How To Powder Coat: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Powder Coat PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Alvaro Mendoza, PhD

Last Updated: December 22, 2025 Approved

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  • Applying the Powder Coat
    • |
  • Thermosets v. Thermoplastics
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Alvaro Mendoza, PhD. Alvaro Mendoza, Ph.D., is a Metallurgist and the Owner of Mendoza Metallurgy in Portland, Oregon. With over 15 years of professional and research experience, Dr. Mendoza has worked in the aerospace industry in forging, casting, metal-making, and additive manufacturing primarily with nickel-based superalloys, titanium and steels. He currently runs a metallurgical consulting and education business that focuses on providing technical expertise to businesses of any size. He was recently featured on a podcast about why metallurgy matters. Dr. Mendoza received his B.S. and M.S. and Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering, focus on Metallurgy from the University of Florida. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 18 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 774,229 times.

Powder coating is a process of coating metal with a plastic finish applied in powder form and baked to a fluid state to bond it to the metal surface. Powder coating has many advantages over traditional liquid coating: It's better for the environment, applies thicker without running, and is easy to style with. Although certain aspects of powder coating can be tricky, it's certainly not difficult, especially for an enterprising soul. Proper cleaning and tools can be the difference between an amateur and a good powder coating job.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Applying the Powder Coat

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  1. Step 1 Determine the type of material you are going to powdercoat and then select a suitable powder for the finish. 1 Determine the type of material you are going to powdercoat and then select a suitable powder for the finish. Powdercoating is done with thermoplastic or thermoset polymer powder, and these materials are formulated for bonding with different base metals to give the best results.
    • See the next section for a detailed discussion of the differences between thermoset and thermoplastic coats. What's good for a car may not be good for a small trinket or decoration.
  2. Step 2 Disassemble all threaded or lubricated interfaces before you begin, including anything you don't want coated. 2 Disassemble all threaded or lubricated interfaces before you begin, including anything you don't want coated. It sounds simple, but many people forget this step. The powder coat you apply will adhere to everything (if properly done) on your rig, making sealed surfaces, bearings, clamps, bolts and nuts, etc. useless after blasting.[1] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Clean the base metal thoroughly. 3 Clean the base metal thoroughly.[2] Using bead or abrasive blasting on hard metal, such as cast iron or steel, will remove mill and rust scale, dirt and foreign materials. Chemical solvent cleaning will remove any grease, oil, or paint, and light sanding can be done to finish preparing the surface. Aluminum, magnesium, and other soft alloy metals can be solvent cleaned and wire brushed, or sanded if needed.[3]
    • For example, you might sand-blast whatever you want to powder coat until it's down to bare metal. This is the first step in the process. If you don't have access to a sandblaster, you can also use a wire wheel, bench-grinder, or even sandpaper. Just as long as you get the material down to bare metal.[4]
    • The next step is to strip the metal of any remaining grime or gunk. You can achieve this by soaking the item in acetone (if the item is small enough) or by wiping it with an acetone-soaked rag.
  4. Step 4 Apply the powder to the object to be powder coated. 4 Apply the powder to the object to be powder coated. This is done using a "gun" or compressed air sprayer which electrostatically charges the powder material so that it sticks to the grounded base metal object receiving the coating. These guns are available from various suppliers, and cost as little as $100. For experimental purposes, you can apply the powder to a flat metal surface by dusting it directly on, and spreading it to a thin, even layer.
    • Make sure you have your electrostatic charge hooked up to whatever part you are coating. The powder you use won't properly adhere unless it's given a charge to hold onto.
    • After applying the coat but before curing, be careful not to brush or blow on the powder coat, as this will cause some of the powder to fall off, leaving you with a less precise coat.
  5. Step 5 Cure the metal at a temperature appropriate for the powder material you use. 5 Cure the metal at a temperature appropriate for the powder material you use. A conventional oven is suitable for this purpose if the metal is small enough to fit, otherwise, an infrared heat lamp or other flame less heat source needs to be used. Normally, the object is heated to 350° to 375° F (175° to 190° C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, and allowed to cool.[5]
    • You can use a conventional oven to powder coat smaller items. Just be sure that you won't be using the oven to cook food after the powder coating. Once you've used an oven to powder coat, it absolutely should not be used for cooking.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Thermosets v. Thermoplastics

