label materials for use during powder coating
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is an electrostatic surface treatment in which a robot or skilled technician uses a spray gun to apply a fine powder onto a surface. The coated object is then cured in an oven, where the powder hardens to form a protective coating. This technique is primarily used on steel and metal surfaces, including fencing, agricultural machinery, fixtures, bicycle frames, and car rims.
Why use powder coating?
One of the main reasons to opt for powder coating as a surface treatment is to protect products and components from external damage. This includes shielding against rust (corrosion), mechanical damage, and scratches. The powder coating process creates a layer that repels moisture and dirt, providing long-lasting protection against environmental influences. This significantly extends the lifespan of the coated product or component.
Which label materials are suitable for powder coating?
Labelling components and products undergoing a powder coating process, which may include chemical pre-treatment, presents a unique challenge, but with the right materials it is not impossible. You need specialised label materials that not only adhere securely but also protect the information on the label. This information, such as barcodes or serial numbers, must remain legible and scannable throughout and after the powder coating process.
The simplest label solution is a self-adhesive label; however, not all materials are suitable for surface treatments. Polyester labels, for example, can withstand continuous temperatures up to +150°C and are resistant to short-term exposure of up to +220°C for 15 to 20 minutes, making them ideal for use in powder coating processes.
Special powder coating label
Our label specialists have developed a unique solution, suited to the powder coating and similar surface treatments: the Paintmask label. This label is applied to the surface before the powder coating process. The label comes with an extra laminate layer that protects the product information on the label during treatment. After the coating has cured, you can easily remove this laminate layer, leaving the label intact and the information fully readable and scannable. We offer Paintmask labels in a variety of standard sizes, and we can also customise them to meet specific requirements.
Questions about labels for powder coating
If you want to know whether the Paintmask label or one of our polyester materials is suitable for your application, our consultants are here to help. We are happy to provide samples for testing, so you can make sure the materials perform effectively in your working environment.