How Much Does Powder Coating Cost?

Powder Coating vs. Electrostatic Painting

Understanding and comparing powder coating and electrostatic painting helps clarify the cost differences between the two. Both use the same underlying idea of electrostatically charging both a metal object and the coating material so they attract. However, there are also several differences.

Powder Coating Cost Factors

Several factors can influence the cost of a powder coating or electrostatic painting project.

Job

Pricing for a powder coating project varies widely for different types of items, whether you’re covering vehicle parts, bicycle frames, furniture, or porch railings. Some projects require more prep work and labor than others.

• Car wheels: $150–$185

• Bicycle frame: $175–$220

• Side chair: $50–$75

• Barstool: $80–$100

• Patio table: $100–$130

• Patio table with chairs: $300–$430

Size

The larger the object you need to have painted, the more you can expect it to cost. Powder coating can be done on a wide variety of metal and plastic materials. Covering a large metal patio table might cost as much as $130, while a small side chair may only cost $50.

Paint 

There are a variety of paints you can use to powder coat an object, most of which cost $10 to $20 per pound. If you want to use a special metallic or heavy-duty coating, budget an additional $5 to $10 per pound. You can also expect to pay more if you decide to special-order the paint you want.

DIY Powder Coating vs. Hiring a Pro

Powder coating has to be done in a specialty shop. The initial cost of $50,000 to $100,000 to set up a large-scale shop for large projects like patio furniture, appliances, and fences make DIY powder coating impractical. 

Plus, making a mistake is costly and time-consuming, which is why it’s crucial to hire a powder coating company in your area. The process requires painters to have the knowledge to use specialized spray equipment safely.

Electrostatic painting is a more forgiving DIY project with lower startup costs of under $3,000, but at that price, you’ll only be able to paint small objects less than 18 inches long. The paints are easier to remove, don’t require shipping or disassembly, and you don’t need to set up a shop. However, setup and prep requirements can take away from time spent on other projects.

Labor

Labor for powder coating costs $50 per hour, usually with a minimum charge of about $250 per order. Hiring a professional can help you save on equipment costs, since the professional equipment needed for large projects can cost $100,000 or more. You’ll also avoid the safety concerns of working with electrical currents.

Licenses, insurance, and warranties allow you to trust a professional and give you peace of mind. Get powder coating prices near you and read reviews in our professional powder coating directory of trustworthy prescreened professionals with a positively reviewed track record, insurance, and references.

FAQs

Is powder coating less expensive than painting?

Powder coating is usually more affordable than wet painting in the long run, though you should expect higher upfront costs. The long-term cost of powder coating is heavily affected by safety and environmental regulation. It’s less hazardous than wet painting and requires lower insurance premiums if performed by a professional powder coating facility.

Is powder coating worth it?

The higher upfront cost of powder coating is worth it when you consider the superior durability and texture of the finish. It can stay on for years, protecting your parts and belongings from corrosion and rust. Powder coating also offers a safer, easier application process than spray paint.

How do you powder coat?

The powder coating process uses a dry powder that is either vat dipped or electrostatically applied to metal and high-temperature plastics. The process finishes by curing the objects in an oven at 380 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.