Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

October, 2002

Powder Coating vs. Epoxy

Q. I would like to get your opinion on something. We have a locker room that has metal lockers needing to be re-painted. Which method would be best - epoxy paint or powder coating?

Also, does powder coating last over a long period of time? Does moisture have any affect on something that is powder coated?

A. Powder coatings are applied to brand new metal, usually during the fabrication process. Powders must be applied to absolutely clean and properly pretreated metal, and cannot be applied over old paint. If you were to repaint your lockers with powder you would need to take them to a job shop in your local area and have the old paint completely stripped so that the powder can be applied. I doubt that this is what you had in mind, since it would probably be less expensive to purchase new lockers.

Therefore, you have no practical option except to use liquid paints. Epoxies are very good and will resist moisture and consequently also corrosion. However, the performance of the epoxy will depend entirely on the degree of surface preparation. The cleaner the surface, the longer the epoxy will last.