Powder-coating wheels not only enhance durability but also the appearance of your vehicle. Instead of purchasing a new set of wheels, powder coating offers a cheaper alternative that restores the wheel to its original pristine condition.
Nowhere has powder coating been more extensively adopted than in the automotive industry. While powder coating can also be applied to non-metals that are able to withstand high temperatures, powder-coating wheels have become the norm globally.
At Rusty Lions, we can powder coat motorcycles as well as car wheels. In this blog, we'll discuss what powder coating is, its advantages and disadvantages in painting wheels, and its cost.
What is Powder Coating?
Powder coating is a dry metal finishing process where fine powder particles are applied electrostatically to a surface. When powder is applied, it thickens and hardens, ultimately providing a tougher protective layer than conventional wet paint. Due to opposite charges, the powder adheres strongly to the surface. This is why it is predominantly used in the automotive industry due to its rugged capability of withstanding everyday rigors.
Wheels rotate at high speeds and must withstand extreme heat and environmental factors. Powder coating adds durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term performance to wheels.
Why is Powder Coating Used in the Automotive Industry?
Powder coating is widely used in the automotive industry. Be it small passenger cars or off-road racing vehicles, powder coating protects wheels from stone, sand, heat, mud, and other outdoor elements. Moreover, it can achieve any color imaginable and numerous finishes, making it popular with automotive businesses. From various matte options to glossy levels, powder coating can create the desired finish with robust protective and aesthetic features.
Let's break down the reason behind powder coating’s popularity among car owners. The first reason is the protection it offers against corrosion, scratches, chips, chemicals, and all the other stuff we encounter on the road. But the second biggest reason is the wide array of customization it provides.
Powder coating is available in dizzying choices of colors and finishes. Thus, it is popular among automotive manufacturers as well as aftermarket automotive brands.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Powder Coating
Just like two sides to a coin, powder coating has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a look at both:
Advantages:
- Durability
When the dry powder is cured at high temperatures, it forms a strong bond on the wheel’s surface, preventing scratches, corrosion, and other imperfections from taking hold.
- Long-lasting
Powder coating offers a thicker and denser finish than conventional wet paint. This results in a stronger and longer-lasting finish.
- Cheaper
Whereas the price of powder coating can greatly vary, depending on the size of the wheel and materials used, the average cost of powder coating standard car wheels is about $50 - $60 each. Definitely not bad, considering the lifespan of these coatings and their aesthetic allure compared to liquid paint.
- Easy Application
Unlike wet paint, powder coating typically requires a single coat for a uniform finish across the surface. This makes the entire process simpler and less time-consuming than solvent-based paint.
- Environmentally-friendly
Wet paint releases harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the environment. But powder coating is completely a dry finishing method with minimal environmental footprint. Plus there is no overspray or fumes during the application process, and powder coating also leaves no waste, meaning no rigorous cleanups are required. The nozzle of the air gun is all that has to be cleaned between jobs.
Disadvantages:
- No Standard Quality
Unfortunately, over the years, the powder coating market has saturated, and the number of applicators is only increasing. However, many operators offer subpar services due to inferior products, inexperience, or poor procedures. It's best to do your research and choose a powder coating company that has the ability to provide high-quality finishes.
- Lack of Coating Thinness
Powder coating can only be applied as a thick coating. While the spray nozzle can be adjusted, it cannot be used to create fine coatings, which impairs its use in multiple applications.
- High Material Cost
While powder coating wheels at a $50-$60 per item is inexpensive to most, prestigious manufacturers often face high costs per project due to their greater volume. Moreover, a DIY may not be possible due to the complex spray materials and oven required.
Cost of Powder Coating Wheels & Factors Affecting it
Powder-coating standard car wheels can cost anything between $50-$60 per wheel, though it may go north of $150 for specialty wheels. This price discrepancy is contingent upon many factors, including:
- Wheel Condition
The condition of the wheel will determine the ease of adhesion of powder coating. New wheels require less work, whereas older wheels with scratches, scuffs, or other forms of damage make it difficult for powder coating to adhere properly. This is why pretreatment is required to remove contaminants from the wheel and return it to its original raw condition before a powder coating job. The pretreatment varies from one job to another and adds to the overall cost of the project.
- Paint Type
The color of the paint you choose also affects pricing. Specialty colors and textures are more expensive than standard colors. Moreover, some finishes like matte and gloss are also pricier than ordinary ones.
- Surface Area
The surface area of the wheel will determine how much powder is to be used during the application process. The larger the surface area, the more powder is required for coverage.
Rusty Lions: Where Quality Meets Affordability
Powder coating is an excellent option to make your wheels pop and give them a new lease of life. At Rusty Lions, we are the top choice for powder coating in New Jersey. We specialize in advanced powder coating finishes for wheels, carburetors, ATV frames, and various automotive parts.
Rest assured of a high-quality finish with a quick turnaround every time. Whatever color, texture, or finish you need - trust Rusty Lions to revamp the form and function of your wheels.
