The process of electrostatic painting (ESP) involves using electricity to make plating materials stick to objects that normally repel paints. Ordinarily, paint will quickly peel when it is put on slippery materials, such as plastics and metals. However, ESP uses electromagnetism to make atomized powder stick to charged objects.
ESP works because of electrical properties that most people observe in daily life. If you have ever put on a sweater that clinged to you because of static electricity, you have observed the mechanism that makes ESP work.
Metals and plastics have a negative charge while dusts have a positive charge. When ESP paints are magnetized, they cling firmly to surfaces that are otherwise incapable of holding onto wet paints through friction. Best of all, electrostatic processes ensure that paints are plated on in a durable and reliable manner.
How Electrostatic Painting Is Done
In ordinary circumstances, using ESP requires an object to be conductive. It is usually preferable to take a component that will be plated to a facility that is designed for Electrostatic Painting, but it is also possible to do ESP on site. In a specialized facility, the component is first hung in the air with conductive wire.
Technicians then attach electrodes to the component. These electrodes enable ESP to be finely tuned. When the component’s charge is made stronger, the finished plating becomes thicker.
The “paint” that is used as part of the process is actually initially an atomized powder. This powder then clings like a magnet to the component that is being plated. Using powder makes the plating stick firmly while also filling in any cracks or pores that lead to peeling and cracking with ordinary paints. This powder can also be applied in a very thin layer to make the plating even stronger.
Benefits of Electrostatic Painting
One of the best aspects of ESP is that the finished product looks great. An experienced commercial painting contractor can do Electrostatic Painting in a way that applies a smooth and clean finish. The thickness of the plating can be precisely controlled by simply adjusting the electrical charge.
When ESP is used properly, there is no mess that needs to be cleaned up. Powder is pulled strongly to the component being plated, so there is usually no residue left on floors or walls. Therefore, you do not have to spend days covering floors, furniture, woodwork, and other objects to avoid splatters.
Safety is another major advantage of electrostatic painting. Although contractors wear masks as a precaution when doing ESP, there are no fumes or other hazards that customers have to worry about.
ESP is also very cost-effective. As mentioned earlier, very thin layers of plating material can be applied to avoid wasting materials. Thinner coatings can last longer since they are more difficult to crack and more impervious to scratches. Consequently, you can save money on your painting project while getting a better finished product when relying on ESP.
Use Cases for Electrostatic Painting
It is ideal to use ESP for any metal or plastic surface that struggles to hold onto ordinary paints. Electrostatic Painting is often used in buildings to coat doors, window frames, fences, and other surfaces that are usually difficult to paint effectively.
Furniture pieces are ideal for ESP because they can be easily suspended in the air and can receive a consistent finish that looks great. Lamps, chairs, and even desks made from a wide range of materials can be plated with ease. When Electrostatic Painting is used, it is even possible to customize the appearance of your appliances in many cases. For instance, if you want to make your stovetop red, technicians could remove the metal sheet on top of your stove, plate it using ESP, and return it to its original position to give your stove a highly unique look.
Does ESP Leave a Mess?
You do not usually have to worry about any mess being left after technicians finish their work when you use a reliable commercial painting contractor. In most cases, ESP is done off site, so you do not have to worry about interruptions. In other cases, technicians will bring a mobile paint booth to your facility where ESP can be done in a controlled environment. However, even if the plating is done inside of your facility, there is often no residue left over when technicians are done.
Can Electrostatic Painting Be Used on Non-Conductive Objects
Most ESP applications involve the use of conductive objects. However, there are techniques available to plate objects made of non-conductive materials, such as plastics. Most Electrostatic Painting techniques for plastics involve starting by metalizing the plastic component. Plating can then be applied to the metal on the outside of the plastic surface. However, ESP techniques involving non-conductive materials are much more complex, so you will need to work with a painting contractor to determine if these techniques are appropriate in your situation.
How Long Does Electrostatic Painting Last?
Surfaces that have been plated with Electrostatic Painting can usually last for over 10 years. ESP plating is less prone to flaking and cracking than ordinary paints, so it can continue to look great for an extended period of time. Plated objects are very smooth, so they have a greater tendency to repel dust and dirt that can make surfaces look dated as time goes on.
Getting Electrostatic Coatings Fresh Look Painting in Vancouver WA is an expert in a diverse range of electrostatic painting techniques. The company has all of the latest equipment to do ESP properly and has experienced technicians who are leaders in their field. Fresh Look Painting can work with you to customize colors and materials to achieve your objectives. The company is eager to work in challenging environments and has a track record of success. Get in touch with Fresh Look today to learn more about how ESP can deliver exceptional results in your facility.