Which Materials Can Be Powder Coated?

Powder coating is a versatile finishing process that can be applied to a wide range of materials. However, the specific material and its surface condition can impact the success of a project. 

At All Powder Coat & Screen, we powder coat various types of metals—including aluminum and stainless steel—when providing industrial powder coating services. 

Let’s explore which materials are best suited for powder coating and how our team strives to provide our customers with high-quality sheet metal finishing.

Powder Coating 101 

Powder coating is a technique used to enhance and safeguard metal surfaces by applying a dry powder through an electrostatic spray gun. The coated metal is then cured using heat or UV light, resulting in a resilient, sleek, and aesthetically pleasing finish that provides protection and aesthetic appeal. Household items, outdoor equipment, and automotive components generally undergo powder coating to improve appearance and resist the effects of wear and tear.

Offering a diverse selection of colors and textures

All Powder Coat & Screen collaborates directly with several powder manufacturers, enabling us to offer a diverse selection of colors and textures. While we maintain a stock of many popular powder colors, we can also procure powder for larger quantity projects as needed. Our shop is equipped to powder coat as many as 500 industrial parts simultaneously. We meticulously ensure each part receives top-notch coatings for the best sheet metal finishing results.

We Powder Coat Most Electrically Conductive Materials 

Conductivity plays a crucial role in powder coating and the electrostatic application process. The powder won’t adhere to materials that are incapable of retaining an electrostatic charge. 

Typically, any material with electrical conductivity is suitable to receive powder coating. Though All Powder Coat & Screen performs most industrial powder coating services on aluminum and stainless steel, our team is proficient in handling all types of metals. 

Materials that are not ideal for powder coating include wood and plastics. Wood is generally considered a poor conductor of electricity. It has a high electrical resistance due to its composition of non-conductive materials, such as cellulose fibers and lignin. Most plastics are considered insulators and have low electrical conductivity.

Depending on your needs, All Powder Coat & Screen offers laser etching that may be well-suited for these projects. 

Our Powder Coat Preparation Process

All Powder Coat & Screen deploys a meticulous cleaning process to prepare metals for powder coating. We immerse smaller to medium-sized parts in a sequence of tanks. First, a degreaser uses detergent to eliminate oil and grime. Next, the parts undergo a thorough rinse in a clean water bath to remove any residual substances. Finally, we apply a protective coating in a phosphate tank to enhance adhesion, prevent rusting, and ensure durability.

For larger parts that won’t fit in the tanks, we use paint thinner as a cleaning tool. This solvent cleans the surfaces and removes paint and markings such as barcodes. Depending on the material’s susceptibility to rusting, we may also power wash the part.

If your metal part already has rust, our team can sandblast or manually sand the part for an additional cost to remove corrosion before starting the cleaning process and moving on to powder coating. We recommend this step because a rough and uneven surface will inhibit the proper adhesion of the powder.

When it’s time for powder coating, All Powder Coat & Screen will choose the appropriate powder for the part, depending on the application. We usually recommend polyester, which offers exceptional UV resistance, color retention, and cost-effectiveness. Alternatively, epoxy provides excellent adhesion, chemical and corrosion resistance, and durability.

High-Quality Sheet Metal Finishing Solutions

You don't have to worry about whether your metal can be powder coated—All Powder Coat & Screen can handle any type of metal.

We can also help you decide whether laser etching will work for your wood or plastic part or if wet paint or stain is the better option for sheet metal finishing.

Our goal is to build strong partnerships with our customers by delivering exceptional results. Contact us today to request a quote for sheet metal finishing services.