8 Steps To Become a Powder Coating Business

How to Start a Powder Coating Business

Statistics show that the global demand for powder coatings rose to an estimated value of $5.8 billion in 2010 alone, and it is still growing consistently on an annual basis. Powder coating is a big market that has yet to be fully explored.

For instance, the Automotive, IT, and Telecommunication industries, plus furniture and appliance markets, are such that they would always need powder coating. No wonder those offering the powder coating business find it challenging to fully handle all the demands.

So, what really is the difference between powder coatings and conventional painting? Powder coating simply means covering an object with a polyester or epoxy powder and then applying heat to fuse it into a protective layer, making the object highly durable and rust-free. There are two types of powder coatings:

Thermoset Thermoplastic

If you want to join the few people enjoying the huge returns on investments in the Powder Coating Industry, follow the simple steps below to start your own Powder Coating Business.

Starting a Powder Coating Company – Sample Business Plan Template

1. Carry out adequate research

If you are a rookie when it comes to powder coating, the first rule of thumb is to read up on everything you can find on the subject. The internet is full of information on different subjects.

You could also get a Powder Coater’s Handbook, which would help get you started on the right footings. Do not forget that you can make a difference with loads of information and a powder-coating business plan.

2. Register a Company

Starting a legal business will require you to register and certify it. Registering businesses globally is more convenient these days because most governments now encourage entrepreneurs at all levels. So get all the documentation needed to start your own Powder Coating Business. Be sure to get a business name that can easily depict what your business is all about.

3. Obtain a License

Powder Coating Business is one of those businesses that require licensing before you can start operating it. The reason is because of the risks involved. Since it involves dealing with hazardous chemicals daily, a regulatory body is required to oversee the activities of this kind of business.

In developing countries, no license is needed to start this kind of business, mainly when it is being operated on a small scale, mainly for servicing the automotive and furniture market.

4. Get a Facility

You must consider some factors when choosing a location for your business. Since powder coating is hazardous due to the chemicals involved, the facility used must meet specific standards.

It must be located in an industrial area, not a residential part of the town. This is done to protect people from inhaling very harmful chemicals. The facility must also meet all health, fire, and safety standards of the state or country you are operating in.

Some people who want to start on a small scale still choose to start from their garage and grow into getting a facility in an industrial area. If you choose to start out from your garage, be sure it is safe, and you are not breaking the law in your state or country.

5. Proximity to a Mechanics workshop

Another point to note here is that you might need to get a facility that is close to a mechanic's workshop. This is because, for now, the automotive industry is still the largest market for powder coating services. Hence, your clients revolve around those who come to the mechanic’s workshop to have their cars serviced for one reason or another.

6. Equip Your Facility

You would need a powder-coating spray booth with adequate ventilation, exhaust ducts, spray guns, a curing oven, work benches and vices, IR Curing Lamps, a Performance Deflector, a Tub, and an area big enough to dry the coated objects.

Also, powder coating pigments and materials needed to blend them, Dust mask, goggles, disposable hand gloves, Pressure Blaster, Blast Cabinet, Silicone Caps and Plugs, Hanging Wire, Wire Wheel, High-Temperature Lab Metal, Pocket Infrared Thermometer, Shop Vacuum, Glass Beads, High-Temperature Masking Tapes, air-blown gun, et al. You can readily get all of the equipment from the market or order it online.

7. Develop your Marketing Blue Print

Starting a business, no matter how huge the potential for profit is, means you must market your product to enjoy the profits. Creating a workable marketing blueprint will help you grow your business.

As long as people use cars, bicycles, IT, and telecom components, powder coatings will always be needed. It is just a matter of positioning your company, so that your service will always be used. For a start, you can approach mechanic workshops to inform them of what you do so they can refer clients to you. If you have fun, you can advertise on electronic and print media.

8. Hire Good Hands

Getting started with the powder coating business means you must be ready to hire competent people to help carry out the day-to-day activities. This also depends on the scale at which you want to set out. If you start out small, you should hire one person or two.

If it is on a big scale, then you might want to hire more hands to get the job done. Take note that on whatever scale you opt to start on, you cannot start out alone. You will always need experienced people.

With all the information provided in this read, you would agree that entering such a business requires that you adhere strictly to the steps given. Not conforming to these tips might result in you starting on the very wrong footing.