With IGP's top quality powder coatings, you create atmosphere and experience on the facade

Erwin Kleuters, general manager at IGP Benelux BV, part of the Swiss company IGP Powder Coatings, talks about the many advantages and possibilities of powder coating. "Because so much more is possible than just the smooth variant in various colors or gloss levels."

To paint or to powder coat?

When we ask Erwin why powder coating should be preferred over paint, the answer is clear: "With paint, you go for a traditional approach with various limitations, whereas powder coating, on the other hand, is an advanced approach. It provides improved durability, reduced environmental impact and a higher quality finish in both functionality and overall appearance." Powder coatings are not only tough, but also flexible and applicable to a variety of surfaces. "Including metal, wood and plastic," agrees Erwin. "It is suitable for both interior and exterior applications and also one of the most cost-effective finishing options."

Structures and textures create perception

Yet when most people think of powder coating, they think of a smooth finish with a wide range of colors and gloss levels. "But so much more is possible," says Erwin. He is referring to the various quality ranges within IGP (from super durable to clear topcoat) where fine-textured and coarse-textured variants are possible in addition to the 'standard' smooth ranges. "IGP has a variety of clear powder coatings available to which any standard powder coating color and a texture can be added."

Lively and playful thanks to fine structure

"For example, we have developed three series within Living Surfaces using innovative techniques: Micro speckels, Wave structure and Grain/plaster structure. Each of the powder coating series consist of specific color blends and grainy textures. These textures and structures provide a vibrant look to the material and create a unique experience of the surface. With this we really achieve the natural look and feel of the base material that you normally find in nature and as it has been applied within facade construction." Erwin explains that it is even possible to have project-specific colors and textures created. "An additional benefit is that facade surfaces not only get a vibrant look, but also become extremely weather-resistant." 

Special effects in coarse structure

Then there are IGP's coarse texture series, which provide optical depth with an inimitable effect. "Think of the leather effect, orangepeal or grained textures where really very special effects can be realized on the facade. Our IGP-Effectives®, like our entire powder coating range, are available in standard gloss levels such as deep matte, matte, silk gloss, high gloss and even Ultra deep matte without any gloss reflection," says Erwin, showing a nice selection from the fantastic IGP-HWFclassic 591T series: a deep matte, super durable powder coating with a fine texture. "With these you create a uniform and consistent appearance that gives a facade a fantastic vibrant look! In addition, they are very application-friendly and have the highest durability." Erwin emphasizes that the coating helps reduce TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). "So much is possible with our coatings, with huge benefits to be gained for applicator and end user."

Sharing knowledge with the road show

"But to achieve an optimal end result, several factors are important, because with a good product alone, you're not there yet. The substrate, (structural) design and environmental conditions of the material to be processed also play a major role. And, of course, the application process has a huge effect on the end result," says Erwin. "For that reason, we decided to organize an IGP On Tour roadshow again this year. During that roadshow, we talk to architects, designers and façade builders about the application possibilities. And we will visit applicators to share our know-how on powder coatings and advise on how to optimize measurement methods during the application process. This year we will also visit window and door suppliers, as they are a growing target group for us." The IGP On Tour roadshow will be in the Netherlands for the first two weeks of July.