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Many people think that metal finishing is only for factories, but that's not true. In fact, homeowners and car lovers are the main people who buy things in the market right now. The first step in restoring a classic car or fixing up old garden furniture is to find out how much it will powder coating cost.
We at Rusty Lions work with a wide variety of things. To help you plan your next renovation, we break down the costs of our most popular services below.
Prices for wheels, frames, and parts in the auto industry
People who love cars know that powder coating is better than regular paint at keeping brake dust, road salt, and stone chips off of cars.
• Wheels and Rims: This is the most common request. The average cost of a standard car wheel is between $50 and $60. Motorcycle wheels, on the other hand, are often harder to mask and handle, which raises the price to about $150. Prices can start as low as $30 if you only want to coat the rim.
• Chassis and Frames: Restoring a full frame is a big job. The cost of powder coating a car frame starts at $700 because it takes a big oven and a lot of sandblasting to get rid of decades of road grime. Smaller ATV frames cost less, usually around $250.
• Under the Hood: You can give your engine bay a unique look for a lot less money than a full paint job. Battery boxes, radiator fans, and valve covers are cheap upgrades that usually cost between $10 and $50.
Costs for homes and buildings
Don't throw away metal furniture that is in good shape just because the paint is coming off. Buying new, high-quality replacements is often more expensive than powder coating.
• Furniture for the patio: The finish on wrought iron furniture doesn't last, but the furniture itself does. Restoring an armchair usually costs at least $150, and restoring a full metal bed frame can cost anywhere from $200 to $400. This investment basically gives you a "brand new" piece of furniture that can stand up to the weather.
• Fences and Railings: When it comes to architectural elements, prices are usually based on size. Most of the time, fences and gates cost between $8 and $10 per square foot. The price of handrails is based on how many linear feet they are, with prices starting at about $15 per foot. This pricing model is good for big home projects because it makes costs easier to predict.
The Secret Cost of DIY
A lot of the time, customers try to save money on powder coating by buying DIY guns and using a toaster oven. We strongly advise against doing this. It costs a lot to get the right equipment to make a proper electrostatic charge and the stable heat needed for curing (400°F for long periods of time).
When you add up the cost of the gun, compressor, powder, and safety gear, a DIY setup can easily cost more than $700. That is a lot more than what it would cost to have professionals like Rusty Lions work on your rims or patio set, and there is no guarantee of quality.
Get a Quote Just for You Today
No two projects are the same. These numbers are a good starting point, but the final price will change based on things like custom colors (candies, metallics) or a lot of restoration work.