Powder coating is a finishing process where dry powder material is applied to the object which is to be coated. After the powder is applied to the object, it's baked and hardened in an oven.
Powder coating is an excellent alternative to wet paint, providing a more premium and uniform finish to the object. Everyday objects like fences, patio furniture, bed-frame, vehicles, and handrails are powder coated. Powder coating has emerged as a popular alternative to wet paint.
What is cheaper, powder coating or wet paint?
Well, powder coating is cheaper in the long run than wet paint. That's because once you get your object powder coated, it requires very low maintenance and upkeep cost. But if you look at the immediate cost difference, powder coating is more expensive than wet paint.
Cost of Powder Coating
Powder coating is a better and more expensive alternative to getting a wet paint job. On average, its cost ranges from somewhere around $100 to over $1000 depending upon various factors, such as:
- The size of the object
- Quantity of the object
- Prep work needed
Powder coating prices have a vast range and are highly dependent upon the size of the object and the amount of prep work it requires. In general, the bigger the object is, the more prep work is needed.
For example, get a bed frame of average size powder coated. Depending upon the quality and color customization, you'll spend around $50 to $150, whereas getting a vehicle powder coated can go beyond $1000.
Did you see how the prices changed with the object?
And its only natural since prepping a vehicle for coating takes more time, and its size is more than the bed frame.
Let's look at the powder coating cost ranges of some of the most common items.
Powder Coating cost of Household Items
In the case of domestic application, powder coating ranges between $50 to $500, depending on the item's size and the prep work required. In the case of more oversized items such as Fences or Gates, the charges are not based on items but per square feet.
The price structure of some of the most common House items are:
- Fences and Gates cost around $6 to $8 per square foot.
- Railings costs range lies between $8 to $12 per linear foot.
- Security Doors and Aluminium windows can cost anywhere between $50 to $75 per item.
- Grill costs up to $50 to $100 per grill.
- The bed costs up to $50 to $200 per bed.
- The cost of powder-coating on appliances and patio furniture ranges between $75 to $500 per item or appliance.
- Powder-coating radiators cost up to $200 to $300.
The prices will change based on necessary prep work and the color chosen.
Powder Coating cost of some more common items
| Item | Cost |
| Bicycle frame and forks | $70 to $90 |
| Four Wheeler ATV frame | $250 |
| Motorcycle exhaust | $75 and higher |
| Vehicle Carburetor | $100 to $200 |
| Standard Car Wheels | $50 to $60 each wheel |
| Side Chair | $50 to $75 |
| Metal Sheet | $6 per square foot |
Remember, these are not the actual pricing of any of the objects. It can go up or down depending on various factors such as paint job, number of coats, and the amount of prep work needed.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Powder Coat
As said earlier, the cost of a powder coat depends on various factors. Let's have a look at the factors which will affect the cost of powder coating an item.
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1.Labor Cost
How much is prep work needed? How many objects are to be powder coated? And How many coats of paint are to be applied? All these add to the cost of labor.
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2.Size of Item(s)
Size is directly proportionate to the cost of powder coating. Larger the object, the higher the price.
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3.Choice of Paint
The cost of paints majorly lies between $10 to $20 per round. Some special paints, like super heavy-duty or metallic coatings, will add up to $5 to $10 more to your overall costs. If you get your choice of paint custom-made, then you can expect the price to go even higher.
Benefits of Powder Coating
Though powder coating is an expensive alternative to wet paint, it has its benefits, making it a better choice in the long run. Some benefits of powder coating are:
- It has a lasting life and can last up to 15 to 20 years on average.
- Powder coating is rust-resistant and durable.
- It resists cracking, chipping, peeling, and any damage due to erosion.
- Even exposed to UV radiation, it retains its color.
- More environment-friendly than wet paint.
- Easy to remove. With the help of a chemical stripper, you can easily remove the powder coating.
If you are one of those individuals who want to have a premium finish for their products and long-lasting durability, then Powder Coating is the choice. It's cheaper in the long run than wet paint, as it requires frequent refurbishing and doesn't last long.
