Considerations
Powder coatings are commonly used on metals such as bicycle frames because they are less expensive, can be applied much more thickly and resist chipping better than wet paints. Wet paint should be used for carbon components or heat-treated aluminum.
Benefits
Wet paint excels at corrosion protection and is available in more colors than powder coatings.
Application
Powder coating is not something you can do at home. It is applied electrostatically as a dry powder by a professional and baked in a large oven until hard. Wet paint may be applied at home with the proper tools and knowledge.
Effects
Powder coatings are more environmentally sensitive than wet paint for a number of reasons. Because it's applied dry, no solvents are used. The lack of solvents eliminates smell and air pollution.
Considerations
Although it won't match exactly, either finish can be touched up with nail polish, quality model paint from a hobby store or auto touch-up paint.
Article Written By Michelle Kidd
Based in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Michelle Kidd has been writing advertorial and editorial content since 1999. Her articles have appeared in "Homestead" and "A Grand Wedding" magazines. Kidd holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
