Powder Coating
Precision Powder Coating for Superior Durability
At Leading Edge Manufacturing, we provide high-performance powder coating solutions designed to enhance both the durability and appearance of your metal products. Our process delivers a smooth, long-lasting finish that resists chipping, scratching, and corrosion—making it ideal for industrial, commercial, and custom applications.
What sets us apart? Quality control, customization, and precision. We ensure every piece we coat meets strict adhesion and finish standards for a flawless result. While we offer a variety of stock colors, we can also have custom colors made to your specifications. Federal standard color matching is available to meet industry requirements. For projects requiring two-tone finishes, we can apply multiple colors with precision, creating a distinct, high-quality look.
Unlike conventional painting, our powder coating process is environmentally responsible—eliminating the need for solvents while minimizing waste and emissions. Whether you’re looking for enhanced protection, a signature aesthetic, or a custom finish for your fabricated metal products, we deliver unmatched quality and expertise.
Have a project in mind? Let’s discuss how we can provide the perfect finish for your application.
- Stock & Custom Color Matching
- Precision Two-Tone Finishing
- Superior Durability & Corrosion Resistance
- Clean, Eco-Friendly Process
- Strict Quality Control for Every Part
Our Powder Coating Process
At Leading Edge Manufacturing, we follow a meticulous, multi-step process to ensure every powder-coated product meets the highest standards of durability, adhesion, and finish quality. From surface preparation to final curing, each stage is carefully executed to deliver a long-lasting, corrosion-resistant coating tailored to your needs.
Pre-Treatment
Before powder coating, every product undergoes a pre-treatment process to ensure proper adhesion and a durable finish. At Leading Edge Manufacturing, we use one of two methods based on project requirements:
Zirconium Wash – A versatile, eco-friendly alternative to iron phosphate that cleans metal surfaces for superior powder adhesion while reducing sludge buildup.
Abrasive Blasting – Uses high-pressure media blasting to remove contaminants, rust, or old coatings, with adjustable pressure for precise surface preparation.
Priming
For applications requiring extra durability and corrosion resistance, we utilize a dual-layer powder coating system. This begins with a zinc primer base coat, which enhances adhesion and provides a protective barrier against rust and environmental wear. Once cured, a topcoat is applied to achieve the desired color, texture, and finish while further reinforcing durability. This method is ideal for components exposed to harsh conditions, high moisture, or extreme temperatures, ensuring a long-lasting, high-performance coating.
Coating
For applications requiring extra durability and corrosion resistance, we utilize a dual-layer powder coating system. This begins with a zinc primer base coat, which enhances adhesion and provides a protective barrier against rust and environmental wear. Once cured, a topcoat is applied to achieve the desired color, texture, and finish while further reinforcing durability. This method is ideal for components exposed to harsh conditions, high moisture, or extreme temperatures, ensuring a long-lasting, high-performance coating.
Curing
Once coated, the part is placed in a curing oven, where controlled heat triggers a chemical reaction that cross-links the powder into a durable, protective film. The powder first melts and flows into a smooth, even layer before reaching its full cure, ensuring maximum adhesion, hardness, and resistance to wear, impact, and corrosion. Proper curing is essential for achieving a long-lasting, high-performance finish that stands up to harsh environments.
FAQs About Powder Coating
Powder coating is highly durable and can last 10-20 years, depending on environmental exposure, material type, and application method. Outdoor coatings may experience some fading over time due to UV exposure, but UV-resistant formulations help extend longevity.
Powder coating works best on conductive metals, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron. Some materials may require special pre-treatment to enhance adhesion and performance.
Yes, but the existing coating must be removed via abrasive blasting or chemical stripping to ensure proper adhesion. Powder coating adheres best to clean, bare metal surfaces.
Powder coating thickness varies based on application and purpose but typically falls between 2-10 mils (0.002-0.010 inches). Specialty coatings, such as corrosion-resistant or high-wear finishes, may be applied thicker.
We offer a variety of stock colors and can create custom colors to your specifications, including federal standard color matching. Finishes include gloss, matte, satin, textured, and metallic options.
Standard powder coatings withstand temperatures up to 300-400°F, but high-temperature formulations can endure 1,000°F or more for applications like exhaust systems. Chemical-resistant coatings are available for industrial and marine applications.
While powder coating is extremely durable, deep scratches or chips cannot be easily touched up like liquid paint. Minor damage may be addressed with a localized re-coat, but significant wear typically requires complete re-coating.
Yes, powder coating adds a thin but measurable layer to surfaces. If tight tolerances are required, we can account for the coating thickness during the process.
Yes. Unlike traditional liquid paint, powder coating contains no solvents or harmful VOCs, making it a safer, low-waste alternative. The process also produces minimal hazardous byproducts, making it an eco-conscious finishing choice.
Powder coating offers superior durability, corrosion resistance, and environmental benefits over liquid paint. It doesn’t require solvents, produces minimal waste, and results in a stronger, longer-lasting finish.