What is Epoxy Coatings

Epoxy-based coatings can be two-component systems (also named two part epoxy coating) or used as a powder coating. The two part epoxy coatings are used for high performance systems on metal substrate. They are a good alternative to powder coating formulations in industrial and automotive applications thanks to their low volatility and compatibility with waterborne formulations. Epoxy powder coating is widely used for metal coating in “white goods” applications like heaters and large appliances panels. Epoxy coating are also widely used for corrosion protection of pipes and fittings: in the oil and gas industry, but also for water pipes, concrete reinforcing rebar to name a few.

Epoxy is a copolymer which is obtained by the reticulation of an epoxide (resin) with a polyamine (hardener). They are well-known for their high level of adhesion, especially on metal, high chemical and thermal resistance, and excellent electrical insulation ability. Epoxy formulations are therefore a preferred solution for many electrical parts and electronics (e.g: coil coating, solder mask on circuit boards). Overall epoxy coatings are more expensive than other systems like Alkyd or Acrylic, but they also show higher performances. On the other hand epoxy coatings always suffer from UV beams. This weakness is compensated by the use of a UV protecting layer or topcoat