How much does it cost to powder coat?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Powder coating is a process that involves applying a durable, uniform finish to several everyday objects using powder instead of wet paint. Items like handrails, bed frames, fences, patio furniture, and even vehicles are commonly powder coated rather than using wet painting methods because they provide a longer-lasting finish. You might spend a little more on powder coating than standard painting, but when it’s done by professionals, you will have fewer maintenance and upkeep costs and need less frequent repainting.

The national average cost of powder coating is between $100 and $350. Most people pay about $200 for powder coating a piece of patio furniture with standard color and clear coat finish for added protection when done by a professional. On the low end, you could spend $50 to powder coat a bed frame. At the high end, some people spend as much as $900 for sandblasting and custom powder coating color applied to two radiators.

Powder Coating Prices

What Materials Can Be Powder Coated?

Most people associate powder coating with a process used on metallic surfaces, but it can be used on several different materials. Powder coating is an effective finish option for plastic, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), metals like wrought iron and aluminum, and others. Powder coating is rarely used on wood, but it is possible in some instances. Generally, the cost will not be impacted by the material in question unless you are working with wrought iron. This material costs more to powder coat because the process involves a longer curing time. If you powder coat a material that needs UV protection or other special finishes, that increases the cost.

Powder Coating Cost per Square Foot

The average cost per sq.ft. for powder coating is $1 to $5, which averages out to $0.70 to $0.40 per square inch. The price per square inch is relevant for smaller items that may measure less than a foot in size but still need to be powder coated. Most professionals price the job by the project rather than per sq.ft., but it’s still helpful to get an idea of what you’re spending as a point of reference. In the case of fencing, you might be charged by the linear or square foot rather than by the project. The pricing depends on the contractor that you choose. Fencing and gates have a slightly higher average cost due to the detailed work involved, which you will see reflected in the section below.

Powder Coating Cost by House Item

The average powder coating cost by house item is $50 to $500, depending on the item in question and how much surface area needs to be covered. Some items, such as fencing, gates, and railings, will be charged by the foot rather than by the item or the job. The price structure depends on the contractor and the work being done. In the table and subsections below, you will see an overview of the most common items that are powder coated, what they cost, and what each entails.

Powder Coating Fence

Fences are among the most common items people have powder coated, costing $6 to $8 per sq.ft. Fencing made of aluminum, metal, composite materials, and even some wood can be powder coated to give it a new look, add durability, and provide long-term protection for the fence. It allows you to upgrade your curb appeal without breaking the bank or having to install a new fence. This is a popular choice for people with metal or plastic/composite fencing, but it works on several surfaces.

Powder Coating Gates

As with fencing, the average cost of powder coating gates ranges from $6 to $8 per sq.ft. The cost depends on the type of paint used, the process involved, how long and tall the gates are, and more. Wrought iron costs more, but you will still find it fairly affordable to paint the gates in your home. These gates can be done along with the fencing, or they can be painted separately. They may incur a minimum charge from some providers who do the job in a relatively short time.

Powder Coating Railings

Railings are one of the most common items that people have powder coated. They typically cost $8 to $12 per linear foot. Railings are used in many places, from stairwells to buildings, parks, campuses, and all around the home. Metal railings and durable plastics are a great choice for affordable long-term solutions but may need regular painting and maintenance to keep them looking new. Powder coating is a great way to do that. It can be an affordable way to upgrade your space without installing new rails. Spiral staircases fall into this category but will incur a slightly higher cost because of the detailed work involved and the design of the stairs. Most spiral staircase powder coating ranges from $10 to $12 per linear foot.

Powder Coat Security Door

The average cost to powder coat a security door is $50 to $75 per door. Security doors are usually made of wrought iron. So, even though they are smaller and have less surface area, they may cost more than some other small jobs around the home. If your door is made of another material, you may spend less. You may consider clear coat finishes, UV protectors, and other features and enhancements that can add even more to your door along with that new coat of paint.

Powder Coated Aluminum Windows

Powder coating aluminum windows will cost about $50 to $75 per window. Aluminum window frames provide years of durability, but they wear down and look dingy over time. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in helping your windows look just like new. Powder coating windows requires taping off the windows so that the glass is not painted and may involve more prep work than other jobs. If the windows are harder to access or require more specialized paints, the price increases.

