You may have heard of “powder-coated mailbox” materials and thought, “Why would I want that?” You may even have imagined one of our address planters or modern mailboxes sitting in a salon, getting its full-glam started off with a nice base powder.
And, you know what?
Quality makeup isn’t a bad analogy for powder-coated mailbox metal, but this makeup is smoother, harder, and longer-lasting than anything you’d find at Sephora, AND it doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the air (unlike other metal coatings, e.g., paint).
So, what is a powder-coated mailbox, and...why should you care about it?
Powder-Coated Mailbox 101
Okay. So, powder coating uses powder, instead of paint, to coat the surface of the mailbox metal. With paint, particles are mixed with a liquid (called the solvent) that evaporates after the paint is applied, leaving the particles behind (and coating your mailbox surface with them). Powder coating eliminates the use of liquid solvent, employing a process that yields a smoother, more durable finish without pollution.
Here’s how it works.
First, tiny electrically charged particles are sprayed in a thin layer onto the mailbox's metal surface. The powder coating sticks to the metal “electrostatically”, just like hair sticks to a balloon after you give it a good rub. Then the piece is “cured” in an oven at almost 400°F, where the paint particles melt and fuse, adhering to the metal and leaving a smooth, hard finish that doesn’t run or sag.
And boom, baby! You’ve got yourself a durable powder-coated mailbox that will last years longer than conventional paint, resisting fading, chipping, or other dingy-ifying effects.
Environmental and Health Properties of a Powder-Coated Mailbox
Powder coating isn’t JUST more durable, smooth, fade-resistant, and sag-free than regular paint (as if that wasn’t enough); it’s also better for us and the environment. As paint dries, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. How generous, right? Not exactly.
VOCs react with sunlight, as well as other chemicals in the air, to form ozone and small particles, which eventually combine to form smog. In most US regions, the Environmental Protection Agency has even placed regulations on VOC emissions. But having a powder-coated mailbox avoids them altogether! We’re not curing cancer here, but every little bit helps.
Grab a Powder-Coated Mailbox from Post & Porch
Powder coating is an alternative to liquid paint that leaves a harder, smoother, more durable finish, with much less impact on human health and the environment. At Post and Porch, all our products are powder-coated by us, here at our workshop near Salt Lake City, Utah. We’re proud of what we produce, and powder coating makes it possible.
Learn more about powder coating at this Wikipedia article, or click here to learn why you need a powder-coated mailbox ASAP. Happy decorating!
Powder-Coated Mailbox FAQs
What Is a Powder-Coated Mailbox?
A powder-coated mailbox is a mailbox that has been finished with a powder coating process instead of traditional paint. A powder-coated mailbox utilizes electrostatically charged powder that is cured in an oven, resulting in a smoother, harder, and longer-lasting finish that resists fading, chipping, warping, and peeling.
Why Should I Choose a Powder-Coated Mailbox Over a Painted One?
You should choose a powder-coated mailbox over a painted mailbox because powder coating delivers superior durability and environmental safety. Unlike normal paint, which releases harmful VOCs, a powder-coated mailbox avoids pollution and provides a finish that won’t sag, chip, or fade quickly.
How Long Does a Powder-Coated Mailbox Last?
A powder-coated mailbox typically lasts years longer than a painted mailbox. The powder coating process creates a durable finish that resists harsh weather, UV rays, scratches, and rust, keeping your modern mailbox looking fresh and new for many seasons.
Is a Powder-Coated Mailbox Environmentally Friendly?
Yes! A powder-coated mailbox is more environmentally friendly than a painted mailbox. Traditional paint releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. In contrast, powder coating produces little to no VOCs, making it a healthier and eco-conscious option for enhancing your curb appeal.
Does a Powder-Coated Mailbox Require Special Care?
A powder-coated mailbox doesn’t require much more care than a regular one. Simply wipe your powder-coated mailbox down with a soft cloth and mild soap to keep its finish clean and bright. With minimal maintenance, the coating will continue to protect your modern mailbox for years. Learn how to care for your mailbox properly here.
Where Can I Buy a Powder-Coated Mailbox?
You can buy a powder-coated mailbox directly from Post & Porch. Every modern mailbox we create – including our post-mount mailboxes, address planters, and package delivery boxes – is powder-coated in our Utah workshop for maximum durability and style.