Powder Coating Metal: Can You Powder Coat Other Things?
what kind of Metal can you powder coat?
At Full Blown Coatings, we specialize in powder coating metal for clients across Salt Lake County, Davis County, Utah County, Weber County, and Cache County. While most people associate powder coating with metal parts like wheels, frames, and railings, we often get asked a simple question: Can you powder coat things other than metal? The short answer is yes—with limitations. Let’s break down what powder coating is best for, when it works on non-metal materials, and why it's such a popular finish choice.
What Is Powder Coating and Why Use It?
Powder coating is a finishing process that uses electrostatically charged powder and heat to create a durable, protective coating. It resists scratching, chipping, fading, and corrosion much better than standard paint. That’s why powder coating is a go-to for everything from vehicle parts to patio furniture.
At Full Blown Coatings, we’ve seen firsthand how powder coating can transform a project. A customer in Layton brought in rusty old steel gates. After our in-house sand blasting and a fresh matte black powder coat, they looked brand new and have held up against Utah winters for years.
Why Powder Coating Works Best on Metal
Powder coating is ideal for metal because of the way the powder adheres. The process requires the item to conduct electricity so the powder can bond electrostatically. Metal is a perfect conductor, and it can withstand the high curing temperatures (usually 375–400°F) needed to fuse the powder into a strong finish.
Types of Metal Commonly Powder Coated:
- Steel (mild, stainless)
- Aluminum
- Cast iron
- Copper
- Brass
These materials can be found in everything from car chassis to stair railings, and all perform well in the powder coating oven.
Can You Powder Coat Non-Metal Items?
This is where things get tricky. Technically, you can powder coat some non-metallic objects, but only under very specific conditions.
Temperature Resistance
The powder curing process involves baking the part at 375–400°F. Most plastics, wood, or composite materials simply can't handle this heat without warping, melting, or burning.
Conductivity
Powder coating relies on electrostatic charge. Since non-metals don’t conduct electricity, special chemical treatments or primers would be needed to make the surface accept the powder—and even then, results are mixed.
Alternatives for Non-Metal Parts
If you love the look of powder coating but have a plastic, fiberglass, or wooden item, you still have options.
- High-temp paint: Great for small plastic parts.
- Ceramic coating: Works well for exhausts and engine components.
- Liquid paint with hardener: Gives a similar finish for heat-sensitive items.
At Full Blown Coatings, we’ve had customers bring in non-metal items they wanted coated. In some cases, we explained why powder coating wouldn’t work, and offered alternatives that still delivered great results. It’s all about knowing the right solution for the right material.
Real-Life Example: Motorcycle Restoration in Ogden
We recently helped a customer from Ogden who was restoring a vintage motorcycle. He wanted everything from the frame to the engine covers powder coated. The frame was steel, so no problem there. But the side panels were a composite material. We explained they couldn’t withstand oven temps, and instead provided a high-end urethane paint finish that closely matched the powder coat on the frame. The final result looked seamless.
Preparing for Powder Coating
No matter the material, surface prep is crucial. For metal parts, sand blasting is a must.
Our Prep Process Includes:
- Sand blasting to remove rust, paint, and oil
- Outgassing bake to release contaminants
- Solvent wipe for oil-free surfaces
Only after this do we begin applying powder using top-of-the-line electrostatic guns.
Why Full Blown Coatings Is Utah's Trusted Choice
Serving Northern Utah, we’ve built a reputation for:
- Precision prep and coating
- Honest advice about materials
- Durable finishes that outlast paint
- Quick turnaround times for both large and small projects
We’ve coated everything from custom car builds in Salt Lake City to agricultural parts in Cache County. Our experience means we can tell you what will work, what won’t, and how to get the best result possible.
Conclusion
Powder coating metal is one of the best ways to protect and beautify parts that take a beating. While it's not ideal for every material, it remains the gold standard for durability and finish on metal surfaces. If you're wondering what can be coated and what can't, just give us a call. At Full Blown Coatings, we're always happy to evaluate your project and offer solutions that make sense.
If you're looking for metal powder coating services in Northern Utah, including Salt Lake County, Weber County, Utah County, and Davis County, we're ready to help. Let us take your project to the next level.
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