Epoxy Coating

A paint based on plastic

Epoxy powder is used in a surface coating process. It consists of 4 main elements: binder (resin, hardener), pigments, fillers and additives. The binder is the major compound; it is the bond between all components and the adhesion of the paint to the product. It is based on epoxy resins, polyesters or epoxy-polyesters (so-called «mixed»). So we talk about polyester powder, mixed powder, and by default epoxy powder.

The powder constituents (binders, pigments, fillers and additives) are pre-mixed. The mixture is then extruded hot, which turns it into a homogeneous and colored paste. This is then transformed into a film which is reduced to scales, before being ground to the desired particle size (from 5 to 100 µm).. Les poudres sont alors prêtes à utilisation.

A process of electrostatic spraying

Epoxy powder is applied by an electrostatic phenomenon: the powder is electrostatically projected onto a part to be coated, usually a metal part, using an electrostatic gun. The plastic is then melted onto the workpiece, which is then dried in an oven or under UV.

Corten steel

Origin of Corten steel

Originally, this alloy was developed for industry and construction (maritime, railway, bridges and roads). Its aesthetic qualities and high resistance quickly won over architects for the cladding of facades, but also artists for the creation of monumental outdoor sculptures. For several decades, the raw appearance and warm color of Corten have also won over designers who have used it for certain objects and street furniture. Today, it is increasingly used in outdoor development and even lends itself happily to various interior designs! In Europe, it is found almost exclusively in the form of sheets.

A material with no maintenance requirements

Corten steel does not require any special maintenance. On the other hand, it must be given time to self-protect… In the first few months, particles can detach from the surface and contaminate the surrounding materials (natural stone, concrete, tiles, etc.). It is best to prevent water running off the Corten from coming into contact with a sensitive surface. Plant accumulations and bird droppings must be removed, as they can occasionally slow down the oxidation process. When the Corten has reached maturity, it is then insensitive to bad weather. Its color and raw appearance make it an unrivaled material, a source of creativity in architecture and landscaping.

Brass

Origin of brass

Brass is a malleable alloy known since prehistoric times. Probably because it was already known at the time that it could be worked hot as well as cold and that it was easy to mold, mold, stamp, etc.

Why brass?

Because it is a material that has very good corrosion resistance. Its crumbling reveals a layer called green-gray that is easily removed with some maintenance techniques.

Brass is known since prehistoric times but was widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries. Indeed, it supports the gilding but its pretty yellow color allows however to imitate perfectly the gilding, common practice in the XVIIIème century.

Stainless steel

Mirror-polished stainless steel

Widely used for its corrosion resistance, mirror polished stainless steel is developing and making its appearance in decoration. L’acier inoxydable poli miroir donne une forte touche à l’intérieur, tout en gardant une couleur assez neutre pour correspondre facilement aux atmosphères modernes

L'acier inoxydable est d'abord poli pour le rendre brillant, puis, il peut être brossé, pour rendre un effet mat. Brosser l'inox a divers avantages comme une meilleure résistance aux chocs et rayures qu'il va subir avec le temps et donc une meilleure durée de vie. C'est une technique à laquelle il faut penser lorsque le matériau est fait pour être en contact régulier avec le public comme, par exemple, une rampe d'escalier. Le fait de brosser ce matériau va également permettre de retirer les éventuelles traces de soudure, et harmoniser l'ensemble dans la durée.