Powder coating offers a lasting facelift to your metal products while also offering much-needed protection against corrosion and other environmental hazards. As with any other service, choosing the right contractor to work with is key to getting high-quality results. Here are some questions to ask before hiring a professional for the task.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Powder Coating Contractor

Can I see samples of your work?

Industry experience and the quality of the company's past work are excellent indicators of reliable work. The contractor should have examples of past work readily available so you know what to expect. For example, if you wish to coat a metal fence, the contractor could provide physical photos or refer you to a customer who had similar work done. They may even have pictures of similar jobs on their website or social media pages.

Can you provide a quote?

Getting a quote can help set a budget for this service. For example, when powder coating a fence, the contractor should provide an estimate based on the description and measurements of your existing fence. For other jobs, such as powder coating metal patio furniture, you may be able to either show a picture of the set or ask the contractor to view it at your home for a more accurate quote. 

How long will my project take?

As part of getting a pricing estimate, the contractor should also provide an estimate for how long it will take to complete the work. Variables inherent to powder coating–as well as the nature of your part–typically mean that most projects will be completed in one to two weeks. 

For example, metal fences are powder coated in sections. The existing fence is sandblasted to remove imperfections, after which the powder coat is applied and the treated section is cured in a specialty oven. Because the work is done in sections, this typically takes closer to two weeks.

Do you provide a warranty?

While you need to properly clean and maintain your equipment to extend the lifespan of the coating, it’s always good to know you can trust the workmanship of the contractor. Warrantied service will give you peace of mind and help avoid extra costs if materials or workmanship issues arise later on.

For all your powder coating needs, trust Gateway Powder Coating in O’Fallon, MO. Serving the Greater Saint Louis, MO, area, their team can provide metal powder coating for just about any part. They have a state-of-the-art curing oven that their highly experienced workers meticulously maintain for best results. Browse their gallery online or call (636) 486-2428 to schedule an appointment.