Textured Powder Coatings

Powder coatings are primarily smooth finishes, with a wide range of colors and gloss levels available for the consumer. In addition to smooth surfaces powder coatings are also available in a variety of textures as well. Textured finishes​​​​​​​ range from, fine texutres, rough textures, wrinkles, hammertones, and antique veins delivering a unique appearance and a tactile response to the touch.

There are additional advantages to textured finishes, primarily the ability to mask surface imperfections on the substrate. A good example where this may be required is where machining and grinding marks are left behind during metal forming. The application of textured finishes allows the coating to effectively mask small imperfections due to the lack of a smooth surface finish, which tends to highlight the problem.

It is important to note that these textured finishes need to be applied according to the recommended film thickness to assure proper coverage. Textured finishes are commonly applied at heavier film builds as film gauges will read from the peak of the texture to the substrate, leaving a thinner layer at the low point of the texture. Applicators need to ensure the coating is thick enough at the low point of the coating thickness to properly protect the substrate below. The safest method is to apply a primer basecoat prior to applying a textured finish to ensure that the substrate is sealed away from any moisture which could cause corrosion.

Note: do not use a primer of any kind underneath a wrinkle finish, or the wrinkle effect will be lost.

For exterior applications, textures are offered in Super Durable formulations or as Clear topcoats​​​​​​​. A variey of textured clear powder coatings are avaialble to add texutre to any standard powder coating color. A test sample should be prepared prior to completing the project to assure the final color meets expectations.

Be certain to select a textured clear with the same performance level as the basecoat - it is important they match. 

Note: the application of a Super Durable topcoat will not significantly improve the color retention of the basecoat (without specific enhancement to the chemical formulation), nor will it make an interior rated powder coating suitable for exterior application.

This texture involves creating intentional patterns or designs on the surface of the coated object. It could include geometric shapes, lines, or other customized designs. It's similar to the hammertone finish with a few subtle differences.

Rough texture powder coatings have a coarse finish, often resembling a textured surface like the "orange peel effect", leading to enhanced grip and hiding of surface imperfections.

Smooth powder coatings have a flat and even finish without any perceptible texture. They provide a clean and sleek appearance to the coated surface.

Fine texture powder coatings have a subtle texture, almost sand-like, smoother than rough textures but still perceptible to the touch. They offer a balance between smoothness and added grip or visual interest.

Hammertone powder coatings mimic the appearance of hammered metal surfaces.  These are essentially textured finishes with a metallic leafing pigment that typically flows to the peak giving it a unique appearance, resembling the marks left by a ball-peen hammer.

Wrinkle-finish powder coatings create a textured surface with almost a leather like wrinkled or crinkled appearance. This texture can add depth and visual interest to the coated object, often used for decorative purposes or to hide surface imperfections.

John Fett
Architectural Products Manager
TIGER Drylac, North America

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