Powder Coating vs Painting: What’s the Difference?

When J D Burford describes their fisherman’s lights as “powder coated, not painted,” it sounds like marketing speak. But there’s a genuine, substantial difference – one that affects how your lighting looks and performs for decades.

If you’re investing in quality lighting fixtures, understanding powder coating versus traditional painting matters. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Powder Coating?

Powder coating is a dry finishing process where coloured powder particles are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto grounded metal surfaces. The coated piece is then heated in an oven (typically 160-210°C), where the powder melts, flows together, and chemically bonds with the metal surface. As it cools, it forms a tough, uniform finish.

Key point: This creates a chemical bond with the metal, not just a surface layer sitting on top.

What is Traditional Painting?

Traditional painting applies liquid paint (solvent-based or water-based) to metal surfaces through spraying, brushing, or dipping. The paint dries through evaporation of solvents, leaving a coating on the metal surface. Multiple coats are often needed for consistent coverage.

Key point: Paint sits on the surface and adheres mechanically, not chemically.

The Critical Differences

Real-world impact: A powder-coated fisherman’s pendant in a busy kitchen still looks good after 15 years. A painted equivalent often shows chips, wear, and fading by year 7.

2. Finish Quality

3. UV and Fade Resistance

Example: A seaspray blue powder-coated wall light on a sunny porch maintains its colour after 15 years. Painted equivalents often look washed out within 3-4 years.

4. Environmental Impact

5. Thickness and Protection

6. Resistance to Chemicals and Moisture

Why UK Manufacturers Use Powder Coating

British lighting manufacturers like J D Burford choose powder coating because they’re building fixtures designed to last 30-40+ years. Powder coating makes that longevity realistic.

The J D Burford Approach

J D Burford’s powder coating facility doesn’t just serve their lighting range – it handles architectural metalwork for the building industry, where extreme durability is mandatory. This serious industrial capability applies to every fisherman’s pendant and wall light they produce.

Result: Finishes that withstand:

• Kitchen grease and steam
• Coastal salt air
• Temperature cycling
• UV exposure
• Daily handling and cleaning
• Decades of use

The Made-to-Order Advantage

Because J D Burford manufactures lighting to order, each piece goes through proper powder coating process:

1. Metal preparation and cleaning
2. Electrostatic powder application
3. Oven curing at optimal temperature
4. Quality inspection before dispatch

Mass-produced painted imports often skip proper preparation stages, applying paint to inadequately prepared metal. This compromises adhesion and longevity significantly.

Can You Tell the Difference?

Visual Appearance

The catch: When new, quality paint can look similar to powder coating. The difference becomes obvious after 4-5 years of use.

Practical Testing

Chip resistance: Lightly tap an edge with a hard object. Powder coating is remarkably resistant; painted surfaces chip more easily.

Solvent test: (Don’t try this on fixtures you care about!) Rubbing with solvent affects paint more quickly than powder coating.

Real-world observation: Check fixtures in real use after 5+ years. Powder-coated examples maintain appearance far better.

Questions to Ask

When buying metal light fixtures, ask:

1. Is this powder coated or painted?
   • If painted, understand it won’t last as long
   • If powder coated, it should be highlighted (it’s a selling point)
2. What’s the warranty on the finish?
   • Powder coating warrants longer guarantees
   • Short warranties suggest painted finish or poor quality
3. Where is it manufactured?
   • UK/EU manufacturers more likely to use quality powder coating
   • Mass-production imports often use quick-drying paint
4. Can I get replacement parts?
   • Quality manufacturers (powder coaters) design for longevity
   • Painted imports often designed for replacement, not repair

If you’re buying lighting for your long-term home, powder coating is the finish that justifies the investment.

Related Reading:

• Why UK-Made Lighting Costs More (And Why It’s Worth It)
• J D Burford: 60 Years of British Lighting Craftsmanship
• Hand-Spun Aluminium: The Quality Difference

Shop Powder-Coated Lighting:

• Fisherman’s Ceiling Lights
• Burford Maritime Outdoor Lighting