A Look at Different Powder Coating Types

admin • April 2, 2016

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Powder coating isn’t a cut and dry science; rather, it is a complex realm involving many different types of resins, crosslinkers, flow aids, pigments, and more. Here is a look at the many different types of powder coat that are out there.

There are two major types of powder coating: thermoplastic and thermoset. Here is a look at each, along with the different types you’ll find under each category.

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic powders maintain their chemical composition as they cool and solidify, and they can remelt after curing when exposed to sufficiently high heat. They are generally applied to surfaces that have been preheated to a surface that is much higher than the powder’s melting point. When a thermoplastic powder hits a heated surface, it fusion bonds to the surface and then flows out to create a smooth film. Nylon based is probably the most common type of thermoplastic powder, and there are also vinyl based and fluorocarbon based thermoplastic powders.

Thermosetting

Thermosetting powders are used much more frequently in the world of powder coating. Like thermoplastic powders, they melt when exposed to high levels of heat, but unlike thermoplastic powders they can crosslink with themselves or with other added components during the melting process. Ther change chemically as they cool and solidify, so that actually will not melt when re-exposed to heat, as thermoplastic powders do. Thermosetting powders are derived from four main types of resins: polyester, epoxy, acrylic, and fluoropolymer.

Polyester

Polyester based powder coats are the most frequently used type of powder coat in the U.S., with over 60 percent of the market using polyester based powder coatings. Polyester based powder coats hold up especially well to outdoor exposure and have all-around strong characteristics.

Epoxy

Epoxy based powder coatings don’t hold up particularly well to outdoor elements, but they have several interior applications, including industrial equipment, metal furniture, and automotive underbody components.

Acrylic

Acrylic based powder coatings are used as a clear coat over materials, and you’ll probably see them most frequently used in the automotive industry. An acrylic clear coat has good clarity, and it is typically very chip resistant as well. Acrylic resins can also be added to polyester based powders to improve flow and leveling and enhance stain.

Fluoropolymer

Fluoropolymer based powder coatings are a common go-to for the ultimate outdoor durability, and they are very strong against outdoor elements and provide UV stability.

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Why powder coating for aerospace under ISO/AS9100 matters

By Admin • January 27, 2026

TL;DR — Powder Coating for Aerospace (ISO/AS9100) Powder coating provides durable, lightweight, low-VOC protection for aerospace interiors, avionics housings, and ground-support equipment. ISO/AS9100 adds aviation-grade controls: documented travelers, first article inspection, calibrated gauges, cure logs, and full traceability. Performance depends on disciplined prep: precision cleaning, media blasting, conversion coating, outgassing, masking, and purpose-built racking with solid grounding. Cure is validated with thermocouples on representative mass to hit time-at-temperature. Film build is held within spec and Faraday areas are engineered up front. Release testing covers thickness, adhesion, impact, bend, gloss, color delta, humidity or salt fog, and specified chemical rubs. Use powder for consistent appearance and abrasion resistance in cabins and on the ramp. Choose alternatives like anodize, conversion coat, ceramic, or vacuum coating when ultra-thin or high-temp films are required. Cost drivers: part size and complexity, masking, pretreatment stack, finish tier, special tests, and documentation packages. Buyer checklist: drawings with mask and film-build zones, color and gloss targets, required tests, documentation needs, sample panels or pilot build, and packaging specs. Need an aerospace-grade, ISO/AS9100-aligned finish in Utah? Full Blown Coatings can quote , sample, and document to spec.