How much will your powder coating cost?
Columbus, OH 43215
Powder coating costs$253 - $863
National average fixed price
- Most common low price:$253
- Most common high price:$863
How much is powder coating?
By Thumbtack Staff
Last updated Wed, Oct 15
The national average cost to hire professional powder coating services is $467, and prices typically range anywhere from $253-$863, according to Thumbtack data. Prices can vary depending the object type, its size, and other factors.
| National average cost | $467 |
|---|---|
| Low-end average cost | $253 |
| High-end average cost | $863 |
Powder coating is a way to cover the surface of almost any material with a solid, durable finish that can withstand wear and tear, including the outdoor elements. It provides a high-quality, environmentally friendly and durable dry powder finish alternative to liquid paint. Automotive hobbyists are particularly familiar with powder coating, which is applied to the bodies and exposed parts of cars — including wheels, rims, brake calipers and more.
Keep reading to learn more about how prices are determined, the application process and how to get accurate cost estimates from powder coating specialists near you.
Table of Contents
Powder coating prices
The type of items (and their size) can affect the overall cost of powder coating. Typically, the larger the item, the higher the cost. Here are a few cost estimates for items that can be coated:
| Car | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Set of wheels | $400-$700 |
| Beds | $100 and up |
| Two-person glider or love seat | $125 and up |
| Patio table | $160-$200 |
| High-back, spin-based chair | $105 and up |
| Beds | $100 and up |
| Barstool | $100 and up |
| Low rocker | $95 and up |
| Armchair | $85 and up |
| Side chair | $75 and up |
| Bicycle | $75 |
| Gates and fencing | $6-$8 per sq. ft. |
Keep in mind that these are just rough cost estimates. By contacting powder coating specialists, you can receive custom price quotes for your items.
What impacts pricing?
Powder coating specialists will consider various factors when determining their prices. For example, some pros may determine their prices depending on the type of item and its size. They may charge a flat rate, or they may have a per-square-foot or per-linear-foot price for certain surfaces like railings or gates.
There might be minimum charges and standard labor hourly rates you’ll need to pay as well. The type of coating can impact costs as well. For example, there's thermoplastic coating, which is more flexible than thermoset. But thermoset coating is more resistant to heat and typically more cost-effective. You might also have to pay more if you request custom colors.
Other factors that can determine pricing include labor costs and the amount of prep work needed, whether you require sandblasting or burn-off and the number of coats you need. A standard color could only need one coat, but certain colors may require a second.
What materials can be powder coated?
There are a vast number of surfaces that can be powder coated. Advances in the process have widened the range of surfaces to include not only metal, aluminum and ceramic but also wood surfaces (specifically, medium-density fiberboard or MDF), glass and plastic, according to the Powder Coating Institute (PCI).
Here’s a quick overview of common surfaces that can be powder coated:
| Appliances & equipment | Automotive | Outdoor & home exterior |
|---|---|---|
| Playground equipment | Wheels and rims | Aluminum doors |
| Metal exercise equipment | Windshield wipers | Aluminum windows |
| Stoves | Bumpers | Barbecue grills |
| Refrigerators and freezers | Steering wheels | Patio furniture |
| Vacuum cleaners | Door handles | Metal gutters |
| Dishwashers | Oil/air filters | Downspouts |
| Washing machines and dryers | Window trims | Wheelbarrows |
| Microwave ovens | Primers | Lawnmowers |
| Kitchen appliances | Radiators | Bicycles |
Source: Powder Coating Institute
Powder coating process
The first step in the coating process is the prep work. The surface must be clean and free from any debris, rust, oil, dirt and previous coats of paint to ensure adhesion and a quality finish.
The professional will use different techniques, such as sandblasting or media blasting, to clean the piece before the application step. Next is the application process, which is often called electrostatic spray deposition. Using a spray gun, pros typically apply an electrostatic charge to the powder particles, which then stick to the nearest grounded object being sprayed, according to the PCI. Lastly, to keep the powder adhered to the surface, the item must be heated and cured to obtain a strong, durable finish.
Powder coating benefits
Durability is the main benefit of powder coating. It provides a more durable finish than liquid paint, and it’s more resistant to moisture, light, heat and extreme weather. That’s why this type of coating is a great choice to use on outdoor furniture, wheels, rims, equipment and appliances.
Here are a few other benefits:
It contains no solvents and releases little or no volatile organic compounds, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
It can be recycled and generate zero hazardous waste.
Its finish is scratch-resistant and reduces fading, corrosion or abrasions.
It gives a smooth, shiny look to your surfaces.
See which Powder Coating Specialists are top-rated in your area.
Tips for hiring a powder coating specialist
First, go online to find a powder coating service in your area. Look through their profiles and read their recent customer reviews and ratings. Examine pictures of previous jobs, and try to deduce the quality of their work.
Once you’ve found a few pros who seem like a good fit, contact them and explain which item(s) need to be coated. Send them a photo of the item, provide details about its size and material (is it metal, aluminum, wood, etc.?) and ask for a free estimate.
Finally, compare their prices with other companies in your area, and ask if they have all the appropriate licensing, permits or certifications before you choose a pro.
Find a powder coating service near you
Whether you want to revitalize your fence or improve the appearance of your tires, rims and wheels, applying a powder coat could be a great option for you. It’s a great way to update an outdoor space and protect your furniture from rust and corrosion.
So instead of replacing an item, look into how much it would cost to get them coated instead — you might find this to be the more cost-effective option. Start searching for a powder coating service near you today.
FAQs
Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions about powder coating.
Is powder coating more expensive than paint?
It depends. Depending on the type of paint, prices could be lower — or higher. To find out which option is the most economical one for you, contact powder coating professionals and painters for cost estimates.
How long does powder coating last?
Powder coating companies typically say it can last up to 10 to 20 years. However, its longevity could depend on the coating's quality.
Can wood be powder coated?
Yes. Some wood and wood products like MDF can be powder coated.
How do we know these prices?
5m
Customers this year
300k+
Pros this year
20k
Projects a day
How it works.
Search.
Browse profiles, see prices and use filters to find pros who match your project.
Chat.
Contact the pros you like to discuss project details.
Hire.
Check pro availability and book appointments right in the app.
You might also like
