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Electric insulation properties of powder coated surfaces

December 5, 2008

Dear experts:
I have an inquiry regarding the electrical insulating properties of paint, i.e., does electrostatically induced charge move through paint. Specifically, does the paint cover that results from powder coating allow electric charge to be dissipated into the underlying metal due to the type of paint that enables the powder coating process in the first place? This is in comparison to a dip coat process that may use a paint that is electrically isolating and results in the potential to have electrostatically charged surfaces.
Did anyone ever look into this?

Thanks,

Jurgen Pannock
buyer - Brentwood, Tennessee, USA

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It all depends on the paint. It used to be that coating over a cured powder paint was very difficult since the paint was essentially an insulator. However, there are powder paints that will allow you to do this now and achieve a two coat powder coating.

I suggest you talk to your supplier and see what they say. You can also conduct a surface resistance test to see what the resistance of the paint is.

Christian Restifo
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
January 3, 2009