Powder coatings, with their environmental advantages of being solvent-free, pollution-free, and recyclable, coupled with practical characteristics such as high mechanical strength, strong adhesion, and good corrosion resistance, not only meet national environmental protection requirements but are also highly favored in industrial coating, machinery manufacturing, and home building materials industries. However, even the best powder coatings can easily suffer from clumping, moisture absorption, contamination, and performance degradation if improperly stored. This not only affects the spraying effect but can also cause economic losses and even safety risks. In fact, storing powder coatings is not complicated; the key is to adhere to five core principles: temperature control, moisture prevention, contamination prevention, open flame prevention, and static electricity prevention. Below, we break down seven storage methods in detail, adding practical details to help you properly store powder coatings and avoid unnecessary trouble.

1. 7 Key Storage Methods, Each One Crucial

1.1 Temperature and Ventilation Control

Powder coatings are sensitive to temperature. High temperatures can cause resin softening and powder clumping, directly affecting the uniformity and adhesion of subsequent spraying. Therefore, during storage, it is essential to keep them away from heat sources (such as heaters, stoves, and flammable materials) and direct sunlight. Place them in a well-ventilated area, with the ambient temperature strictly controlled below 35℃. It is recommended to choose a cool, dry warehouse or storage room. In summer, fans and air conditioning can be used to assist in cooling, while ensuring ventilation through doors and windows to prevent the growth of moisture in a stuffy and humid environment.

1.2 Moisture and Contamination Prevention

The humidity of the storage environment should be controlled below 60%. Avoid storing in basements, damp areas on the ground floor, or places prone to leaks. Check for water seepage promptly on rainy days. Meanwhile, powder coatings must be kept away from organic solvents (such as acetone and xylene), oils, dust, metal shavings, and other contaminants. Water can cause powder to absorb moisture and clump, and contaminants can mix into the coating, leading to problems such as pinholes, particles, and color differences after spraying. In severe cases, it can even render the entire batch of coating unusable. Therefore, the storage area must be kept clean and tidy. A moisture-proof mat can be laid on the ground, and the coating should be stacked 10-15cm away from the ground and walls.

1.3 Sealed Storage

Powder coatings are usually packaged in sealed bags or containers. After opening, do not expose them to air. After each use, immediately reseal or tighten the packaging bag. If necessary, wrap it with cling film for added sealing. For coatings that cannot be used immediately, it is recommended to divide them into small sealed containers to reduce moisture intrusion caused by repeated opening. Label the containers with the coating type and color for easy retrieval and to avoid confusion.

1.4 Safety Precautions

When storing and handling powder coatings, it is recommended to wear gloves and a mask to avoid prolonged direct skin contact and dust inhalation. If powder accidentally adheres to the skin, simply wash it off with warm soapy water. Do not use solvents (such as banana oil or alcohol) to wipe it off—solvents can irritate the skin, cause allergies, and may dissolve skin oils, damaging the skin barrier. If powder gets into the eyes, immediately rinse with plenty of water and seek medical attention.

1.5 Equipment Grounding

During storage, if coating equipment (such as powder spray guns, coating machines, and powder delivery pipes) is in the same room as the coating, ensure that the equipment is properly grounded. Powder coatings generate static electricity during handling and use due to friction. Excessive static electricity accumulation may cause sparks or even ignite the powder. Grounding effectively conducts static electricity to the ground, eliminating safety hazards. The grounding lines of idle equipment should be checked regularly to ensure they are not loose or broken.

1.6 Preventing Discharge

Electrical equipment such as coating machines and distribution boxes in the storage area must be properly maintained. Circuits and switches should be checked regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly, preventing leakage, short circuits, or unauthorized discharges. Sparks generated by unauthorized discharges may ignite surrounding floating powder dust, causing safety accidents. Therefore, idle equipment must be disconnected from power, properly stored, and kept away from paint storage areas.

1.7 Controlling Dust Concentration

If the storage area is adjacent to the powder coating booth, special attention must be paid to dust control: the concentration of floating dust in the powder coating booth must be strictly controlled within a safe range (usually not exceeding 15g/m³). Residual dust should be cleaned promptly after operation to prevent dust accumulation. Powder coating dust is flammable; if the concentration is too high, it may ignite and explode upon contact with an open flame or static spark. Therefore, the powder coating booth must be equipped with explosion-proof equipment and a ventilation system, and regularly inspected and maintained.

2. Summary

The storage of powder coatings essentially revolves around "protective performance" and "risk prevention." By adhering to the six core principles of "temperature control, moisture prevention, sealing, pollution prevention, static electricity prevention, and open flame prevention," problems such as coating clumping, moisture absorption, and contamination can be effectively avoided, while simultaneously eliminating safety hazards. For businesses, standardized storage reduces coating waste and lowers production costs; for users, proper storage ensures optimal spraying results and improves work efficiency. These storage methods are not difficult to implement; the key is to cultivate good habits—such as sealing containers promptly after use, regularly checking the temperature and humidity of the storage environment, and ensuring equipment grounding.