Powder Coating

Powder coating is a method of paint application in which the paint is applied as a powder and then cured with heat. This fascinating technology allows an excellent decorative quality finish that will stand up to the highest functional performance specifications.

Anything that can withstand the temperature of cure (approximately 350 degrees F) can be powder coated. The process starts with preparation of the surface for coating; this can entail an abrasive blasting procedure and/or a wash system to clean any oils from the surface. The part is hung up on an overhead conveyor, or placed on a rolling rack and pushed into the powder application booth. Plugs, masks, and tape are used to block areas of the piece where powder is not wanted. The part is grounded and the charged paint is sprayed from a gun using high-pressure air. This use of electric charge to help the paint find and stick to the part allows for the highly consistent thickness and finish quality of powder coatings. After powder application the part is pushed into the oven and allowed to cure for a set amount of time. The cure time depends on the type of powder applied and the size of the part. After this the part is simply removed from the oven and allowed to cool.

Motorcycle wheels taped and ready for powder coating.
One of the motorcycle wheels above finished, and ready to go.

An important distinction between the powder coating method and the traditional solvent-based paint is the time of the cure. Often solvent-based paint requires one to two days to air cure; the powders are cured when removed from the oven.

A job being coated and placed in the oven for cure.

A second important distinction between these two systems is the environmental impact of the process. Traditional solvent borne paint systems release volatile organic compounds into the environment, this has a negative impact on air quality. When you choose a powder coating for your work virtually no VOCS are emitted, and very little waste is generated. The excess powder can be recovered and reused.


Whether you need a high gloss finish for your lawn furniture that can withstand prolonged sun and weather, or you need a finish that can withstand the rigors of plowing the salty snow of the Iowa winter powder coatings can handle the job. Please take a few minutes to look at the pictures on this page and visit the picture gallery of jobs that Rainbow Paint and Blasting has performed. See our custom work page for some excellent examples of the decorative finish available with powder coat paints. We would love to hear from you, give us a call or email us and let us solve your coating problems.

Parts being coated and the finished product on our automated powder coating line

Rainbow Home PagePowdercoat Color ChartCustom Work - Pig Smoker