in (3.2mm), no cracks (>32%)

Gloss ASTM D 523 90% (Depending on color choice)

Melt Index ASTM D 1238 20

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.