Powder coating costs $75 to $300 per piece according to its total surface area, the material type, and the amount of prep work necessary. The cost to powder coat car rims is typically $50 to $180 each. Powder coating is more expensive than painting but lasts longer.

Powder coating is the process of spraying a type of "dry paint" powder onto an item before baking it in an oven to cure it. This curing process locks the color onto the surface with a perfectly smooth and even color distribution.

Specialists use electrostatic equipment for powder-coating metals and other methods to coat non-metal surfaces.

Powder coating is typically worth it if you want results like:

• A matte finish that's more durable than paint
• An even coating on all areas of rims
• A thicker layer than paint to protect your metal pieces

However, you may only be able to select one color per piece in powder-coating shops, so painting does allow more colors and customizations in a more glossy finish.

If the shop preps the surface well to remove all rust and buildup first, then powder coating can last 15 to 40 years. Shops that take shortcuts by not cleaning a piece before powder coating produce work that can chip within a year, so select a shop with higher standards.

You can powder-coat almost any materials that don't melt in an oven at temperatures of 200° F to 400° F. Most shops prefer to coat metal items since that process is easy with the standard electrostatic application method.

Some non-metal items like ceramics, medium density fiberboard (MDF), and glass can be powder-coated too using different methods. However, materials like rubber, wood, most plastics, and resin can't be powder-coated since they melt more easily.

As long as you first sand the surface and apply a durable epoxy primer, then you can paint over powder coating by using an epoxy or enamel paint. Your local paint supplier can answer further questions about the best products to use in your climate.

You may need these products to paint over a powder coating:

• Mold remover spray
• Degreaser cleaning liquids
• A primer thick enough to hide stains
• Mold-resistant and weatherproof paint

Before hiring a powder coating company near you, remember to:

• Request 3+ quotes from licensed, bonded, and insured companies to compare.
• Check if they have credentials from the Powder Coating Institute (PCI) or any painting or sandblasting associations.
• Ask how long they trained in professional powder-coating shops.
• Read their past reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Confirm if the contractor has 5+ years of experience.
• Get an itemized estimate and contract copy before the job starts.
• Avoid hiring the cheapest contractors who do low-quality work.
• Never pay in full until the job is complete.

Use these questions to help you select a good-quality powder coating service:

• What is your base cost for a powder-coating project?
• How many years have you worked in powder-coating shops?
• Can I see photos of your past projects?
• How much prep work do you do before applying the powder coating?
• When can I come to your shop to see color samples?
• Are there any potential issues with coating my items?
• Which powder-coating technique will you use for my project and why?
• Does your bid include fees for all materials and labor?
• What are the extra charges for deliveries or a clear-coat finish?
• How much time will the powder-coating process take?
• Do you offer a guarantee?
• What should I do to prepare a piece before I bring it for powder-coating?