Powder Coating and Small Details
Whether it's serial numbers, part identifiers, warning messages, assembly indicators, a company logo, or some other small detail, you probably don't want powder coating to hide it. Choosing a company with extensive powder coating experience can ensure a coating formulation and application that keep these important parts of your product easily visible while providing the protection and appearance you want.
Is Powder Coating Suitable for Products with Small Details?
The short answer is yes, powder coating is absolutely appropriate for coating items where small details must be preserved. Engraved or raised markings or details will be unaffected by most plastic coatings, but because different coating techniques typically produce coatings of varying thickness, the application method may be a factor.
- Electrostatic spray coating offers the thinnest coatings, typically in the range of 0.001" to 0.010", with some applications as thick as 0.3".
- Fluidized bed applications are a bit thicker, generally 0.007" to 0.025", and may obscure details with very minor differences in depth or height.
- Dip coatings, such as plastisol, are most likely to cover over any small details, with hot-dip coatings ranging in thickness between 1/16" and 1/4"
Areas can also be masked through the coating and curing processes to prevent them from being coated, allowing any markings there to remain entirely unaffected.
Laser Etching for Precision Markings After Powder Coating
For industries that require high-precision markings on coated parts, laser etching is a game-changer. This method ensures that engraved details remain sharp and legible, even after powder coating.
- High precision – Laser etching allows for crisp, detailed markings without damaging the protective coating.
- Permanent identification – Ideal for serial numbers, barcodes, logos, and regulatory markings that need to withstand abrasion and harsh environments.
- Works on various coatings – Effective on polyester, epoxy, urethane, and thermoplastic powder coatings.
- Zero-contact process – Eliminates the risk of distortion or fading that can occur with traditional printing methods.
Laser etching is particularly valuable for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications where traceability and durability are essential.
Techniques for Adding Small Details After Powder Coating
In cases where a protective plastic coating must be complete but details may be obscured, we offer a variety of secondary services, including:
- Pad Transfer Printing - best for uneven shapes
- Hot Stamping - best for flat surfaces
- Silk Screening - commonly used for larger printing
At Precision Dip Coating, we have the experience and knowledge to ensure your project is completed to meet or exceed your requirements. Contact us today to take advantage of our many years of dip and powder coating expertise.
Color Contrast Coatings for Enhanced Visibility
Another way to ensure text, logos, and identifiers remain clear is through the use of color contrast coatings. This technique improves the readability of markings by adding high-contrast finishes.
- Dual-layer powder coatings – A base coat of one color (e.g., black) is applied first, followed by a lighter or contrasting top coat.
- Selective masking – Certain areas of a part are masked off during the coating process to preserve natural contrast.
- UV-reflective coatings – Used in safety and industrial applications, making markings visible under UV light.
- Textured finishes – Helps enhance engraved lettering for better legibility, even in low-light conditions.
These methods are ideal for industries such as electronics, automotive, medical devices, and aerospace, where identification and branding are crucial.
Get Superior Coating Solutions With Precision Dip Coating
At Precision Dip Coating, we have the experience and knowledge to ensure your project is completed to meet or exceed your requirements. Whether you need precision marking solutions, high-contrast coatings, or custom branding, we have the expertise to deliver outstanding results. Contact us today to take advantage of our many years of dip and powder coating expertise and discover how we can help bring your vision to life!
