Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about powder coating, sandblasting, fabrication, and our services.
General
- What is powder coating?
- Powder coating is a dry finishing process where electrostatically charged powder particles are sprayed onto grounded metal surfaces, then cured in an oven to form a durable, continuous film. It is more durable than most paints and contains no solvents.
- How long does powder coating last?
- Properly applied powder coating on properly prepared surfaces lasts 15–20 years or more in typical conditions. UV exposure, salt air, and chemical exposure can reduce lifespan. Higher-performance coatings (AAMA 2604/2605) offer extended durability.
- What is the difference between powder coating and painting?
- Powder coating uses dry powder applied electrostatically and cured with heat, creating a thicker, more durable finish than liquid paint. It has no solvents, produces no VOCs, and resists chipping and scratching significantly better than paint.
- Do you coat items other than fence and gate parts?
- Absolutely. We coat automotive parts, motorcycle frames, patio furniture, industrial equipment, light fixtures, artwork, bicycle frames, and anything else that is metal. If it fits in our facility (up to 26 feet), we can coat it.
Process & Turnaround
- How long does the process take?
- Turnaround depends on volume, complexity, and current workload. Simple jobs with stock colors can often be completed in 3–5 business days. Custom colors, large volumes, or complex items may take longer. We provide specific timelines at quote.
- What materials can be powder coated?
- Any metal that can be grounded and withstand curing temperatures (375–400°F) can be powder coated. This includes steel, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, bronze, and copper. We cannot coat wood, plastic, or materials that cannot tolerate heat.
- What size items can you handle?
- Our facility accommodates items up to 26 feet in length. For very large or heavy items, contact us to discuss logistics and handling requirements.
- Do I need to prepare my items before bringing them in?
- We handle all surface preparation (sandblasting, chemical prep). Items should be free of excessive oil, grease, or loose debris. Remove any parts that should not be coated (bearings, seals, etc.) before delivery.
Colors & Finishes
- What colors are available?
- We stock common colors (blacks, whites, bronzes, grays, safety colors) for immediate use. Custom colors can match any RAL number, Pantone reference, or physical sample. Custom colors require 1–2 weeks lead time for powder procurement.
- Can you match an existing color?
- In many cases, yes. Provide a RAL number, Pantone reference, or physical sample and we will find the closest match. Note that custom matching has minimum quantity requirements and higher costs than stock colors.
- What finish textures are available?
- We offer gloss, satin, matte, textured, metallic, hammer-tone, and wrinkle finishes. The same color looks very different across these finishes — we can help you choose the right one for your application.
Pricing & Quotes
- How is pricing determined?
- Pricing depends on item size, quantity, surface condition, color selection, and any special requirements. We provide quotes based on your specific project details. There is no standard per-item price because every project is different.
- Is there a minimum order?
- We have no strict minimum order. Single items, small repair pieces, and individual components are welcome. Very small jobs may have minimum charges to cover setup and handling.
- Do you offer contractor pricing?
- We offer competitive pricing for all customers. Regular contractors with consistent volume may benefit from relationship pricing. Contact us to discuss your typical volume and requirements.
Pickup & Delivery
- Can I drop off items at your shop?
- Yes. Our shop is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Drop off during shop hours or coordinate with us for after-hours arrangements.
- Do you offer pickup and delivery?
- We can discuss pickup and delivery options on a case-by-case basis, particularly for larger items or ongoing contractor relationships. Contact us to discuss logistics for your project.
Repairs & Refinishing
- Can damaged powder coating be repaired?
- Small chips and scratches can be touched up with matching paint. Larger damage may require partial or complete recoating. Touch-up paint does not match factory powder coat durability, but it protects the substrate until full refinishing is practical.
- Can you refinish items that are already painted?
- Yes. We strip old paint and coatings through sandblasting or chemical stripping, then apply new powder coat. The old finish must be completely removed for the best result.
- Is refinishing cheaper than replacement?
- Usually, yes. Refinishing typically costs 30–60% of replacement cost for comparable quality items. The exact savings depend on the item, its condition, and what a replacement would cost.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us directly — we're happy to help.