How to choose between epoxy, polyester and hybrid powder coatings.

Steps

1. Define the environment

   Decide whether each part will see sunlight or weather at any point in its life. Any UV exposure points to polyester.

2. Separate indoor decorative from indoor functional

   For indoor parts where flow, gloss and appearance matter most, such as appliances and furniture, start with hybrid. Where chemical resistance, hardness or abrasion resistance matter more, consider epoxy.

3. Check special requirements

   Note whether the project needs Qualicoat approval, a specific test standard or customer approval. Only POLYMER polyester system PLM100611 is Qualicoat Class 1 approved.

4. Choose cure grade

   Select standard cure, or low cure if your oven, part mass or energy targets call for it. Confirm the cure schedule on the TDS.

5. Add colour, gloss and effect

   Select the RAL or custom colour, the gloss band and any texture or metallic effect within the chosen system.

6. Verify on real parts

   Run a panel or line trial with your pretreatment and oven before committing to production.

Parameters

Outdoor / UV-exposed

Polyester

Indoor decorative

Epoxy-polyester hybrid

Indoor functional

Epoxy

Cure grades

Standard or low cure, all systems

Cure schedule

per TDS

Common mistakes

• Using one powder for a whole product range that has both indoor and outdoor parts.
• Specifying hybrid outdoors because it performs well indoors.
• Assuming every polyester colour or texture is covered by a Qualicoat approval.
• Treating indoor epoxy powder as a pipeline or heavy-duty anticorrosion coating.