How Much Does Powder Coating Cost?
Typical Range:
$344 - $1,109
Typical Range:
$344 - $1,109
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 37 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data
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Updated July 1, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Dry-applied powder coating costs between $344 and $1,109, with an average cost of $716. This amounts to a range of $40 to $600 per item. Wet-applied electrostatic painting costs an average of $60 per hour with a typical range of $55 to $75 per hour for on-site labor.
Both processes leave a durable, smooth, and evenly-coated surface with no runs, brush strokes, or spray marks. Powder coating projects can range in cost anywhere from $200 to $2,100.
Let's calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?
Where are you located?
National Average | $716 |
Typical Range | $344 - $1,109 |
Low End - High End | $180 - $2,400 |
Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 37 HomeAdvisor members.
Understanding and comparing powder coating and electrostatic painting helps clarify the cost differences between the two. Both use the same underlying idea of electrostatically charging both a metal object and the coating material so they attract. However, there are also several differences.
Powder Coating | Electrostatic Painting |
---|---|
$50 – $600 per item, plus transport | $55 – $75 per hour |
Dry-applied | Wet-applied |
Cured at high temperatures | Air-cured for 12 – 24 hours |
Most durable option | Less durable, but better than traditional paints |
Done in specialized shops | Done on-site |
Several factors can influence the cost of a powder coating or electrostatic painting project.
Pricing for a powder coating project varies widely for different types of items, whether you’re covering vehicle parts, bicycle frames, furniture, or porch railings. Some projects require more prep work and labor than others.
Car wheels: $150–$185
Bicycle frame: $175–$220
Side chair: $50–$75
Barstool: $80–$100
Patio table: $100–$130
Patio table with chairs: $300–$430
The larger the object you need to have painted, the more you can expect it to cost. Powder coating can be done on a wide variety of metal and plastic materials. Covering a large metal patio table might cost as much as $130, while a small side chair may only cost $50.
There are a variety of paints you can use to powder coat an object, most of which cost $10 to $20 per pound. If you want to use a special metallic or heavy-duty coating, budget an additional $5 to $10 per pound. You can also expect to pay more if you decide to special-order the paint you want.
Powder coating has to be done in a specialty shop. The initial cost of $50,000 to $100,000 to set up a large-scale shop for large projects like patio furniture, appliances, and fences make DIY powder coating impractical.
Plus, making a mistake is costly and time-consuming, which is why it’s crucial to hire a powder coating company in your area. The process requires painters to have the knowledge to use specialized spray equipment safely.
Electrostatic painting is a more forgiving DIY project with lower startup costs of under $3,000, but at that price, you’ll only be able to paint small objects less than 18 inches long. The paints are easier to remove, don’t require shipping or disassembly, and you don’t need to set up a shop. However, setup and prep requirements can take away from time spent on other projects.
Labor for powder coating costs $50 per hour, usually with a minimum charge of about $250 per order. Hiring a professional can help you save on equipment costs, since the professional equipment needed for large projects can cost $100,000 or more. You’ll also avoid the safety concerns of working with electrical currents.
Licenses, insurance, and warranties allow you to trust a professional and give you peace of mind. Get powder coating prices near you and read reviews in our professional powder coating directory of trustworthy prescreened professionals with a positively reviewed track record, insurance, and references.
Powder coating is usually more affordable than wet painting in the long run, though you should expect higher upfront costs. The long-term cost of powder coating is heavily affected by safety and environmental regulation. It’s less hazardous than wet painting and requires lower insurance premiums if performed by a professional powder coating facility.
The higher upfront cost of powder coating is worth it when you consider the superior durability and texture of the finish. It can stay on for years, protecting your parts and belongings from corrosion and rust. Powder coating also offers a safer, easier application process than spray paint.
The powder coating process uses a dry powder that is either vat dipped or electrostatically applied to metal and high-temperature plastics. The process finishes by curing the objects in an oven at 380 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.