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Uralac® Ultra: FAQs
What is the difference between powder coating and conventional paint? Is powder better than paint? Is it more durable? And economical? Find out here, in our frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions
How do we spray powder on standard 'non-conductive' MDF?
For application of the powder, moisture within the MDF is used for conductivity. A moisture content of 4-8% of total weight is sufficient to attract the powder.
Do we require special MDF for powder coating?
No special MDF is needed for powder coating – although there are differences between available qualities and types.
We advise evaluating the type of MDF you intend to use before making your products.
Further, we recommend a conditioned storage area to control the MDF's moisture content.
We advise evaluating the type of MDF you intend to use before making your products.
Further, we recommend a conditioned storage area to control the MDF's moisture content.
Is the oven I use for powder coating metal suitable for curing MDF too?
Most conventional curing ovens are convection ovens. Best results for MDF are reached with infrared radiation (IR) ovens.
With IR ovens, the MDF's surface can be heated quickly to cure the powder coating, while its core stays relatively cool.
With convection ovens, temperatures are often too high, or the MDF's core heats up too much because of the longer period needed to reach curing temperatures.
With IR ovens, the MDF's surface can be heated quickly to cure the powder coating, while its core stays relatively cool.
With convection ovens, temperatures are often too high, or the MDF's core heats up too much because of the longer period needed to reach curing temperatures.
Can I use a standard powder coating application booth?
You can use a standard powder coating spray booth.
However, we highly recommend you install an active counter electrode opposite the spray guns. An active counter electrode helps control the electric field and powder wrapping around the board. This results in less powder consumption and a much better finish.
However, we highly recommend you install an active counter electrode opposite the spray guns. An active counter electrode helps control the electric field and powder wrapping around the board. This results in less powder consumption and a much better finish.
Why do I need active counter electrodes?
You can use a standard powder coating spray booth.
However, we highly recommend you install an active counter electrode opposite the spray guns. An active counter electrode helps control the electric field and powder wrapping around the board. This results in less powder consumption and a much better finish.
However, we highly recommend you install an active counter electrode opposite the spray guns. An active counter electrode helps control the electric field and powder wrapping around the board. This results in less powder consumption and a much better finish.
Is powder coating cheaper than liquid coating?
Coaters that have made the switch from liquid to powder coating all report a clear price benefit for the powder coating solution.
Can I try powder coating on my own product?
At Covestro in Zwolle, the Netherlands, we provide a pilot line that can coat products up to approximately 1*2 meters/approx. 3.3*6.6 feet
Make an appointment for a test
Make an appointment for a test
Can I re-use overspray?
Yes. Like with any powder coating, you can collect and reuse overspray with a recycling cyclone.
Is changing a color easy?
Yes. Like with any powder coating, for a color change, you clean the application booth and application equipment with pressurized air. You then simply refill the station with a new color.
Are powder coatings for wood suitable for exterior use?
Yes. Uralac® Ultra-based powder coatings are available for exterior use. The interior grade is resistant to yellowing by sunlight.
Additionally, we provide an outdoor grade with excellent gloss retention for exterior use.
Additionally, we provide an outdoor grade with excellent gloss retention for exterior use.
Can I retain the appearance of my current liquid paint?
Powder coatings can show more orange peel than liquid coatings.
Uralac® Ultra-based powder coatings, however, are available in extremely smooth grades, achieving many different gloss levels and colors.
Moreover, powder coating also offers other possibilities – such as fine and coarse textures, hammer finishes, and metallics.
Uralac® Ultra-based powder coatings, however, are available in extremely smooth grades, achieving many different gloss levels and colors.
Moreover, powder coating also offers other possibilities – such as fine and coarse textures, hammer finishes, and metallics.