Powder Coated Grill

It costs about $50 to $100 to have your grill powder coated by a professional. This price depends on the size of the grill and the paint in question. A grill is exposed to so much heat and the elements, impacting how the unit looks and causes the paint to wear down over time. With a new powder coating, you can get a fresh new look for your grill without having to pay for a whole new unit. This is another area where you may want to consider UV coatings and other protectors.

Powder Coating Bed

The average cost of powder coating a bed ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the size of the bed frame, whether it needs to be sandblasted and prepped, and how much detail is involved. A standard bed frame with a few simple bars could be quite cheap, whereas a larger bed frame that is complex with ornate poles and details could cost a bit more to have powder coated. Baby cribs can be powder coated at the same time as a bed in the house. A baby crib costs about $100 to $200 to powder coat, depending on the size and complexity of the piece. You may save money by having more bed frames or other items powder coated at once.

Powder Coating Appliances

It costs an average of $75 to $275 to powder coat appliances, depending on how many appliances are being painted, what type of appliances they are, and other factors. Some people elect to have appliances repainted with powder coating once they begin to look old and dingy instead of replacing the unit entirely. This can be beneficial if the appliance is still in good working order but just needs a pick-me-up. It’s also a good idea for anyone who is renovating and wants to create the look of new appliances without the expense. The price depends on the size of the appliance. For example, powder coating a microwave could cost only $75. while powder coating a large appliance like a washing machine or stove and oven with more panels to cover could cost as much as $250 to $275. It costs about $150 to $200 to powder coat a refrigerator or freezer, and a dishwasher will typically cost $100 to $150.

Powder Coat Patio Furniture

It costs between $75 and $500 to powder coat patio furniture. This depends on how many pieces are being painted, what type of pieces they are, the paint being used, and more. If you have wrought iron patio furniture, it costs slightly more than other materials. Be sure to inquire about coatings that include UV protection and other protection from the elements. Patio furniture includes different pieces with different prices. For example, a patio glider, loveseat, bench, or chaise will cost $100 to $125 to powder coat, while a patio armchair will cost between $75 and $95. Patio tables cost about $170 to $190, and you’ll spend about $100 to $105 on barstool powder coating. Playground equipment is much more variable, ranging from $25 to $500 to powder coat, depending on how much equipment you have.

Powder Coating Radiators

The average cost of powder coating radiators is between $200 and $300, depending on the number of radiators, their size, and how detailed their design is. If the radiators are made of wrought iron, they cost more to paint than those made of steel or other materials. Some people choose to have only certain radiators painted, which can reduce the cost if all of them do not need to be redone. This will typically include sandblasting and finishing and may be charged on a project or per-radiator basis.

Average Cost of Powder Coating

The average cost of powder coating ranges from $50 to $150 per hour for labor, in addition to the materials needed to complete the project. Of the average project cost of $200, you can expect to spend about 60%, or $120, on labor and 40%, or $80, on materials. The labor costs depend on the item(s) being powder coated and the process involved. Many companies have minimum fees associated with this process to ensure that their time and efforts are well-used. Therefore, even though powder coating a lawn ornament or single side table might cost only $25, you could spend as much as $75 to $100 due to minimum fees, prep costs, and other charges. This is why many people choose to have several items powder coated at once rather than doing single items and incurring the additional fees.

Powder coating is a relatively simple procedure that uses a powder of polymer resins mixed with pigments, curatives, and flow modifiers. The powder is made when these materials are mixed and ground down until the resulting mixture looks like baking flour. The powder is applied to the surface through an electrostatic spray deposition system. This system charges the powder particles, which makes them attracted to the grounded surface of the item you are spraying.

The powder is sprayed onto the surface, then heat-cured to bond the powder in place. This is done when heat causes the polymers to form long chains that cross-link with one another. The finished product is very smooth, durable, and long-lasting. In some cases, the surface must first be sandblasted to remove previous coverings and give the new finish the best, smoothest appearance. In other instances, the first coating, particularly metallic coatings, must be given a clear coat of another powder coat to ensure the best and longest-lasting results. The entire process takes a few hours from start to finish, although very large items have a longer curing time.

