In a hybrid, the epoxy acts as the crosslinker for a carboxyl polyester, with blends usually described by ratio such as 50:50, 60:40 or 70:30. Hybrids flow and level well, resist overbake yellowing better than pure epoxies and cost less than most polyesters. They chalk and fade outdoors, so they belong on shelving, appliances, office furniture and other indoor products.
These are going in a warehouse, put them in the 60/40 hybrid and save the polyester for the outdoor stuff.
A speck of hybrid in a straight polyester line can show up as craters or a gloss drop, because the two chemistries do not always flow together cleanly.
Also heard as
- epoxy-polyester hybrid
- epoxy-polyester
Related terms
Epoxy powder
Powder based on epoxy resin, prized for chemical and corrosion resistance but weak in sunlight.
Polyester powder
Powder based on polyester resin, the standard choice for outdoor parts because it holds color and gloss in sunlight.
Cross-contamination
Specks of a different color or chemistry carried into a powder run from equipment, air or reclaim.
Chalking
A powdery residue on a weathered finish where sunlight has broken down the resin at the surface.