Produced most commonly in low-density (LDPE) and high-density (HDPE) types, polyethylene is part of the polyolefin family of thermoplastics. As a powder coating, changes in formulations offer a material suited to nearly any application and industry. Coatings are typically 12-40 mils (.012-.04 inches).

One of polyethylene coating's most valuable qualities is its resistance to cracking under stress (ductility), but PE coating has more to offer, including:

• Abrasion and impact resistance
• Chemical and corrosion resistance
• Non-yellowing 
• Low-temperature tolerance
• Durability
• Food-grade rating
• UV-tolerance (some formulations)

While polyethylene coatings are suitable for a wide range of applications, their approval for food-grade uses makes them especially popular for coating wire racks such as in refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers, and other food-storage and household environments. Polyethylene is durable enough to perform well in those applications as well as such diverse uses as landscaping equipment, railings, and sporting goods.

Polyethylene is approved by multiple agencies for food-grade use, making it extremely safe. As such, it contains no BPA, phthalates, heavy metals, halogens, or other toxic components, and requires no solvents or VOCs to apply.

Polyethylenes can be transparent to opaque, and many varieties are available in a spectrum of stock and custom colors.