Q: We currently are being asked to match a powder so we can powder coat steel parts that need to match an aluminum anodized hinge. So far, we have not had much success.
Do you feel I’m spinning my wheels trying to match a powder to a plating finish? I’m thinking it’s kind of like the chrome powders that are offered. They call it chrome powder, but it really doesn’t look anything like chrome plating.
Would I be better off asking them to powder coat the steel parts and the hinge if they want everything to match?
A: Powders can be formulated to mimic the appearance of anodized silver. It won’t be an exact match, but it will come pretty close. This will be a low-gloss metallic effect powder, and some powder manufacturers offer these as off-the-shelf standard products.
It is essential to consider the environment that the assembled unit will be exposed to. If it will be outdoors, you should consider a two-coat system. This will comprise a metallic basecoat followed by a low-gloss clearcoat.
Both powders should be outdoor-durable polyesters that comply with either Qualicoat Class 2 or Class 3. These are similar to AAMA 2604 and 2605, which are used in North America.
The clearcoat provides extra durability because the metallic pigments used to create the anodized effect can oxidize in outdoor conditions. The clearcoat will seal the surface and provide significantly improved durability.
If these parts are for an interior application that won’t see much wear and tear, the clearcoat won’t be necessary.