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Color may be the most obvious choice you’ll have to make for your powder coating project, but it is far from the only one. Gloss and texture are also important characteristics of any powder selection, affecting everything from performance to appearance. Through our in-house finishing department at All Powder Coat & Screen, we can help you choose the right powder for your project and then deliver high-quality results.
In powder coating, texture refers to the surface profile of the coating. It affects both how a coating looks and feels. A textured finish can have a pebbled or fine-grit surface, for instance, while a “smooth” texture choice will be closer to the surface of a painted part.
A texture can be chosen purely for aesthetic reasons, of course, but most often customers have functionality in mind when they opt for a textured finish. High-touch parts, for instance, are common candidates for a textured finish because texture can help hide fingerprints and provide additional grip.
Gloss is, in essence, how shiny your coating will look. A high-gloss finish will reflect more light and look shiny, while a matte or low-gloss finish will reflect far less light. Different manufacturers use different terms to describe the full continuum of gloss options; typical terms include “satin” or “semi-gloss” for medium-level gloss options.
Gloss is most frequently a purely aesthetic concern. When we’re advising customers, we explain that the appearance can look striking and polished, but that they should be aware that fingerprints and smudges may be more apparent.
At All Metals Fabricating and All Powder Coat & Screen, we always want to help customers make an informed choice before production begins. We do that with strong customer service, design for manufacturing (DFM) guidance, and more.
Gloss and texture decisions are an important part of that. We have a few recommendations as you’re selecting your powder:
If you need help making your choice, ask for guidance early. We can help you understand which powder options are best for different applications, as well as how each finish will look and feel. We can provide images of powder-coated metal coupon samples to help you compare finishes before making a final decision.
Opt for in-stock powder options whenever possible. Selecting a powder that All Powder Coat & Screen regularly stocks can help reduce costs through bulk purchasing and shorten lead times because we do not need to source a specialty powder for your project.
Share your priorities when custom sourcing is needed. If your project requires a powder we do not already stock, we can work with our network of trusted vendors to find the right option. To help us narrow down your options, it’s useful to share information about your part, application, budget, and timeline.
Color is an important part of any powder-coated component, but texture and gloss can be just as important to the final result. Whether you already know your finish and are seeking a sheet metal finishing partner, or you want help comparing your options, our team is ready to help.
Request a quote today from our Texas fabrication and powder coating shop!
