White Goods Paints and Coatings

White Goods Paints and Coatings

Large appliance surface coating is the application of protective or decorative coatings to pre-fabricated large appliance components. The large appliances in question are defined as ranges, microwaves, refrigerators, deep freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters or trash compactors, in any metal configuration. Regardless of the appliance, similar manufacturing processes are involved. Coiled or sheet metal is cut and pressed into appropriate shapes, and main components are welded together. Welded components are cleaned with organic degreasers or a caustic detergent (or both) to remove grease and sludge that accumulates during use, and the components are then rinsed one or more times with water. This is typically followed by a pre-treatment process in a phosphate bath to condition the metal particles. Iron or zinc phosphate is commonly used to deposit a microscopic crystalline phosphate matrix on the metal surface. This process provides corrosion resistance and increases the surface area of the component, thereby allowing superior coating adhesion. Highly reactive metals are typically protected with a rust inhibitor before painting to prevent oxidation. Traditionally, two separate coatings are applied to these prepared appliance components: a protective primer coat that masks surface defects and contributes to total coating thickness, and a decorative topcoat. Single-coat systems applying only a primer or only a topcoat are becoming increasingly common. For components not visible to the customer, a primer alone may be sufficient. For exposed parts, a protective coating can be formulated and applied to function as the topcoat. The large appliance industry employs many different application techniques, including manual, automatic and electrostatic spraying processes, as well as various immersion methods. The choice of a particular method depends largely on the geometry and use of the component, production speed, and the type of coating used. A wide variety of coating formulations are used by the large appliance industry. Common coating types include epoxies, epoxy/acrylics, acrylics and polyester enamels. Liquid coatings can use an organic solvent or water as the primary carrier for paint solids. While conventional organic solvent-based coatings are used as primer coats, they predominate as topcoats. This is largely due to the controllability of the finish and the suitability of these materials for application using electrostatic spraying techniques. The most common organic solvents are ketones, esters, ethers, aromatics and alcohols. To obtain or maintain specific application properties, solvents are often added to coatings at the facility. The use of powder coatings for topcoats is gaining acceptance in the industry. Applied as dry powder and then melted into a continuous coating film using heat, these coatings produce negligible emissions. In the past, appliances were typically coated with solvent-based liquid paints, but as society became more environmentally conscious, powder coatings became the preferred option for appliances. Powder coatings contain no VOC (volatile organic content – solvent), meaning they are much more environmentally friendly, and the coating process is nearly completely recyclable, resulting in better utilization of coatings, improved productivity for manufacturers and sustainability. Of course, these appliances used in our homes and grouped as white goods must be aesthetically pleasing in addition to being functional. From a consumer perspective, we tend to spend more time today at home, in our own unique living spaces, and we love for that space to reflect who we are, our style, our personality and character. Our homes are a special place where much of our lives are spent, and nowadays we place much greater importance on the appearance of our appliances as part of our overall home environment. Furthermore, the internet and social media have made the world more conscious about social and environmental factors, creating informed consumers who want sustainable, more efficient options wherever possible. Both consumers and OEM manufacturers have different expectations from appliance coatings, including form, style, feel and overall appearance in addition to function. When appearance is considered, coatings should ideally be part of the design process from an early stage. Recently, the white goods industry has witnessed growing demand for fresh and bright colours. Century-mid retro trends appear to be making a comeback for colours. As consumers want to express themselves through style, colour and vibrancy, this is reflected in their appliance selections. Retro yet contemporary pastels, in a way new classics, bright vibrant reds and primary colours are finding their place in modern kitchens. Neutral metallic finishes have been fashionable for some time, primarily silvers and dominant silver varieties. We now see trends expanding to other metallic surfaces such as copper, brass and bronze, and industrial luxury aesthetics. Exposed brick, rusted steel, weathered copper and reclaimed wood have come together to create a new and exciting design ethos that symbolizes everything good about rejuvenating the old with a modern touch.

Sources / References

• AP-42 CH 4.2.2.11 Large Appliance Surface Coating https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/documents/c4s02_2l.pdf • https://www.jotun.com/us/en/b2b/news/trendsformodernkitchenappliances.aspx • https://www.paint.org/coatingstech-magazine/articles/powder-coatings-by-design-a-major-appliances-oem-design-and-materials-engineering-perspective/ • https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-1-4-billion-global-opportunity-for-consumer-appliance-coatings-by-2026---new-research-fromstrategyr- 301397698.html • Images by: pixabay.org