A Comprehensive Guide On How Much It Costs to Start Powder Coating
At Reliant Finishing Systems, we understand that as a manufacturer, coatings job shop, or entrepreneur looking to start a new business as a powder coater, one of the most common questions you may have is how much it will cost to start powder coating. We will provide you with the information you need to get started, including what is typically required, how much it will cost, what you need for proper coating application, and critical things to consider when getting into the powder coat industry with your powder coating business. This isn’t just a painting business with your conventional paint application…
First, let’s consider the equipment you will need for a powder coating project that is for frequent and/or industrial use. The cost of a powder coating booth is the first expense to consider. A powder coating booth filters out powder as you are powder coating, keeping you code-compliant and safe during powder application. The cost of a powder coating booth will vary depending on its size and type. The two primary types of powder coating booths are recovery and non-recovery powder coating booths.
The second expense to consider is a powder coating oven. This is often the most expensive equipment cost when considering the costs of starting powder coating on metal products. The two standard choices of ovens used to cure powder coating are infrared and convection ovens. We would consider a standard convection batch process oven for powder coating to estimate the costs of starting powder coating. A common powder coating oven size that would effectively accommodate various products would be approximately 8 x 8 x 12.
The third expense to consider is surface preparation equipment, specifically sandblast equipment. To prep your product surface before powder coating, you typically need a sandblast pot or a sandblast cabinet. If you are considering a sandblast room, there is a significant additional expense associated with the sandblast room.
The fourth expense associated with the powder coating process is a powder coating gun. To apply powder coating, you will typically need a powder coating gun and system to deliver powder coating. An excellent solution for small batches is a Wagner Sprint Powder Coating Unit, which includes everything required to provide and apply powder coating. A powder gun provides an effective system that can recoat a previously coated metal surface and handle things like corner areas.
The fifth expense to consider is metal washing or pretreatment. Not all powder coating applications will involve the pretreatment of the metal before powder coating. Still, you may want to properly wash the product and fortify its corrosion resistance to rust with a solution like iron phosphate. If you need to consider a washing process prior to powder coating, you can expect a significant investment due to permits, dip tanks, and similar factors.
The sixth expense to consider includes licenses, powder, and fees. In addition, you will have to consider permits that the EPA and other pertinent organizations can require, and you will need powder, which can vary in cost depending on the type and amount you purchase.
Finally, you will need to consider the cost of compressed air. Compressed air will be used to prepare the powder for spraying by your powder coating unit and will also be needed for sandblasting.
In conclusion, whether you’re starting powder coating services to stop outsourcing powder coating or considering opening a job shop, knowing the estimates of the powder coating cost can be helpful. At Reliant Finishing Systems, we provide a general overview of the budgetary expenses you may expect to pay to start powder coating, including parts and components, paint, powder material, spray booth, spray gun and more. In addition, our range of high-quality powder coating equipment and systems is designed to meet the needs of any business size or type. We are committed to helping you get started on the right foot with a cost-effective and efficient powder coating system that meets your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our equipment and how we can help you get started with powder coating service with a reliable prep work, durable finish, thicker coating, and competitive powder coating prices.