Powder coating is one of the most versatile and durable finishes available for metal surfaces — but what exactly can be powder coated? At Powder Coating Services (PCS), we work with a wide range of materials and products across commercial, automotive, and custom industries. In this guide, we explore the many possibilities of powder coating and how you can take advantage of it for your next project.
What Materials Can and Cannot Be Powder Coated?
Powder coating is best suited to electrically conductive materials — most commonly metals such as aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. These materials effectively attract the electrostatically charged powder during application, ensuring proper adhesion and finish.
Non-conductive surfaces like wood, plastic, rubber, and glass generally cannot be powder coated, unless they undergo specialised pre-treatment or hybrid coating techniques — which aren’t standard in most industrial applications. At PCS, we focus on coating metal substrates to ensure durability, adhesion, and optimal curing performance.
Common Items That Can Be Powder Coated
1. Structural and Architectural Metalwork
From balustrades and fencing to window joinery and structural steel, powder coating offers a long-lasting, UV-stable finish ideal for outdoor or exposed applications. We regularly work with:
- Balustrades and staircases
- Aluminium joinery
- Fencing and gates
- Architectural panels and screens
2. Automotive and Motorsport Components
Whether it’s giving new life to alloy wheels or protecting a chassis, powder coating provides an even, chip-resistant finish.
- Car and motorcycle wheels
- Frames and suspension parts
- Bike and e-bike frames
- Bull bars and nudge bars
3. Residential and Lifestyle Products
Powder coating is perfect for outdoor furniture, garden art, and other home décor — especially when aesthetics meet harsh NZ conditions.
- Outdoor furniture & pergolas
- BBQ frames and metal benches
- Planters, mailbox posts, and brackets
- Custom artwork or signage
4. Industrial and Engineering Components
PCS also works with engineers and fabricators across New Zealand to provide protective coatings for high-use industrial items.
- Machine parts and enclosures
- Racking systems and shelving
- Metal housings and cabinets
- Custom fabricated parts
PCS Services & Applications
Our work spans four key application areas: industrial (machinery, equipment, structural components), automotive (wheels, chassis, engine parts, trim), architectural (railings, gates, window frames, fixtures), and electronics (enclosures, heat sinks, brackets).
Why Powder Coating Is Ideal for So Many Applications
- Superior durability
- Wide colour selection (including Dulux Powder Coatings)
- Weather, UV, and corrosion resistance
- Eco-friendly, with no solvents or VOCs
Powder Coating vs Traditional Paint
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Compared to liquid paint, powder coating comes out ahead on nearly every measure: excellent durability versus good, low VOCs versus high VOCs, fully recyclable material versus non-recyclable waste, a uniform finish versus a more variable one, and better cost efficiency over the long term versus paint’s short-term savings.
The PCS Process — Built for Consistency
The rigorous, quality-assured process we follow at PCS keeps every powder coating job to a high standard, regardless of the metal involved. The process is built around properly pre-treating the metal before coating, followed by a thorough QA check.
- Pre-treatment & cleaning
- Surface preparation
- Electrostatic application
- Curing in oven
- Quality control & finishing
At PCS, we’re proud to be Dulux AlumiShield® and SteelShield® Accredited, ensuring your coating not only looks great but meets industry standards.
Key takeaway: Powder coating works best on metals that can withstand high temperatures (160–220°C). The electrostatic process requires conductive materials for proper adhesion and curing.
Let PCS Bring Your Vision to Life
With over 30 years of experience in New Zealand, PCS offers expert-level powder coating tailored to each application. Whether you’re restoring wheels or finishing a commercial fit-out, we have the expertise, technology, and certifications to deliver.
Request a quote now, or see our colour range.