Sandblasting and Powder Coating Cost

If sandblasting is not included in the estimate for your powder coating project, you can expect to spend $25 to $300 per item or $2 to $5 per sq.ft. for sandblasting in addition to the powder coating project cost of $100 to $350 or $1 to $5 per sq.ft. This results in a total project cost of $125 to $650, or about $3 to $10 per sq.ft. for both treatments. Sandblasting is the process of using various types of abrasive media under high pressure to remove paint from surfaces. It is usually done as part of the preparation process for a powder coating project, so it is often included in the cost. However, some companies and specialty services charge an additional fee for prep and sandblasting in addition to their powder coating services.

Powder Coating Paint Price

The average powder coating paint price is $100 to $600. The cost depends on the type of paint, the amount needed, and whether you are buying any clear coats or protectants. Metallics, custom colors, and specialty paints like glitter cost more. Standard blacks, whites, and other colors will be cheaper. The cost you spend on paint will be minimal when you hire a contractor because they already have the paint on hand unless a custom color is chosen. In that case, a charge will be incurred for purchasing the materials they don’t already have. Powder coat paints come in epoxy, polyester, epoxy-polyester hybrids, urethanes, and fluoropolymers. Each paint has its own costs, so the epoxy powder coating price may differ from the price for powder coating with urethanes.

Powder Coating Colors Price

Most powder coating colors cost $100 to $600, depending on the color being used. Most powder coats are done with black as the standard finish, but many other colors and finishes are available, including bright colors, metallics, and even glitter. A clear coat is sometimes applied to the finished product, but this must be done over a dry surface and adds an extra 50% to the finished costs. Non-standard colors and metallics cost more than standard finishes, sometimes 25% to 50% more. Some companies charge a nominal fee for premium colors or custom paint jobs. You should always expect to pay more when choosing anything beyond a basic color and finish.

Powder Coating Transfer Efficiency

Ideally, when applying powder coating, no waste should exist. If this happens, it is known as 100% transfer efficiency. A lower percentage means more powder fell away from the surface. In most cases, this leftover powder can be reclaimed and used again, so there is no waste with overspray like liquid paint. However, the lower the transfer efficiency, the higher the specific gravity needs to be to give you the same amount of coverage or thickness in the finished coat.

The specific gravity or weight of the powder equals its transfer coverage and impacts the project’s outcome and cost. The higher the powder-specific gravity, the more coverage it gives an item. In addition, the higher the specific gravity, the thicker a coat can be. If you desire a thicker coat of color on your furniture or handrail, then the specific gravity of the powder needs to be higher. This raises the cost of the project because the materials are more expensive.

Powder Coating Maintenance

The reason that so many products use powder coating is that it offers a low-maintenance option. Powder-coated items should be cleaned with a mild soap or cleaner and water, along with a towel or soft sponge. You should never use abrasive materials to clean powder coatings, as it could damage the clear coat finish or the paint itself. With proper finishing and cleaning, powder coating lasts for several years with little to no maintenance. If a powder-coated item is damaged or the paint is scratched, it should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage and reduce the cost of repairs or repainting.

Powder Coating vs Painting

Depending on the item in question, you may consider painting instead of powder coating. The latter is the more durable option. Powder coating produces a better, more even, thicker, and more durable finish for longer-lasting results. It takes less time to apply and dry since it relies on heat to finish the job. There are some materials like wood and low-temperature plastics that are not heat-safe and must be wet painted. This could result in a more uneven finish when you want a thicker coating, but thin coats may be more even. Labor costs are generally the same, but powder coating provides the best value for longer-lasting results.

Electrostatic Painting vs Powder Coating

Plating or electrostatic wet painting can be an alternative if you want a metal finish on your piece, such as gold. A powder coat lasts longer, but the plating gives you a better finish in the meantime. You should compare the costs, the process, and the longevity involved to determine which will be best for your needs. Electrostatic painting may produce an even coat, but it will need to be reapplied sooner than powder coating in most cases.

