Question 1

Do you do Indoor or outdoor application - or both?

Accepted Answer

Yes – we do both.
 Your application (indoor vs. outdoor) is one of the first things we look at when recommending a coating system.
Indoor parts usually need good appearance and durability, but not extreme UV or weather resistance. Common examples: racks, fixtures, office furniture, indoor equipment, brackets, and machine guards.
Outdoor parts need higher protection from UV, moisture, temperature swings, and corrosion – think railings, fences, outdoor machinery, vehicles, trailers, architectural components, and signage.

We’ll ask where and how your part will be used, then recommend:
The right pretreatment (for corrosion resistance)
The right powder chemistry (polyester, epoxy, hybrid, etc.)
Whether you need a primer + top coat system for extra protection

If you’re not sure, just tell us where the part lives (inside a warehouse, outside in Utah weather, near chemicals, etc.), and we’ll guide you to the safest, most cost-effective option.

Question 2

What is the best pretreatment?

Accepted Answer

The “best” pretreatment depends on the material, the environment, and how long you need the finish to last.

In general, good powder coating always starts with three steps:

1. Cleaning & degreasing
Removes oils, cutting fluids, fingerprints, and shop contaminants.
If this step is skipped or rushed, even the best powder will fail early.

2. Surface prep (mechanical or chemical)
Blasting (for steel, some aluminum) to create a profile for the powder to grip.
Or chemical etching / conversion coatings to improve adhesion.

3. Conversion coating / pretreatment
For steel, this might be iron or zinc phosphate.
For aluminum, it’s often a chromate-free conversion coating.
This adds corrosion resistance and helps the coating bond to the metal.

For harsh environments (outdoor, coastal, chemicals, road salt), a more robust pretreatment system is recommended, sometimes combined with a primer layer under the powder.

You don’t have to know what system you need – if you tell us:
What the part is made of (steel, aluminum, etc.)
Where it will be used
Any special requirements (food-grade, medical, high-temperature, etc.)

…we’ll recommend the pretreatment and coating system that balances performance, durability, and cost.

Question 3

What colors do you have?

Accepted Answer

We stock a range of popular standard colors that cover most industrial and commercial needs, and we can also source hundreds of additional colors and finishes from our powder suppliers.

Options include:
Standard colors: black, white, gray, safety yellow, reds, blues, and other common RAL-style colors
Sheens: matte, satin, semi-gloss, full gloss
Specialty finishes: textures, hammertones, metallics, veins, and more (availability may depend on quantity)
Brand / custom colors: in many cases we can match or closely approximate a brand color if you provide a reference (RAL, Pantone, or a physical sample)

Custom colors may require:
A minimum order quantity
A slightly longer lead time
Sometimes an additional color-match or setup charge

If you already have a color in mind, send us:
A color code (RAL, Pantone if available), or
A clear photo + a short description (e.g., “matte dark charcoal,” “bright safety orange”)

We’ll let you know what’s available off the shelf and what would be considered a special order.

Question 4

What's the best top coat for my application?

Accepted Answer

Different powder chemistries are better suited for different environments. A few common types:

Polyester:
Great all-around choice for most outdoor and indoor applications
Very good UV and weather resistance
Commonly used on architectural components, outdoor equipment, railings, and furniture

Epoxy:
Excellent chemical and corrosion resistance, great for indoor use
Not ideal for UV exposure – it can chalk or fade outside
Often used for indoor machinery, racks, fixtures, and parts in more aggressive chemical environments

Hybrid (epoxy-polyester):
Good interior option with a balance of appearance and durability
Frequently used for indoor office furniture, panels, and general industrial parts

Specialty powders:
High-temp powders for parts exposed to elevated temperatures
Antimicrobial or ESD (electrostatic dissipative) coatings for specific industries
Clear coats to add extra protection and depth to metallics or graphics underneath

When we quote your project, we look at:
Indoor vs. outdoor use
Exposure (UV, chemicals, moisture, temperature, cleaning agents)
Aesthetic expectations (high-gloss, matte, textured, ultra-smooth)

From there, we recommend the top coat that gives you enough protection without over-engineering the job, so you’re not paying for performance you don’t actually need.

Question 5

How long to get my parts powder coated?

