Choosing a colour is only half the job. The same shade can be matte or gloss, smooth or textured, opaque or transparent. These choices change the look of the part, how easy it is to maintain and sometimes the number of coats to apply.
Gloss is measured
Gloss is not expressed as a percentage but in gloss units, measured with an instrument at a 60-degree angle. The glossary from Powder Coated Tough offers these benchmarks: matte from 1 to 10 units, low gloss from 10 to 30, semi-gloss from 30 to 70, medium gloss from 70 to 100. High gloss is measured at a different angle. The words are not standardized, however: one manufacturer's "satin" is not another's. It is better to judge from a sample.
Textures: good-looking and practical
TIGER Drylac distinguishes fine texture, with a sand-like grain, wrinkle, with a leather-like look, and hammertone. Vein finishes also exist. A texture has a concrete advantage: it hides the grinding and machining marks that a smooth, gloss finish would bring out. It requires a thicker film, 80 to 100 µm.
Metallics
A metallic powder contains flakes that must lay down evenly, otherwise the finish mottles. The best ones are called bonded: each flake is attached to a grain of powder, which gives a more consistent colour, explains an Axalta specialist in Products Finishing. Axalta also recommends using a single batch of powder per order.
Candies and multi-coat systems
A candy is a transparent colour applied over a bright base: light passes through the colour, hits the base and comes back, which gives the depth. TIGER describes the two-coat method: the base is partially cured, then coated over, and the whole thing receives its full cure. At Prismatic Powders, one of our suppliers, some colours in the Illusion series only reveal their shade once the clear coat is applied. More coats means more work, which is reflected in the price.
Our standard finish includes one colour coat and a final clear coat. To explore the options, see the Suppliers and colours page or our gallery.
In summary
- Gloss is measured in gloss units; always judge from a sample.
- A texture hides imperfections in the metal.
- Bonded metallics give a more even colour.
- A candy requires a base, a transparent colour and often a clear coat.
