How long do powder coatings last?

This is a very common question. From the perspective of adhesion and film integrity, correctly applied and pre-treated powder coated metal can and has lasted since it was first applied more than 40 years ago.

Powder coatings are considered extremely resilient, be a coating of choice for use on gas or oil pipelines which are buried in the earth or underwater. Powder coatings are used on automotive and appliances given their excellent chip resistance, hardness and or chemical resistance.

From the perspective of resistance to light and UV degradation, some powder coatings are outstanding, being used on major building such as Duratec and Fluoroset FP.

The standard and most common powder coatings are designed for general use and applications. Standard powder coatings offer good weathering resistance, excellent film integrity and very good hardness.

Is it true that powder coatings can withstand any conditions and can even be applied to rusty metal?

Unfortunately there is a myth that since powder coating is so much easier to apply than wet paints, and retains a very hard film, that powder coatings can withstand anything and everything. Indeed this carefree view has led to some disappointing applications of powder coatings.

Powder coatings rely on a clean, pre-treated surface like any and every other coating. Rusty metal deposits must be removed prior to powder coating, as over coating with powder will only mask what is fundamentally corroding metal.

Powder coatings are terrific in resisting knocks and abrasions, chemicals and the effects of the sun, but if not cared for, the coating can show up scratches and perhaps film integrity loss.