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  1. Step 1 Use thermoplastic coatings... 1 Use thermoplastic coatings for items you might eventually remold, and thermoset coatings for items that will remain essentially permanent. The main difference between thermoplastic and thermoset is the reversibility of the coat. Like their name implies, thermoset coatings cannot re-melt after undergoing an irreversible chemical bonding process. Conversely, thermoplastic coatings can remelt because no chemical process takes place.
    • Thermostat coatings are ideal for things like electronics and appliances because they need to withstand higher amounts of heat, which might cause thermoplastic coatings to melt.
  2. Step 2 Choose thermotype based on some of the features of the coat. 2 Choose thermotype based on some of the features of the coat. Thermosets and thermoplastics have different chemical properties, making them ideal for different uses. Knowing some of those properties can help you choose which type to coat with:
    • Thermosets are said to reinforce the structural integrity of an item, making them particularly suitable for heavy wear-and-tear. They also supply the item with superior chemical and heat resistance, as mentioned above.
    • Thermoplastics offer a mixture of strength and flexibility. They are commonly used for items such as plastic bags and even mechanical parts.
  3. Step 3 Know the advantages and disadvantages of thermosets. 3 Know the advantages and disadvantages of thermosets. Thermosets are often used to coat appliances because of the heat they can withstand.
    • Advantages: beautiful aesthetic look; cheap; added strength and stability; resistant to extreme temperatures.
    • Disadvantages: irreversible process means thermoset can't be recycled; more difficult to finish; can't be reshaped.[6]
  4. Step 4 Know the advantages and disadvantages of thermoplastics. 4 Know the advantages and disadvantages of thermoplastics. Thermoplastics are used for many items, such as park benches, that require both plasticity and durability.
    • Advantages: high lubricity or tack;[7] recyclable; able to remolded and/or reshaped; increased impact resistance.
    • Disadvantages: more expensive (usually); can melt off if overheated.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question What is the easiest way to remove powder coat? Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Metallurgist Alvaro Mendoza, Ph.D., is a Metallurgist and the Owner of Mendoza Metallurgy in Portland, Oregon. With over 15 years of professional and research experience, Dr. Mendoza has worked in the aerospace industry in forging, casting, metal-making, and additive manufacturing primarily with nickel-based superalloys, titanium and steels. He currently runs a metallurgical consulting and education business that focuses on providing technical expertise to businesses of any size. He was recently featured on a podcast about why metallurgy matters. Dr. Mendoza received his B.S. and M.S. and Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering, focus on Metallurgy from the University of Florida. Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Metallurgist Expert Answer Mechanical means is the easiest way—that means sandblasting, sanding, or some kind of gross removal technique. You can also do some research to see if there's a chemical solution designed to remove that specific coating (like how turpentine works for paint). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
  • Question Can I powder coat inside car body but not outside? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, but it will be difficult. You may find it hard to find a shop that has an oven wide enough to accommodate a car. Additionally, the powder will flow around the edges of a surface to the opposite when sprayed, which would result in heavy overspray outside of the car. This could be blown off, but you will be charged extra. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 16
  • Question Could you please explain the reason why I should not cook food in the same oven I've used to cure the powder coating? Community Answer Community Answer The fumes from powder coating are toxic. They also get reintroduced every time the oven gets turned on. You will need a designated oven for this. It's also dangerous to do this inside of the kitchen due to the fumes it produces while curing. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 37
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Clean and rinse all metal surfaces thoroughly, as with all paint coatings. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • Use in a well-ventilated, clean area. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • Powdercoating is an environmentally friendly, corrosion and UV light resistant finish. Although it is best done with precision industrial equipment, it is possible to experiment with it in a home workshop. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not bake in a gas oven. Thanks Helpful 58 Not Helpful 21
  • Use a respirator, gloves, and eye protection when abrasive blasting metal to remove scale. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 14
  • Baking the coating in an oven used for food preparation oven is not recommended. Thanks Helpful 41 Not Helpful 15
  • Do not breathe powder when applying it. Thanks Helpful 45 Not Helpful 22
  • Do not touch the object when it is removed from the oven after curing until it is thoroughly cooled. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 19
  • Do not eat! Possibly fatal. Thanks Helpful 38 Not Helpful 19
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Things You'll Need

  • Powder for coating.
  • Metal part or object to be coated.
  • High temp masking tape for masking off parts.
  • Heat lamp, oven, or other curing source.
  • Safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and respirator.

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about powdering coat, check out our in-depth interview with Alvaro Mendoza, PhD.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.powdercoatguide.com/2014/12/prepping-for-powder-coating-step-by-step.html
  2. ↑ https://www.powdercoatguide.com/2014/12/prepping-for-powder-coating-step-by-step.html
  3. ↑ Alvaro Mendoza, PhD. Metallurgist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Alvaro Mendoza, PhD. Metallurgist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.finishing.com/130/23.shtml
  6. ↑ https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/new-thermoset-plastics-simple-to-recycle/7372.article
  7. ↑ https://www.pcimag.com/articles/thermoplastic-powder-coatings

About This Article

Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Co-authored by: Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Metallurgist This article was co-authored by Alvaro Mendoza, PhD. Alvaro Mendoza, Ph.D., is a Metallurgist and the Owner of Mendoza Metallurgy in Portland, Oregon. With over 15 years of professional and research experience, Dr. Mendoza has worked in the aerospace industry in forging, casting, metal-making, and additive manufacturing primarily with nickel-based superalloys, titanium and steels. He currently runs a metallurgical consulting and education business that focuses on providing technical expertise to businesses of any size. He was recently featured on a podcast about why metallurgy matters. Dr. Mendoza received his B.S. and M.S. and Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering, focus on Metallurgy from the University of Florida. This article has been viewed 774,229 times. 11 votes - 100% Co-authors: 31 Updated: December 22, 2025 Views: 774,229 Categories: Painting Metal Article SummaryX

If you want to powder coat something, remove all of its threaded or lubricated surfaces so they don't get locked in place. Then, use abrasive blasting to clean off any rust, dirt, and foreign materials. Once the harder debris is gone, use a chemical solvent to remove grease or oil and then sand the surface if necessary. Next, use a compressed air sprayer to apply the powder coat and cure it at about 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. For a guide on when to use thermoplastics or thermosets, read more! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Co-authored by: Alvaro Mendoza, PhD Metallurgist Co-authors: 31 Updated: December 22, 2025 Views: 774,229 100% of readers found this article helpful. 11 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Ray B.

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"I found the whole article interesting. I wasn't aware that it could be done without having to get it done at a..." more Anonymous

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"This page gave concise, easy to understand instructions on powder coating. I was looking for information on the..." more Graham Brock

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"I was looking into powder coating to see if I should invest in a gun to coat a deck railing I am making out of..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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