Benefits and requirements

Stainless steel powder coating

Powder coating is a modern process that refines and seals metal surfaces with a special powder and adds colour if required. The coating method is also increasingly being used for stainless steel components to enhance the already outstanding properties of the material.

Why is stainless steel even coated?

Stainless steel is known for its natural corrosion resistance due to a protective chromium oxide layer on the surface. Nevertheless, there are areas of application in which additional or increased corrosion protection is useful. For example, in aggressive environments or for better resistance to mechanical and chemical stresses. However, aesthetic enhancements through coloured and decorative coatings also play a role.

Stainless steel powder coating is particularly popular in sectors such as architecture, mechanical engineering and the automotive industry. While coloured powder coatings are used to enhance stainless steel components such as railings or façades in architecture, corrosion and scratch resistance play a greater role in the automotive industry.

Technological advantages of powder coating for stainless steel

Corrosion protection in extreme environments

In extreme environments such as near the sea, where salty air can affect the corrosion resistance of stainless steel, the powder coating offers additional protection. Powder coating also creates a resistant barrier in the chemical industry, where aggressive chemicals attack stainless steel.

Examples of extreme working environments are:

Offshore installations that are exposed to enormously changing weather conditions
The chemical industry with aggressive substances that challenge material resistance
The construction industry, especially in high humidity environments

Protection against mechanical wear

In the automotive and manufacturing industries, stainless steel components are often exposed to very high mechanical loads. Powder coating provides a scratch-resistant surface that can withstand these environments.

Advantages of powder-coated stainless steel:

robust surfaces that resist scratches, scratches and wear
extended service life of components and machines
reduced maintenance costs due to better protection against mechanical damage

Temperature resistance

Another advantage of powder coating is its temperature resistance. Stainless steel components that are exposed to high temperature fluctuations benefit from a powder coating, as it remains stable even under extreme conditions. This is necessary in the aerospace and energy industries, for example, where materials frequently have to withstand extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations.

Economic advantages

Longer life and lower maintenance costs

Investing in a powder coating for stainless steel components pays off thanks to the extended service life and lower maintenance costs.

Companies benefit from:

longer service life of their machines and components
less frequent replacement of components
significant cost savings due to fewer repair cycles

Improved optics

Powder coatings offer a wide range of colours and surface textures that enhance the aesthetic quality of stainless steel products. This creates competitive advantages in industries such as architecture, where visually appealing façades are in demand, as well as in high-quality consumer goods, where design and durability must go hand in hand.

Possible applications in various industries

Architecture and construction

Stainless steel is valued in architecture for its strength and corrosion resistance. Powder coatings can also be used to give stainless steel components such as façades, balconies and banisters not only a functional but also a visually appealing design.

Food and pharmaceutical industries

High hygiene standards are required in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Powder coatings facilitate the cleaning of stainless steel surfaces and offer additional protection against aggressive cleaning agents without compromising food safety and hygiene.

Automotive and transport

Powder-coated stainless steel parts, such as those used in the automotive and transport industries, offer an excellent combination of durability and aesthetics. They resist corrosion and wear and tear while also fulfilling the high design requirements of visible components.

Technical details and requirements

A high-quality powder coating requires careful surface pre-treatment. The stainless steel surface must first be thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, oil, grease and lubricants. Stainless steel has a natural passive layer that is formed in contact with oxygen in the air. However, this is thin, uneven and susceptible to corrosion.

After cleaning, it should therefore be acid pickled or blasted to obtain a metallically pure, oxide-free surface. Blasting also increases the surface area to improve adhesion.

The final step involves chemical passivation. This serves to quickly form a compact and uniform protective layer of chromium oxide. This ensures better corrosion resistance.

The layer thickness, adhesion, scratch resistance and chemical resistance vary depending on the type of powder used. Companies such as FreiLacke offer a wide range of horizontal and vertical coating solutions customised for each customer. We ensure that the coatings meet the highest quality standards such as ISO and DIN standards.

Environmental friendliness and sustainability

A major advantage of powder coating is its environmental friendliness. As no solvents are used, no harmful emissions are produced. Powder coatings also help to conserve resources, as excess powder can be reused.

High-quality coating solutions from a single source

FreiLacke is a leading provider of innovative coating solutions and, in addition to powder coating, offers a wide range of other products such as liquid coatings, e-coatings and composites. These versatile solutions enable companies to find customised coatings for various applications – from industrial components to decorative surfaces.

Discover our powder coating solutions

Cost-efficient, environmentally friendly and highly durable.