How to Start Powder Coating
Powder coating provides a very tough, abrasion-resistant paint-like finish to metal parts that will undergo hard use. Because the start-up costs are relatively small compared to many other businesses, it offers an opportunity for would-be entrepreneurs to launch their own business. For those who want to keep the security of a regular job while testing the waters of owning their own business, you can start a small powder coating job in a large shed or garage.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Make a market survey of who your likely customers will be. Possible customers include auto shops, car and motorcycle customizing houses, and small metal shops. Find out where they get their powder coating done now or whether they do it themselves. As you make this survey, you will also find out who your competition is. This will give you a lot of information on how big the market is in your area and tip you off to what types of parts you are likely to specialize in at the beginning.
-
2
Determine what size you want to start out with based on your market survey and the initial commitment of time you will invest in the powder coating business. You can start with an operation that fits in your garage or rent a commercial building. Whatever size you begin with, leave some room for your first expansion. It can seem a blessing to quickly have more business than you can handle, but you can forfeit some potential long-term accounts -- and credibility -- if you are not prepared to handle early success.
-
-
3
Check with local governmental authorities to determine what permits you will need to open shop. If you plan to run a garage operation and local zoning does not allow for it, you have to adapt your plan. Do this before you buy any equipment, because where you can locate the business and what training and licensing you must undergo will determine the nature of your initial shop. When you have done this, find a suitable location for your shop. Make sure it has adequate ventilation in a segregated area for application of the powder coating. The local building commissioner or permitting department will be able to help you choose spots ahead of time that will meet the requirements.
-
4
Purchase the tools, equipment and supplies you need to operate your powder coating shop. At a minimum you will need a vat for cleaning and de-greasing the parts you will coat, specialized spray guns for application and a curing oven to bake the coating to finish. You will also need the solvents and powder. Choose your powder colors carefully because you cannot mix powders like you can paint; you must always have the exact colors and shades you need.
-
5
Market yourself. Let people know you are in business. Seek out business from people and businesses you talked to and met with during your initial market survey. Seek referrals from every customer you do a job for. Do quality work, make sure you get finished pieces to your customers when you have promised them and ask for referrals and your powder coating business will grow as large as you want it to be.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Join local organizations, such as the chamber of commerce, to help get the word out that you are in business and intend to be an active part of the business community. Networking is a key to building a local shop. But do not overdo it. Always remember that the most important key to your success is to do quality, timely work.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
