Industrial spray coating is a highly versatile process for decorating and finishing, and mass customization of molded thermoplastic products. The selection of paint or coating and plastic has multiple interactions including chemical, thermal and mechanical, which cannot compromise the product. Each polymer including color and functional additives has unique properties and degree of paintability. Low-surface-energy polymers are hygroscopic and inherently challenging to coat. To prevent defects, the effects of paint chemistry and polymer compatibility must be clearly understood. In this article, we examine total process solutions to achieve superior coating performance on plastics.
Liquid coatings applied to plastics transforms them into high-value products. Examples of performance coatings include waterproofing, self-cleaning, anti-microbial, rust and corrosion prevention, UV/weatherability protection, flexibility and elasticity, and color retention. Coating processes on plastics have dynamic interactions that necessitate clean surfaces for adhesion and chemical surface activation. Compatibility between the liquid coating and polymer is essential.