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Enamel coating offers a unique combination of physical, chemical, mechanical, and ecological benefits.

Physical properties 

• Non-combustible and fire-safe (does not burn or release toxic gases)
• High temperature resistance (stable under direct flame and extreme heat)
• Excellent resistance to thermal shock (unaffected by sudden temperature changes)
• Impermeable to water and moisture
• Dielectric properties (high electrical resistance)
• Long-term color stability (resistant to visible and UV radiation)

Chemical properties 

• Excellent resistance to corrosion and weathering
• Resistant to chemicals and aggressive substances

Mechanical properties 

• High scratch resistance
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Good impact resistance 

Ecological properties 

• Inhibits bacterial growth due to its smooth surface and alkaline pH
• Fully recyclable (does not interfere with the recycling of the base material)
• Safe for use and suitable for contact with food and drinking water

Vitreous enamel is an inorganic, glass-based material made from a mixture of minerals such as quartz sand, feldspar, borax, soda, and fluorspar. The exact composition varies depending on the application and required coating properties.

The choice between liquid and powder enamel coating depends on several factors. Workpiece geometry is a key criterion: complex shapes, deep recesses, or sharp corners are often difficult to coat with powder, as the material cannot penetrate these areas effectively. Production volume also plays an important role. For small batches and frequent color changes, liquid enamel application is typically more efficient than powder coating.

A combined powder and liquid enamel process is recommended when high coating thickness is required or when a dedicated ground coat must be applied before different finishing colors.

Classic powder coatings are organic materials, while powder enamel is an inorganic, glass-based coating. Due to its material properties, powder enamel is more challenging to charge electrostatically and requires more precise process control, making the application technically more demanding than conventional powder coating.

In liquid enamel coating, two main layers are used: the base coat and the top coat. The base coat, also referred to as ground coat or primer, ensures reliable adhesion between the substrate and the enamel system. The top coat forms the visible surface and provides the final appearance as well as resistance to mechanical, chemical, and environmental influences.

The firing time depends on part size, enamel thickness, and furnace capacity. Typically, liquid enamel is fired for around 10 to 15 minutes at temperatures between 820 and 860 °C.

Liquid enamel coating is typically a low-pressure application. This allows gentle material handling and precise control of the enamel layer, which is essential for achieving uniform coating quality.