Powder Coating: Composition and Advantages

Applying a wall coating is an essential step in any renovation project, but it can often be a long and tedious process. To save time and simplify the task, you might be tempted to opt for a ready-to-use paste coating. However, powder coatings offer several significant advantages. Discover them in this expert video by Beissier.

Composition of a Powder Coating

The primary difference between powder and paste coatings lies in their composition.

Prestonett powder coatings are primarily composed of mineral fillers (such as marble powder and chalk) and 100% natural French-made plaster. In contrast, paste coatings do not contain plaster.

To better illustrate, imagine making a pancake batter:

• The mineral fillers and plaster in a powder coating are like the flour, the essential base ingredient, which must be of top quality.
• The powder resin, a blend of polymers, is added next—this would be equivalent to the eggs in a pancake batter.
• The unique Prestonett formula (whether for filling, finishing, smoothing, wood, or multi-purpose applications) is achieved by incorporating specific additives, such as dispersants or thickeners, depending on the final product characteristics. In a kitchen analogy, these additives would be the salt or sugar, depending on whether you want a savory or sweet pancake batter.
• Finally, water is added to prepare the coating for application—just as you would add milk to achieve the right pancake batter consistency.

Finally, water is added to prepare the coating for application—just as you would add milk to achieve the right pancake batter consistency.

Why Choose Powder Coatings?

Many people hesitate to use powder coatings due to concerns about mixing the correct proportions. While paste coatings may seem more convenient because they require no preparation, Prestonett powder coatings offer multiple advantages.

1. More Cost-Effective

A 25 kg bag of powder coating, once mixed with water, yields approximately 37 kg of ready-to-use paste—a 12 kg increase, equivalent to 50% more product for the same price paid at checkout.

2. Faster Drying Time

Powder coatings set through a chemical reaction called crystallization, while paste coatings dry by water evaporation, a slower process that also depends on the humidity level in the room. This is why paste coatings are not recommended for humid spaces, such as bathrooms.

With powder coatings, drying time is reduced, making them ideal for projects requiring multiple layers, as you can move on to the next step more quickly.

3. Greater Application Thickness

Powder coatings are better suited for filling large cracks and deep holes, whereas paste coatings are generally limited to small repairs (1–2 mm max).

4. Less Shrinkage

The way a coating dries directly affects its final volume:

• Paste coatings shrink as the water evaporates, leading to surface retraction, also known as shrinkage.
• Powder coatings, on the other hand, do not lose volume once dry, ensuring a more stable and even surface.

5. More Eco-Friendly Packaging

Because Prestonett powder coatings are sold dry, they come in paper-based packaging—without plastic film and 100% recyclable.

By choosing a powder coating, you benefit from higher performance, greater versatility, and increased sustainability, making it an excellent choice for both professionals and DIY renovators.