Practically all powder coatings are not hazardous waste by definition of the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act regulations (RCRA). Disposal methods for waste powder are the same as for non-hazardous wastes, in most states. However, there may be some exceptions and your powder supplier should be contacted regarding proper disposal. Always renew disposal needs with the local authority having jurisdiction over your facility location.

There are two conditions that must be met to achieve proper cure of a powder coating. The first is temperature, referred to as metal temperature, and the second is time. The time/temperature requirements of a particular powder material must be achieved to obtain a full cure. A cured thermoset powder coating will not re-melt upon further heating. To ensure proper time and temperature it is often best to test using a Datapaq or similar device to provide actual performance data.

Particle size plays an important role in the application process. Size distribution affects many other properties critical to consistent performance including: fluidization, powder transport in hoses, uniform cloud density, powder movement in air, electrostatic charging, deposition and build rate, transfer efficiency, Faraday cage penetration, wraparound, and film smoothness. Size distribution produced by the powder manufacturer must take the coating system design and anticipated changes into account to provide a suitable product. Final cured surface appearance may also be affected by the particle size distribution and flow rate.

One of the most important considerations in defining the end use performance is weatherability. Outdoor exposure results in absorption of ultraviolet energy. This energy can attack the organic binder and result in gloss loss and color change. Due to a tendency to chalk, epoxies and epoxy containing hybrids are generally not recommended for outdoor use when aesthetics is a primary concern. Polyesters and acrylics on the other hand provide excellent UV light stability and typically find use in architectural, automotive, lawn and garden as well as outdoor furniture markets.

The selection of a coating should be undertaken as a cooperative effort between the end user and the powder formulator (supplier). In developing a coating for a particular application, the formulator must consider a number of factors. As an example, if the coating requires high pencil hardness and mar resistance along with weatherability, then flexibility may be reduced. If superior chemical resistance is required, then weatherability and over bake yellowing resistance can be compromised. Other considerations may be cure time and temperature, substrate type and treatment, and application method. Only when all requirements of a particular application are considered can a formulator recommend the proper coating type.