Powder coating systems are gaining popularity in the U.S. because the systems provide a more environmentally-friendly alternative to spray painting. Powder coating equipment education and training teaches you how to use and maintain powder coating equipment as well as how to powder coat different products. Whether you want to start a powder coating business or you want to add powder coating as a service, powder coating equipment education and training is the first step you need to take.

Powder coating equipment education and training is available in three different mediums. Instructor-led courses are available to provide in-depth training about powder coating. Online help and how-to guides are also available for companies that can't afford professional training. CDs with interactive computer-based courses are also available. This training can be used for multiple students and can be done in an employee's spare time.

1. Locate training courses seminars and workshops about powder coating systems.

2. Read online information to help you learn about powder coating supplies.

3. Buy training CDs that teach the proper use of powder coat tools.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend training courses, seminars and workshops for powder coating systems

These training options offer an instructor-led training session about powder coat equipment. This type of training often involves travel, but the classes are generally held on the weekends to accommodate the work schedules of employees that need the training.

I recommend: Visit Powder Coating Online for a calendar of monthly calls and seminars about powder coating supplies. Receive hands-on training at any of the two-day training courses available at a Metalcraft Tools facility. Take a three-day powder coating tools seminar from Powder-X Coating Systems.

Find information online to help you learn about powder coat supplies

Online information covers the basics of the powder coating industry. This information is available for free and provides some general training. Online how-to guides may assist employees as they try to powder coat a new product. The guides aren't meant to be used as comprehensive training tools.

I recommend: Read the Powder Coating Manual and review how-to guides about the powder coating business. Finishing.com provides definitions of powder coating and information about portable powder coating equipment.

Purchase training CDs that teach about using powder coat tools

These training materials teach about powder coating in the comfort of your own office. These interactive CDs provide all the information you need to supply professional powder coat services. These CDs can be used as many times as needed by many different employees.

I recommend: The Powder Coating Institute offers a wide variety of powder coating equipment information as well as training books and guides. Powder Coat Secrets offers training CDS for learning how to use a portable powder coating system.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact your powder coating equipment distributor for any training materials they may carry meant specifically for the equipment they sell.

The powder coating industry is rapidly expanding. As manufacturers, retailers, designers, architects and consumers find new ways to use this environmentally friendly technique, the demand for powder coating systems and powder coating supplies has skyrocketed. Many powder coating equipment suppliers are entering the market, so if you're thinking of starting a powder coating business, or are responsible for purchasing powder coating systems or supplies for your company, you should know your options before you buy.

Powder coating equipment distributors offer several choices. If you're in the market for a complete system, one-stop shopping is available. Perhaps you just need a replacement oven or other single powder coating tool. How about equipment you can simply pick up and use on the item you want to powder coat? Powder coating supply companies can offer you one or more of the following:

1. Turnkey powder coating systems, including batch systems and conveyor systems.

2. Individual powder coat equipment, ovens, powder booths, powder coat tools and powder coat supplies for your business.

3. Portable powder coating equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take a hands-on training class on powder coating tools

Immerse yourself in all aspects of the industry with a hands-on class. These classes, provided by suppliers who are eager to sell powder coat equipment, can be an invaluable way to gain critical knowledge. You'll not only learn about pretreatment, powder application and all the powder coating tools and powder coating supplies you'll need, but you may also pick up insights into quality control, environmental concerns, job costing and marketing.

I recommend: Powder-X Coating Systems offers classes in their own training facility.

Hire your own expert in powder coating systems

A consultant with extensive experience in the powder coating industry can be a smart investment. Consultants can help you buy equipment and supplies, set up your shop, ensure compliance with EPA and OSHA regulations, help you price projects to maximize profit and even help train your employees.

I recommend: Performance Consulting works with clients at their Illinois facility, over the phone or online.

Think outside the oven: portable power coat equipment

Traditional powder coating uses ovens to cure the coating. This requires that items must both fit in the oven and be able to withstand the oven's temperature. New portable systems offer ways to get around these requirements, and may suit your needs better. Lightweight and relatively simple to use, they can coat almost any material and are significantly cheaper to operate. Portable systems can be up and running on site quickly. You can also use a portable system alongside your traditional powder coating system to expand your options.

I recommend: The Xiom Corporation makes the Xiom 1000 and Xiom 5000 portable powder coating systems with many applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check out used powder coating equipment and powder coating tools. Many powder coating suppliers offer refurbished equipment at substantial savings.