Powder coating has become popular over the past several years. Its ability to stick to metal surfaces makes it a versatile option over regular paint.
Typically, powder coating protects surfaces from extreme temperatures, scratches, wear, and fading. So, why wouldn’t you want to powder coat your fire pit, but
Table of Contents
Can You Powder Coat A Fire Pit?
Yes, you can powder coat a fire pit. Since fire pits experience high temperatures, applying powder coating can protect their surface from damage.
Powder coating is far superior to liquid paints for various reasons. Liquid paints need an evaporating solvent for application, thus making it challenging. However, the powder coating process relies on electrostatic techniques.
Most powder coatings are pre-heated before they are cured. On average, powder coats are baked at up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of minutes before completely cured. This is where the powder coats get their heat resistance from.
There are different types of powder coatings available, each having its own heat resistance properties. Because the fire pit can heat up to temperatures as high as 1650 degrees Fahrenheit, we recommend opting for ceramic powder coating for outdoor fire pits.
What Is The Heat Resistance Of Powder Coats?
While liquid paints offer little to no heat endurance, powder coats are known for their excellent heat resistance. There are many types of powder coats available on the market, each exhibiting unique heat-resistance properties.
The type of powder coat you need to protect your fire pit from corrosion depends on the temperature it might have to sustain. Remember that the heat resistance of a powder coat is determined by the materials used. For instance, the heat resistance of epoxy coating would be different compared to nylon or ceramic coating.
Because it is cured at extreme temperatures, powder coating is suitable for applications where other coating techniques won’t work. Some typical applications of powder coats can be found in exhausts, mufflers, and heat shields.
Powder coats fall under four heat resistance classifications. These include:
- Ambient temperature up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Temperatures up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit
- Temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit
Therefore, based on the temperatures inside your fire pit, we recommend always choosing the highest-rated available to you.
What Are The Different Types Of Powder Coatings Available On The Market?
There are many powder coatings available. These are some of the more common ones:
General Powder Coating
General powder coating is among the most common options available. With the ability to withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it is widely used for household purposes.
Unless the temperature exceeds 200 degrees Fahrenheit, general powder coating is best suited for typical applications. However, if the temperature crosses this threshold, you might observe color changes and several other problems.
Remember that general powder coating is ideal for use on external components. But applying it on surfaces that are expected to witness temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit is not a suitable option.
Some common examples of parts that get too hot include car engine components and exhaust parts.
Fluoropolymer Powder Coating
For temperatures reaching up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the fluoropolymer powder coating is an excellent choice. Belonging to the family of plastic resins, the fluoropolymers are composed of carbon and fluorine bonds.
These carbon-fluorine bonds combine to deliver enhanced heat resistance. As a result, most high-quality silverware and Teflon-coated products use this powder coating.
Teflon-coated frying pans are rated for temperatures ranging from 300 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. With fluoropolymer coating on top, they can deliver remarkable non-stick performance and abrasion resistance.
Fluoropolymer coating is also used on industrial and residential buildings for external applications.
Specialty Powder Coating
Specialty powder coating is best suited for surfaces rated for temperatures between 600 and 800 degrees Fahrenheit. When applied, specialty powder coating promises enhanced corrosion resistance even at very high temperatures.
Specialty powder coating is ideal for safeguarding surfaces such as engine components and exhaust parts. However, it is unsuitable for use if there is a chance of direct flame exposure.
Ceramic Powder Coating
Unlike other powder coatings, ceramic powder coating promises the highest thermal resistance.
It is rated for surfaces that are to be exposed to extreme temperatures ranging up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, it protects the surfaces on which it is applied, ensuring their longevity.
Proving extra heat resistance is not the only perk of using ceramic powder coating. Ceramic powder coating is also an excellent heat insulator. This means that it can minimize heat radiation from the surface it is applied.
In addition, ceramic powder coating offers exquisite wear properties, making it a versatile option. Due to its added strength and thermal resistance, it is widely used in automobile, aerospace, and commercial projects that experience high temperatures, pressure, and friction.
The Bottom Line on Powder Coating Fire Pits
Powder coating your fire pit is an excellent way to prevent corrosion. While the wear might seem inevitable, applying a powder coat to the stainless steel grill of your fire pit can protect it from heat elements and consequential damage. Not only will the fire pit last longer, but it will also maintain its aesthetic and heating performance.
