You can tell if something is powder coated by the thickness of the powder coating, texture and flexibility.
A typical powder coating thickness is 1.5 to 4.0 mils thick, and a typical liquid painted coating is 0.5 to 1.5 mils and you can use a paint thickness tester to measure the thickness of the coated surface.
The texture of powder coating is also more textured than liquid paint and the powder coating can feel like the skin of an orange.
However thicker powder coating is smoother.
Powder coating is also more flexible than paint and can withstand surfaces which expand and contract and if a surface does not chip or crack in extreme temperatures then it likely is powder coated.
The reason things are powder coated is to help protect the item against rust and corrosion and make the painted surface more durable.
Powder coating is a painting process using a powder that holds up better than normal pain does so the appearance will last longer than a normal painted item.
The items that are usually powder coated are outdoor items such as chairs, benches, tables, statues, lamp posts, gates and fences.
Other items that are often powder coated are kitchen mixers, gas ranges, electric ranges, washing machines, dryers, park benches, bicycle frames, motorcycle frames, car bodies, wheels, exhaust manifolds, hubcaps, kitchen and bathroom appliances, road signs, fencing, guard rails, light poles, building exteriors, electrical fixtures, door frames and windows.
Powder coating that is properly applied should not chip off.
Powder coating when applied properly is made to be a very durable finish that is resistant to chips, abrasions and scratches.
If your powder coating is chipping off then it indicates that there was a problem with the application process of the powder coating, such as incorrect powder coating selection, inadequate curing time or curing or poor surface preparation.
Dry powder coating is a dry finishing process that is made by an electric charge.
The electric charge in dry powder coating causes a dry powder to fuse to the surface of the metal.
The dry powder coating is then baked in a curing oven in order to get a smooth coating.
Dry powder coating is used to create a hard finish which is tougher and longer lasting than conventional paint.
Unlike liquid pain, the powder coating does not rely on a solvent to carry the pigment, which results in a thicker and more even coating.
The powder coating is charged with electricity which allows it to adhere strongly to the grounded surface that is being powder coating.
Once the powder coating is applied, the coated part is then heated in an oven to melt and fuse the powder particles to create a solid surface.
Powder coating is also known for it's excellent resistance to corrosion, scratches, and weathering, which makes it also suitable for outdoor applications.