Powder coating is a rough and durable finish that manufacturers often use to add color and depth to vehicles and bikes. Various powder coating techniques can also be used on other items, such as ovens and guns, which make it high on the priority list of many small business owners and manufacturers.

Finding the right powder coating equipment and company is usually just a matter of knowing what you want, and then doing a little research to narrow down your search. You typically want to choose a company that specializes in powder coating the type of product you have, such as:

1. Powder coating ovens

2. Powder coating cars and bikes

3. Custom powder coating, for machine parts and other products

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

Keep abreast of the latest news from powder coating manufacturers and designers

When it comes to powder coating special surfaces like plastic, or dealing with the newest types of powders and finishes, the pros turn to specialty magazines and websites to find out the latest in the industry. As a small business owner, you need to stay on top of the industry as well so that you can have the best finishes and colors for your product lineup.

I recommend: Subscribe to several powder coating publications. You can keep up with the news in hardcopy or electronically with Powder Coating Magazine, Powder Coating Online or the Powder Coating Institute for the latest updates on the field.

Decide which powder coating technique is right for your products

Every company handles the powder coating process a little differently. Some use a machine that creates a uniform piece and allows for faster production, while other companies specialize in custom work by hand, which can create one-of-a-kind looks and textures.

I recommend: Find a company that meets your needs. Metokote can handle different requirements like glosses and thicknesses with ease, and even offers an environmental solution that's appealing to many businesses. Allied Powder can powder coat pieces using a machine, or hand-coat them for custom finishes.

Choose your favorite powder coating system based on color options

Powder coat suppliers can offer a wide range of colors and finishes, so find out exactly what colors each one offers before committing. Candy, metal flake and textural finishes are extremely popular for bikes and other vehicles, so ask about specialty finishes as well.

I recommend: Find a company that has a wide array of color options. Custom Powder Coating has several hundred different finish options, which gives you complete freedom when designing your pieces. Absolute Powder Coating specializes in custom finishes such as Hammertones and Candy.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The powder coating process is usually an environmentally friendly treatment, since any unused powder coating can be recycled and used for other projects and virtually no chemical solvents are needed in the process.