Collection: Special textures

Textured Powder Coating Delivers a Tactile Surface, Not Just a Different Look

A textured coating isn't created through post-processing, but during the curing process itself: additives in the powder coat cause the film to intentionally break open or shrink, leaving behind a tactile texture. This explains why a textured finish performs two functions at once. It diffuses light, making it less susceptible to fingerprints, and it masks minor surface imperfections in the substrate that would stand out immediately under high gloss.

For many components in automotive and metal fabrication, this is precisely the reason to choose a textured coating. A motorcycle frame, a cast iron bracket, or a welded assembly rarely has a flawlessly smooth surface. A fine, grippy texture absorbs such traces rather than emphasizing them. If, on the other hand, you want a mirror-like appearance on an already perfect surface, a smooth gloss level is the right choice, not a textured coat.

Fine Texture vs. Heavy Texture

The term "texture" covers two very different surface types, and confusing them is the most common mistake when selecting a product. Powder coating in fine texture features a slightly rough, uniform texture with a very low gloss level (below 10 GU; Gloss Units represent the standardized measurement for surface reflection). The coating looks modern and subtle, making it the top choice for facade components, fences, gates, and furniture where a scratch- and dirt-resistant yet understated surface is required.

By contrast, a heavy texture powder coating creates a highly visible effect. Crocodile skin powder coat contracts during curing into a scale-like surface, while Wrinkle forms a fine crinkled texture. Both mask far more imperfections than a fine texture while making a bold design statement.

To get a realistic impression, it is worth looking at a real sample panel before series production, as the effect of a texture depends heavily on light incidence and can hardly be judged on a monitor.

Hammer Tone Effect: A Hammered Look Requires Higher Film Thickness

The hammer tone effect creates the classic appearance of a hand-hammered metal surface—a deliberately irregular wave pattern. This look comes with a technical requirement: for the pattern to form uniformly, you need a film thickness exceeding 100 µm. For comparison, a single layer of smooth standard powder ranges from 60 to 100 µm. Hammer tone therefore requires noticeably more material.

In practical terms: plan for extra material when working with hammer tone and apply a thicker, uniform coat in a single pass rather than risking a weak pattern from applying too thin. For deep or complex-shaped parts, we recommend coating with the Tribo process, where the powder charges via friction rather than high voltage, allowing it to coat recesses uniformly.

Applying Heavy Textures Correctly: Substrate, Curing, and Sealing

A heavy texture forgives substrate irregularities, but not pre-treatment errors. Grease, oil, or fingerprints lead to craters and bubbles that even a textured coating cannot reliably cover. Clean and degrease the component thoroughly, and avoid touching it with bare hands after cleaning. For cast iron or galvanized steel, applying a primer as an adhesion promoter and corrosion barrier before the texture layer is well worth it.

When curing, remember: the critical parameter is the object temperature of the component itself, not the set oven temperature. For example, Croco Black cures at 200 °C for about 20 minutes, while Black Wrinkle cures at 180 °C for approximately 20 minutes. Stick to the manufacturer's specifications, as overheating significantly alters both color shade and texture.

An additional clear coat sealer is usually unnecessary for textured coatings because the polyester base is weather-stable. On heavily used or frequently touched visible parts, a clear coat can increase protection, though it slightly smooths out fine textures. Test this on a sample panel before making a final decision on the finished component.

Which Powder Coating Texture Fits My Project?

The choice depends less on taste and more on the component and its expected wear. For heavily exposed outdoor parts requiring a clean appearance, fine texture is the pragmatic choice—for example, RAL 7016 Anthracite Gray in Fine Texture Matte, a highly sought-after shade for fences, gates, and facade parts with a scratch- and dirt-resistant surface. For a deep, textured black on frames or add-on parts, RAL 9005 Jet Black in Fine Texture offers a grippy feel that conceals scratches and fingerprints.

If you want a bold, decorative texture effect, choose from our specialty textures: Black Wrinkle for a heavy-duty crinkled look, or Croco Black for a striking, high-grip lizard skin finish. Both are suitable for outdoor use.

• Subtle, easy-to-maintain outdoor surface: Fine texture, such as Anthracite or Jet Black
• Bold effect with high defect masking: Crocodile skin or Wrinkle finish
• Hammered retro appearance: Hammer tone (requires higher material coverage)
• Perfect, smooth surface in top condition: Skip textured powder and select a smooth gloss level

This overview does not replace a physical sample panel, but it narrows down the direction. If your component is for indoor use and sensitive to heat, check whether a low-temperature coating curing at temperatures as low as 140 °C is appropriate for your project.