Thermoset vs Thermoplastic

Powder coating can be done with one of two materials: thermoset and thermoplastic. From a durability standpoint, there is little difference between the two. It is mostly in how the finished product is formed. Thermoplastics melt with heat to produce their cross-linked chains. They can remelt and reform again and again when exposed to the same degree of heat. Thermoset plastics do not remelt. They use a chemical process to change the polymers when heat is applied. So, they are permanent once done. Some colors and finishes may require one process over the other for the best results. In terms of costs and how well it will perform for you, there is no difference.

Powder Coating Pros and Cons

Several pros and cons must be considered with powder coating. This finish is very tough and durable. You can get a thicker coating more evenly and quickly than you can with liquid paint. Because no volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are emitted during the application process, it is better for the environment. No solvents are involved. There is little waste because the oversprayed powder can be reclaimed and used again.

However, it isn’t easy to get a thin coat of material onto a surface with a powder coat as you can with paint. It also takes longer to cure for thick coats and large objects and requires special equipment, such as an oven for curing. So, the start-up costs and initial investment are higher than with liquid paint. This is also why it is better to hire and pay a professional to do powder coating. On the other hand, more people can DIY with wet paint projects.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Golf Club Powder Coating

Some people choose to powder coat their golf clubs, which costs an average of $200 to $500 per job, depending on how many clubs are coated, what colors or finishes are used, and other details. Pros and amateurs alike advise against powder coating irons, which are better stripped and re-plated by the manufacturer or simply replaced. It is important to choose a powder coating company with experience with this process or a golf club supplier that does powder coating for best results.

Car Powder Coating

The average car powder coating cost is between $400 and $1,000, depending on the size and style of the vehicle being painted and the type of paint, color, and process being used. Some people may spend twice as much or more on custom paint colors and finishes, but the average person can expect to spend a lot less for a basic job. You may also spend less if you only have certain parts or accessories painted on the car, so be sure to talk to your specialist about exactly what is being done. For example, the cost to powder coat wheels is $400 to $700, while the cost to powder coat the bumper would only be $175 to $250. The average cost to powder coat calipers is around $40 to $55 per caliper, while you can expect the bull bar powder coating price to be similar to the cost of a bumper. These will all be in addition to the powder coating rims cost since they are charged as separate jobs.

Powder Coat Bike Frame

People spend $100 to $200 on powder coating a bike frame, including sandblasting and finishing. Most bike frames are powder coated to keep them protected and provide a durable finish that stands up to the elements. If you choose multiple colors or a custom finish, you will spend more on this job than if you choose a single color. You may also spend more for a bike based on the size or intricacy of the frame or for layering effects and other specialty add-ons.

Motorcycle Powder Coating

The average motorcycle powder coating prices range from $100 to $1,000, depending on exactly what is being coated and what colors are being used. For example, powder coating a whole sportbike frame costs between $250 and $300. Just having the forks and fuel tank powder coated could be as cheap as $100 total. The wheels, frame, forks, fuel tank, and any other hard surfaces on a motorcycle can be powder coated with various colors or chrome finishes. Multiple layers or other effects incur an additional cost, as will custom paint colors.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY. Powder coating is not recommended as a DIY project because of the equipment needed to do the job properly. The process requires proper powder coating sprayers and applicators, air hoses, compressors, paint, and more. It can become quite cost-prohibitive to do a one-time powder coating job, which is why most people hire someone to do the work.
• Preparation. The surface of the item to be powder coated must be clean, dry, and free of any previous finish before applying a new one. Sandblasting is usually required and may or may not be included in the cost estimate you are given, so check with your contractor on this.
• Estimates. It is important to get at least three estimates before choosing a powder coating provider. This will allow you to compare the average rates in your area and make sure that you are getting a qualified contractor and a fair price.
• Hiring tips. It can be helpful to ask for recommendations or referrals when looking for a powder coating company or contractor. Some powder coaters work with any item that needs to be done, while others may specialize in vehicle powder coating, for example. Make sure that you choose someone who can do the work that you need.
• Powder coating equipment cost. The cost of powder coating equipment is generally included in the estimate given for your painting job. The contractor charges a minimum fee to ensure that their time and materials are covered. This equipment can be quite expensive, which is one reason that powder coating is not usually a DIY job. You could purchase a home-use powder coating gun kit for $70 to $300, but you will need an air compressor to operate most of them, which incurs an additional charge. Plus, the cheaper systems don’t offer the same high-quality results.