ASK JOE POWDER
The “Ask an Expert” Column for Powder Coating, Now Also on ipcm® Kevin Biller
kbiller@chemquest.com
🙂
stay up to date with industry and technology news. You can access the podcast by scanning the QR code at the end of this article or by clicking on the link (for the readers of ipcm®’s digital version). For ipcm®, hosting this column means getting even closer to the US market and its technological and industrial environment, with the aim to foster a fruitful exchange of information and further promote the powder coating technology. Good morning, Joe, I came across an article in a coatings magazine recently describing the storage conditions for powder coat paints. We are now expanding our storage area to accommodate lowtemp powders for non-conductive substrates like MDF, and we
A
have a great debate internally. Maybe you could help. Does sk Joe Powder is probably one of the most popular “Ask an
temperature or humidity matter more with the storage of low-
Expert” columns not only in the North American, but in the entire
temp powders? Any thoughts? Thanks!
powder coating industry. It is aimed at answering a wide range
Jon Meyer
of technical questions and inquiries from the world of powder coating,
Holland, Michigan
a technology that has been widespread and consolidated in Europe for a few decades now, while elsewhere still has some markets to conquer
Hi Jon,
and technological aspects to investigate.
Yes, storage conditions as well as transportation conditions are
Behind Joe Powder is Kevin Biller, President of ChemQuest Powder
supercritical with low-temp cure powder coatings. Stability is important
Coating, an independent powder coating research, testing, and
both chemically (pre-reaction) and physically (clumping, or worse).
formulation institute founded by him in 2007 and now part of the
Rule of thumb is: no higher than 25°C and no higher than 60% relative
ChemQuest Group Inc., a global external corporate strategy and
humidity. Keep all containers sealed and “condition” the powder before
technological development company with a specific focus and expertise
using it by placing it in the application area for a minimum of 24 hours.
in the chemicals markets.
As for the transportation of low-temp cure powder coatings, ensure that
Kevin Biller has been a contributing editor of ipcm for a few years
during summer months that shipping does not include long layovers in
now and he has helped make ipcm® known in the USA. This is why we
hot locations. Some applicators avoid having powder shipped by ground
have decided to host his Ask Joe Powder Q&A column on a regular
over a hot weekend. In addition, make sure low-temp cure powders
basis, starting with this first 2022 issue. He can answer questions
don’t sit in a lorry or trailer outside in the sun on a hot summer day.
related to powder coating and painting products, from the simplest
When in doubt of a powder’s condition, test it before committing too
to the most difficult ones, including those about defects and coating
many parts. It’s best to spray and cure a panel or board in the lab
quality issues, and his column collects questions from all over the
(hopefully you have one) before hanging a bunch of parts on your
world, offering precise, concise, and timely replies. From now on, all
finishing line. If you do not have a lab, send a sample to the powder
ipcm ’s international readers can send us their questions, which will be
supplier to verify freshness before using.
submitted to Joe Powder for a technical and impartial answer.
I hope that this helps.
Since 2021, Ask Joe Powder has also become a podcast hosted by Kevin
Kind regards,
and Nathan Biller, an alternative, engaging, and entertaining way to
Joe
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N. 73 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 - international PAINT&COATING magazine
