3 Steps to Selecting a Powder Coat Color
At Applied Powdercoat, we see common issues regarding color requests for powder coat services.
A customer might come to a shop like Applied Powdercoat with a color swatch from a home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. However, those swatches represent liquid colors, which aren’t the same as powder colors. We may be able to get close to matching the swatch, but the color won’t be identical on powder coated sheet metal.
In other cases, customers will tell us they want a primary color like white. This preference may seem like an easy request to fill, but like any other color, there are many shades of white. You can choose from cream, eggshell, ivory, vanilla…the list goes on. To ensure you get the correct shade, we’ll show you several samples to understand your vision of white better.
Sometimes, a customer may ask for a particular color, but the powder type doesn’t fit the application. For example, if you want a specific shade of blue for your patio furniture, but the color happens to be an epoxy powder, you’ll need to reconsider your options. Why? Because epoxy doesn’t have the proper UV properties to withstand sunlight over time.
So, how can you choose the right powder coat color for your project? Keep reading to find out.
How to Choose a Powder Coat Color
Here are three simple steps to follow when selecting a powder coat color:
1. Consider the part’s application
Selecting the right color for powder coat services begins with considering the part’s application. This distinction helps us narrow your choices to those that will work for your project. For example, if your part or item will be outdoors, we can use polyester or urethane colors. If your part or item will be indoors, you have more options because most powder types do well in interior settings.
2. Find your ideal shade
The second step is finding your ideal shade. Some customers bring drawings that dictate the required powder coat manufacturer and color code. Because we work with several suppliers—such as Cardinal, Axalta, and TIGER—we can abide by those instructions and give you precisely what you need.
3. Determine the desired sheen and texture
Lastly, you must consider the sheen and texture of your powder coat color. Let’s say you want an indoor item to have a high gloss and a smooth finish. If your item has imperfections, your chosen sheen and texture will spotlight them. Toning down the sheen and changing to a sand or wrinkled texture will hide the flaws better.
Stock Selection vs. Special Orders
Applied Powdercoat can help you with powder coat color selection. One of our first steps—besides asking about the application—is exploring our inventory of colors. By showing you what’s in stock, we can save you money. Special orders come with significant upcharges.
Keep in mind what you’re willing to pay throughout the process. If your heart is set on a specific shade of green that isn’t readily available, the cost may climb higher than you were expecting. However, we could find a similar color already in stock that works for you and fits your budget.
Our team has the knowledge and experience to point you in the right direction regarding powder coat color selection. Contact us online, call (805) 981-1991, or stop by the shop to discuss your project and our powder coat services.