Did you know careers in powder coating are expected to grow by 6 % and provide more than 22,000 jobs from 

2018 to 2028? Well, powder coating is quite a lucrative career, with painters getting an average of $17 an hour 

and $34,919 per year. However, the profession is quite demanding when it comes to skills. 

The career requires a particular type of training to apply powder coating. But how much does it cost to start a 

powder coating business? 

This article will cover what is required to start a powder coating business, how much powder coating machines 

cost, and factors to consider before getting into powder coating. We will also be considering the equipment 

used for frequent and industrial use. 

Let’s delve in!

Cost #1- Powder Coating Booth

First on the list is the powder coating booth. There are two forms of powder coating booths. 

You can either choose to go with a recovery or non-recovery booth. Non-recovery options are the most economical and cost around $9,000- depending on the size.  

Cost #2- Powder Coating Oven

Powder coating oven is used for curing and is perhaps the most expensive part of a powder coating machine. There are two types of powder-coating ovens: convection or infrared ovens. A standardized-size powder coating oven costs around $30,000. Even so, the price varies based on several factors, such as brand. 

Cost #3- Sandblast Equipment

Surface preparation equipment is less expensive as compared to other parts. The number of tools you will need for surface preparation will also depend on whether the surface requires pretreatment and if it requires you to remove the existing paint.  

A Sandblast cabinet or sandblast pot is the most required tool if you plan to remove the existing coat. It will cost you at least $4,000 or more for a new one. You might also incur additional expenses if you need a sandblast room. 

Cost #4: Powder Coating Equipment

Technically, powder coating equipment entails a powder coating system and gun. All you need to do is ensure you purchase a powder coating unit that includes everything you need to apply your paint. A quality unit costs around $4,500. 

However, before you purchase a new unit, you should ensure it can efficiently handle corners and recoat a previously coated material.   

Cost #5: Pretreatment or Metal Washing

Although not all powder coating applications require pretreatment, it is imperative to ensure you are prepared with the right pretreatment equipment. Some of the equipment you will need to include are dip tanks and metal washing chemicals such as iron phosphate.

Note that metal washing fortifies a metal’s resistance to rust and makes its surface easy to apply a new coat. 

Cost #6: Powder, Licenses, and Operational Costs

Equipment is always the first thing you look at when evaluating the cost of starting a powder coating business. 

However, what many people miss are the additional costs and potential fees. First, you will require licenses 

before you can be allowed to run a powder coating business. 

Secondly, you will need powder to use with your powder coating machines and a significant amount of money to run the business. 

Cost #7: Compressed Air

Lastly and the second most expensive equipment is compressed air. Quality compressed air costs $25,000 or more, depending on the manufacturer. The equipment is used to mix the powder used in your powder coating unit. 

Before purchasing a new compressed air unit, ensure it can deliver sufficient powder work or CFM of sandblasting air.  

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that powder coating is one of the best types of paint application that guarantees quality and long-lasting results.

However, finding a powder coating machine can be daunting, especially if you don’t know the price. This guide will help you get an overview of the cost you should expect to purchase a powder coating machine. 

At Ramseier Koatings, we have a wide range of powder coating machines for different applications. Contact us for the best coating systems in the market, and let us ensure you enjoy quality results.