How much does powder coating cost in the UK?

There is no single rate — industrial powder coating is quoted per part or per batch based on surface area, preparation required, powder specification and volume. Small one-off items are usually priced at a minimum batch charge, while regular production is quoted per piece.

Is powder coating cheaper than wet spray painting?

For most volume production, yes. Powder has almost no solvent waste, overspray can be reclaimed and the process is faster per part. Wet spray becomes more economical for very large one-off items, heat-sensitive substrates or specialist finishes powder cannot achieve.

Why do I need shot blasting as well, and what does it add?

Coating adhesion depends entirely on preparation. Blasting to SA 2.5 removes mill scale and rust and creates a mechanical key. It adds to the cost but is what stops a coating failing early — on structural or outdoor steelwork we consider it essential.

Do you have a minimum order value?

We apply a minimum batch charge because every job requires line set-up, jigging and a colour run regardless of how many parts are on it. Combining items into one batch is the simplest way to reduce your cost per part.

How can I reduce my powder coating costs?

Batch parts in the same colour, supply components clean and free of oil, keep masking requirements to a minimum, standardise on common RAL shades and give us a forecast so we can schedule your work into an existing run.

How do I get an accurate quote?

Send drawings or photographs, quantities, the finish or specification required and your target lead time through our RFQ form. You can attach files directly, and we normally come back with a price within one working day.

Buyer's guide

What does powder coating cost?

Industrial powder coating is quoted job by job rather than from a price list. Here is exactly what a finisher looks at when pricing your work — and what you can change to bring the cost down.

Why there is no fixed price per part

Two brackets of identical weight can differ in price several times over. One might arrive clean, in a batch of 500, in standard RAL 9005 with no masking. The other might be a single rusted weldment in a bespoke metallic with four threaded holes to protect. The powder is the cheap part — preparation, handling and line time are what you are really buying.

Understanding those drivers lets you specify work in a way that is cheaper to produce without compromising the finish.

The eight things that drive your price

Size and surface area

Pricing is driven by the area to be coated and how much line space a part occupies, not just its weight. Long or bulky items take up more hanging space per pass.

Condition of the substrate

Rusted, mill-scaled or previously painted steel needs shot blasting or chemical stripping first. Clean, new fabrications cost less to prepare.

Pre-treatment required

A zinc phosphate or zirconium pre-treatment adds cost but is essential where corrosion performance is specified.

Powder specification

Standard polyester powders are the most economical. Architectural-grade, anti-graffiti, metallic and low-bake powders cost more per kilo.

Colour and batch size

Running a single part in a bespoke RAL means a colour change on the line. Batching parts in the same colour reduces the cost per item significantly.

Volume and repeatability

Regular scheduled production is cheaper per part than ad-hoc work because jigging, masking and line settings are already proven.

Masking and assembly

Threads, bearing faces and machined surfaces that must stay clear all add manual labour before and after coating.

Turnaround

Standard lead times are the most cost-effective. Same-week or overnight priority work carries a premium.

Five ways to reduce cost per part

Batch components in the same colour so we avoid a line colour change.
Standardise on common RAL shades already held in stock.
Supply parts free of oil, grease and heavy corrosion where possible.
Design out masking — blind or plugged threads are quicker than taped faces.
Share a forecast so your work can be scheduled into an existing production run.

Frequently asked questions

How much does powder coating cost in the UK?: There is no single rate — industrial powder coating is quoted per part or per batch based on surface area, preparation required, powder specification and volume. Small one-off items are usually priced at a minimum batch charge, while regular production is quoted per piece.
Is powder coating cheaper than wet spray painting?: For most volume production, yes. Powder has almost no solvent waste, overspray can be reclaimed and the process is faster per part. Wet spray becomes more economical for very large one-off items, heat-sensitive substrates or specialist finishes powder cannot achieve.
Why do I need shot blasting as well, and what does it add?: Coating adhesion depends entirely on preparation. Blasting to SA 2.5 removes mill scale and rust and creates a mechanical key. It adds to the cost but is what stops a coating failing early — on structural or outdoor steelwork we consider it essential.
Do you have a minimum order value?: We apply a minimum batch charge because every job requires line set-up, jigging and a colour run regardless of how many parts are on it. Combining items into one batch is the simplest way to reduce your cost per part.
How can I reduce my powder coating costs?: Batch parts in the same colour, supply components clean and free of oil, keep masking requirements to a minimum, standardise on common RAL shades and give us a forecast so we can schedule your work into an existing run.
How do I get an accurate quote?: Send drawings or photographs, quantities, the finish or specification required and your target lead time through our RFQ form. You can attach files directly, and we normally come back with a price within one working day.

Get a firm price on your parts

Send drawings, photos and quantities through our RFQ form — you can attach files directly and we usually respond within one working day.

Request a quotation See our powder coating capability