Accepted Answer

Lead time depends on:

The size of the order (number of parts, complexity)
Current production schedule
Whether we are using a stock color or ordering a special color
Any extra steps like masking, plugging, blasting, or multi-coat systems

As a general guideline:

Small runs / simple jobs / stock colors: often a few business days to about a week once parts are in our shop and approved for production.
Larger runs, complex masking, or custom colors: typically 1–2+ weeks, depending on volume and material flow.
Rush jobs: If you’re on a tight deadline, let us know. When possible, we’ll work with you to prioritize your order or propose options (e.g., choosing an in-stock color to save time).

We’re happy to review your drawings, photos, or part list and give you a more precise estimated turnaround based on your project and schedule.

Question 6

Do you offer sandblasting or media blasting before powder coating?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer media blasting as part of our surface-preparation process when needed. Blasting is often the best way to give the powder coating a strong anchor profile and ensure long-term adhesion and durability.

Blasting is especially recommended for:

Rusty or previously painted parts
Raw steel that needs a uniform profile before coating
Weldments with scale or heat discoloration
Heavily handled parts with oils, dirt, or oxidation
Outdoor-use parts that need maximum corrosion protection

What blasting does:

Removes rust, mill scale, old paint, and contaminants
Creates a clean, roughened surface that powder can grip
Improves overall coating consistency and lifespan

For aluminum, stainless, or delicate parts, we evaluate whether blasting is the best option or if a chemical pretreatment or lighter abrasion process is safer.

If you’re unsure whether your parts need blasting, send us a photo or drop them off. We’ll assess the condition and recommend the most cost-effective preparation to get the best finish.

Question 7

Can you handle one-off parts as well as production runs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we work with both one-off projects and high-volume production, and we adjust our workflow to meet your needs.

We support:
Single parts or prototypes
Small batches for repair, restoration, or custom builds
Mid-sized orders for local businesses and manufacturers
Large production runs with consistent, repeatable results

For prototypes or one-off projects:
We can help you choose the right color and finish
We offer guidance on masking, tolerances, and design considerations
We often turn these jobs around quickly, especially when using in-stock powders

For production work:
We offer consistent quality, repeatability, and predictable lead times
We can stock or reorder specific powders for color consistency
We can create a process plan that fits your production cycle
We work with companies across Utah and the U.S. who need a reliable finishing partner

If you’re not sure where your order falls, just tell us the quantity and part details — we’ll guide you through the best approach.

Question 8

What are the benefits of powder coating vs. liquid coating?

Accepted Answer

Powder coating is often the better choice when you want a strong, long-lasting finish for metal parts, equipment, railings, gates, frames, and other high-use or exterior applications.

Unlike traditional liquid paint, powder coating is applied as a dry powder and then cured with heat. This creates a tough, durable finish that typically offers excellent resistance to chips, scratches, wear, and corrosion when the surface is properly prepared.

Powder coating is also a more environmentally friendly finishing option because it does not rely on the same solvents used in many liquid paint systems, which means little to no VOC emissions. In many cases, unused powder can also be collected and reused, helping reduce waste.

Overall, powder coating is a great option when durability, appearance, corrosion protection, and long-term performance matter. Liquid coating may still be the right choice for certain projects, especially when parts cannot be heat-cured or when a very specific on-site coating process is required.

Question 9

How do I choose a powder coating provider in the Intermountain West?

Accepted Answer

When choosing a powder coating provider, look beyond color options and turnaround time. A quality powder coater should understand your material, how the finished product will be used, and what kind of exposure it needs to withstand.
One of the most important factors is proper surface preparation. Many coating problems start before the powder is ever applied, so ask how the company cleans, blasts, masks, and prepares the surface before coating. This is especially important for outdoor parts, steel, aluminum, galvanized material, or previously coated items.

You should also ask about curing and quality control. Powder coating has to be cured correctly based on the coating system, part size, and material. A reliable provider should be able to explain how they manage oven temperature, cure time, coating thickness, adhesion, and inspection before the finished parts leave the shop.

It also helps to choose a provider that can handle your specific part size, production volume, and finish requirements. If your project involves outdoor exposure, architectural components, corrosion concerns, or a tight color or texture specification, make sure the shop has experience with similar work.

The right powder coating provider will not just say, “Yes, we can coat it.” They will ask the right questions, recommend the right process, and help ensure the finish performs the way it should.

FAQs

Expert Tips on How to Prepare Metal for Powder Coating

Frequently asked questions